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3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the most to prove in 2019

By Cory Kinnan

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes his way through the tunnel to warm up before the start of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on December 18, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes his way through the tunnel to warm up before the start of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on December 18, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images /

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.

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