Welcome to the start of this year’s edition where I’ll be profiling players who might be available or have been linked with the Bucs draft pick. This doesn’t mean that we will draft them, but will give fans a detailed view of a player linked with the Buccaneers.
First up is Arden Key; The 6″6′, 265lbs edge rusher from LSU declared for the draft on January 4th. Many consider Key to be the better athlete between him and Bradley Chubb, with a unique blend of size and speed. In 2016 Key set a record with 12 sacks and looked to be the consensus pick for teams looking to boost their pass rush.
Then it all went wrong. Arden Key declared for the draft in a season which was marred by injuries and recoveries after shoulder surgery in the NCAA offseason. In 2017 Key managed to play in 8 games, recording 33 tackles, but just 4 sacks and a forced fumble. A far cry from his amazing 2016 season.
Whilst some analysts are still ranking Key over Chubb, teams will be doing plenty of due diligence on the LSU Tiger. Expected to perform well in the physical drills it may come down to how teams feel about Arden after they have interviewed him due to rumblings of off the field issues.
If Arden Key is able to convince team personnel that his injuries and issues are behind him, then he may come off the board first out of the edge rushers. Projected as either a 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE it’s likely that someone in the first round will take a chance that a change of environment may get the most out of the undoubtedly talented rusher; personally, I think the Colts take that gamble.
Looking at the many highlight reels of Arden Key it’s easy to see what he can bring to an NFL defense and would improve Tampa’s lackluster pass rush from day one.
Whilst many Bucs fans are clamoring for Bradley Chubb how would you feel if the player called was Arden Key?
