Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Re-evaluating the draft two months removed
By Rob Leeds
Second day of the draft, two rounds, three picks
Sean Murphy-Bunting was the first of two second round picks and he, like Devin White, has aged very well as a pick. After a contentious start for nickel back Vernon Hargreaves, Murphy appears to be in the driver seat for the starting corner back. As no one else has been brought in and Carlton Davis’ fall from grace has continued, look for Murphy-Bunting to be the CB1 in Todd Bowles’ defense this season.
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Third round pick for the Buccaneers, one of two, Jamel Dean certainly raised some eyebrows when his name was called. The Bucs already had a capable young core in their secondary and people believed this pick could be better used on a pass rusher or a defensive lineman. While the latter remains true, Dean fits Bowles’ scheme so well that he too may be a starter this year.
Dean’s athleticism and ability to play press coverage gives him a leg up on Carlton Davis in the race to be a starter. While Davis will be serviceable, Dean’s value as a pick has increased due to his ability to be the CB2 in year-one.
Safety Mike Edwards comes in as the fourth pick and the second pick of the third round for the Bucs. He currently sits as one of the new rookies who will be fighting for a starting role.
Justin Evans seems in place to retain his starting spot while newcomer Kentrell Brice and former corner M.J. Stewart seem to be vying for that second safety spot. Edwards has made a great impression so far and if not a starter he will still see reps on the field and make a contribution to a defense that desperately needs it.