Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Too early to tell 2019 NFL re-draft
By Cory Kinnan
Round 1, Pick 5: Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky
Original Pick: Devin White, LB, Louisiana State
Based on how the board fell after the Buccaneers took White with the fifth pick, the Buccaneers may have wanted to consider taking an edge rusher instead as the top-tier talent flew off the board after. Instead here, they take Josh Allen, edge rusher, Kentucky who originally went seventh overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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Allen, the winner of the SEC Defensive Player of the Year over White, is one of the most productive players in the entire draft with 17.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss over his senior year at Kentucky. Allen has the athleticism to go along with his production as well and would have made a great bookend to Shaq Barrett.
Ranking in the 83rd percentile or above in the 20 yard shuttle, bench press, and 40 yard dash. He ranked as the third overall prospect, compared to White’s 11th. Considering the lack of pass rush the Buccaneers have been able to produce, he would have made quite a splash onto the Tampa Bay defense.
Nothing against White as a player, again he is ranked 11th overall, but linebacker is at a less of a premium and easier to come by in the NFL. Tons of quality prospects came off the board at the linebacker position in the fourth and fifth round of the draft; the Buccaneers may have been better off waiting until then to snag one.