Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 EDGE targets still on the board

Zach Allen, Boston College

A potential option with the 70th pick in the draft for the Buccaneers is Boston College’s Zach Allen. With some of the nation’s most impressive production, Allen could provide Tampa Bay with a wide variety of usage on the defensive side of the ball as well.

Allen has been a force for ACC teams to have to deal with for the past three years for the Golden Eagles, and now looks to hear his name called on day-two of the draft. Over his three years as a starter, Allen totaled 40.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks from his defensive end spot.

At the combine, however, Allen tested as less athletic than desirable and as a result could see his draft stock take a hit. At 6’4 and 281 pounds, Allen ran just a 5 second flat 40 yard dash, and posted an average 3-cone drill with a time of 7.34 seconds. Additionally, he benched 24 reps, hit 32 inches on his vertical jump, and 9’4 on his broad jump.

Due to concerns about his speed, Allen could be able to slide inside and play as an interior defensive end in the Buccaneers’ new 3-4 scheme and play opposite Jason Pierre-Paul, the spot currently held by Gerald McCoy. Giving Tampa Bay the versatility to play inside and out, Allen could be a target for Bowles to toy around with on the defensive side of the ball.