Potential future Buccaneers playing in Florida-Georgia game
By Rob Leeds
Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Georgia
It may be hard to admit, but the Buccaneers could need to address pass-rusher in the upcoming draft. Shaquil Barrett is performing well in his current role, but his production has not matched the franchise tag that he was recently signed to.
On the other side, the Bucs have the talented but aging Jason Pierre-Paul, who is still performing at an excellent level, but finding a piece for the future would be the safest move. If Tampa Bay can’t come to an agreement with Barrett, they could need a young starter sooner than later.
One name that has started to gain traction as an early-round option is Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari. Ojulari has the size and athleticism to play outside linebacker in Todd Bowles‘ defense perfectly, and using a high draft pick on a position like this works well for Tampa Bay.
Even if Ojulari is only used in the third spot in 2021 as a backup to Barrett and JPP, the Buccaneer pass rush would take several large strides forward. Anthony Nelson is performing at a decent level, but Ojulari would up the ante in production and consistency.
Ojulari still has some proving to do, but his upside and a decent 2020 campaign could make him a prime draft target for the Buccaneers.