Today it was reported that Bucs defensive backs coach Brett Maxie met privately with U Conn safety Obi Melifonwu in Storrs, Connecticut early Thursday. Melifonwu has significantly risen up every team’s draft board since the combine and even more so after his pro day on Wednesday. The simple fact the Bucs sent coaches to talk to him even after his pro day is significant. This is not smoke and mirrors. Bucs Brass is serious about potentially drafting him even with Keith Tandy as the incumbent starter.
The team that wants him the most, though, the New England Patriots, will probably be willing to trade some valuable picks to move up from the 72nd spot. That’s how high Bill Belichick and the Pats are on Melifonwu. At 6’4 224, he’s long, rangy, and fast recording a 4.40 at his pro day combined with a jaw-dropping 44″ vert and 12’3″ broad jump; both super ridiculous numbers. If you’re looking for a comparison, he’s an Eric Berry prototype safety.
One Buc Place also hosted Miami’s TE David Njoku on Wednesday, though likely the Canes star could be off the board before the Bucs pick at 19 as he is expected to be 1 of 2 TEs selected in the first round behind Alabama’s OJ Howard. Regardless, Bucs Brass has to investigate TE depth as a need behind Cameron Brate. Let’s just hope Jason Licht does his due diligence to nail this first round pick! Go Bucs!
