CB Vernon Hargreaves III
It would appear the Buccaneers view Vernon Hargreaves III as strictly a nickel cornerback after selecting both Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean on day-two of the draft two weeks ago. This is not an indication that his roster spot is in jeopardy, because the Buccaneers would not have picked up his fifth-year option if it were the case.
Arians has already expressed confidence in Hargreaves this offseason, and getting back into a man-to-man coverage scheme should benefit him tremendously. According to Pro Football Focus, the two spots where Hargreaves has excelled throughout his career are both in man and in the nickel; under new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Hargreaves may have the best set-up for success he has ever had.
The remaining question: can Hargreaves stay healthy? Through the first three years of his career, he has played only one full season, and missed all of the 2019 season after suffering a season-ending injury week one. If Hargreaves can stay on the field, he may be in store for a big 2019 campaign.
More good news for Hargreaves: nickel cornerbacks are starting to get paid like starting cornerbacks in the NFL, as former Seattle Seahawk Justin Coleman signed a four-year deal with the Lions for $8 million annually, and Los Angeles Rams nickel corner Nickell Robey-Coleman signed an extension prior to last season for over $5 million annually. Should Hargreaves put together two solid seasons to end his rookie contract, he could be looking at a healthy payday.