Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rookie pass rushers stand out at mini-camp
By Cory Kinnan
![IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 23: Running back Devine Ozigbo #22 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs up the field in the second half against defensive end Anthony Nelson #98 of the Iowa Hawkeyes, on November 23, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 23: Running back Devine Ozigbo #22 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs up the field in the second half against defensive end Anthony Nelson #98 of the Iowa Hawkeyes, on November 23, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f0bebd35f954089d3d57728e872612447c1d9cd93d98a217d0f260dfd02b7df0.jpg)
Day-three defensive players ready to shine
In terms of Nelson, Vitali stated:
"“In addition to his intelligence, Nelson’s athleticism really can’t be overlooked either. He moves more fluidly than expected and in a position that requires just a little more athleticism than he’s used to, that’s good news. His combination of smarts and agility could make him a great asset on the outside of this defensive line” (Vitali via Buccaneers)."
Nelson is huge, standing at a tall 6-7 and 271 pounds. At the combine he ran a 4.82 second 40 yard dash, a 35.5 inch vertical jump, and a sub-seven second three-cone drill.
With pick 107 in the 2019 NFL Draft, the #Buccaneers select Anthony Nelson, DE, Buccaneers.
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 27, 2019
Anthony Nelson posted a Elite #RAS with Great size, Good speed, Great explosiveness, Elite agility at the DE position. pic.twitter.com/TkKxVnRxbf
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Due to the lack of depth along the defensive line, Beckner looks safer and safer daily to make the final 53-man roster if he can stay healthy. Beckner is turning heads early on this summer.
"“[Beckner Jr.] plays with a lot of fire and his coaches have had great things to say about how hungry he is. Now that the playbook is starting to sink in, he got back to his inherent ball awareness and was even able to get his hand on a pass to break it up” (Vitali via Buccaneers)."
Athletically, Beckner Jr. is underwhelming, but his passion may help to compensate for that. At the combine, he tested very poor across the board, but has good size to compete at the next level.
With pick 215 in the 2019 NFL Draft, the #Buccaneers select Terry Beckner Jr, DT, Missouri.
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 27, 2019
Terry Beckner Jr posted a V.Poor #RAS with Good size, Poor speed, V.Poor explosiveness, Poor agility at the DT position. pic.twitter.com/RoCrMNmqTW
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The pads have yet to go on, but to see rookies stepping up early is encouraging after a rough offseason of change. Tons of young players are going to see the field in 2019, and they are hot out of the gate this summer.