Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 Players under the most pressure in 2019
By Rob Leeds
CB Vernon Hargreaves
Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves is in a very similar position to Jameis Winston. Hargreaves was drafted with the intention of revitalizing the Buccaneer secondary but after three years with only one interception it seems that Hargreaves may not pan out to be worth the first round pick that was used to draft him.
In his defense Hargreaves was really only a starter for one full year and then only started 8 games over the other two remaining years. In addition to injury and a lack of experience Hargreaves has been a product of a broken defense. The Buccaneer secondary has been one of the worst in the league during Hargreaves’ tenure but this is also the result of the coaching staff and other members of the team.
In three years Hargreaves has been able to accomplish very little but things could be looking up in 2019. The defense is going to improve at all positions with a better secondary overall. In addition to this, Hargreaves will be playing most of his snaps at nickel and will be taking easier matchups. The issue with this is that while Hargreaves may play these matchups better he will likely not play up to his lofty price tag after his fifth year.
It could be very likely that the Bucs picked up Hargreaves’ 5th year option to have a nickel corner for cheap for two more years as they are beginning to be paid like starters. If this is the case it could be very likely that Hargreaves wont be on the team in 2021. If he begins to play well, which he should in a scheme that he is a better fit for under Todd Bowles, it could be possible that Hargreaves will be retained if the money situation can be agreed on.
2019 prediction: 1 interception, 7 passes defended
2020 prediction: 2 interceptions, 8 passes defended