It’s difficult to pinpoint all the major needs for the Bucs, but we have a long three months until the start of the 2019 NFL Draft. Let’s look at projected 1st rounder, defensive end Jachai Polite.
Polite, the University of Florida junior, stands at 6-2, 260 lb. and has a projected 40 time of 4.8 seconds. He’s also listed as a top five defensive end behind Ohio State’s Nick Bosa and alongside Clemon’s Clelin Ferrell. Many have Polite available to the Bucs at 5, but most have them taking cornerback Greedy Williams from LSU.
A trade down to middle or late of the round could still make Polite available and he would be an ideal fit with his versatility for defensive coordinator Todd Bowles’ defense as he can play both defensive end and outside linebacker in 3-4 and 4-3 situations. He could be an ideal backup or replacement for William Ghoston.
Polite has 11 sacks with six forces fumbles, 45 tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss and four passes batted.
According to Walterfootball.com, he has natural feel as a pass-rusher with speed, athleticism, and a nose for the quarterback. He is a solid run defender despite the body type of lacking length on the edge. He’s a fearless defender who can set the edge, and his plays come in pursuit, especially from the back side.
Not only is he talented on the field, but off the field as well by being a positive force in the locker room.
CBS projects Polite to be taken at 13 by the Miami Dolphins. Walter Football has Polite go at 20 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. John Clayton of the Washington Post and Nick Klopsis of Newsday projects him to go 12th to the Green Bay Packers. Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report has Polite falling to 26 for the Indianapolis Colts.
How do you feel about the UF prospect? Would Williams be too good to pass up? Could the Bucs trade down and grab both?
