Now that the free agency frenzy is starting to slow down a bit, there’s even more clarity about where the Buccaneers could go with their draft picks in April.
That clarity is that they can truly go best player available in each round, with no glaring needs popping out immediately (although I’m sure some disagree with that assessment).
So, the good news is that there should be some good players coming through the pipeline for the Bucs, as teams typically draft better when not trying to force a pick based on positional need.
And interior defensive line is an area the Bucs could pursue at any level of this draft, as they could still see Logan Hall as a viable starter, making them want to draft a backup in the mid-to-late rounds, or they could be looking to replace the former 2nd round pick out of Houston with an early selection.
Here are my 3 picks for this position.
Derrick Harmon, Oregon
I’ve been a big fan of Harmon’s for a while; his size and elite athletic ability for his position are off-the-charts, eye-poppingly good.
He can get after it in the pass rush, but also has the smarts to be an effective run defender.
He can play on all 3 downs, and potentially line up next to Vea or Kancey on 3rd downs as an interior pass rusher.
Harmon’s drafting would immediately make the Bucs a contender yet again for the best rush defense in the NFL, as they were ranked pretty high in EPA/rush allowed last year, but with Harmon in the fold it takes that aspect of the game almost entirely out of the equation.
It’d be fun to see the Buccaneers take Harmon in the 1st round, but if he for some reason manages to slip through the cracks into the 2nd round, he’s a must-get.
T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
An 8.5 RAS score (so far) speaks to Sanders being one of the more complete athletes at the IDL position.
He can line up anywhere on the defensive line, and that versatility extends to his traits, as he’s fine against the run but considered to be one of the more interesting pass rushers in this position group.
Expect him to be gone by at the very least the 4th round, but some projections even have him going early in the 3rd, meaning he could very well be an early selection the Bucs can’t afford if they prioritize other positions with their 1st 2 picks.
But, if he’s there in the 3rd and the Bucs haven’t addressed the position, expect him to be a fun option for Licht and Co.
Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina
The good news with Hemingway is that he could easily be an UDFA type of guy the Buccaneers bring in to compete for a practice squad spot.
The bad news is that he’s regarded that way due to his lack of athletic ability and size at the IDL position, a nasty combination.
But, he played 48 games over 4 seasons with the Gamecocks and was considered a big-time leader for the team, especially in his final season.
He also earned plenty of academic accolades, speaking to a well-rounded individual that is willing to put in the work to become a contributor at the NFL level.
As for where he’d end up… that’s a tough question mark.
If he goes through enough of a strength training program, he could end up at his natural nose tackle position and be a long-term backup for Vea after Greg Gaines is gone.
But that’s pretty much his upside, which is fine for a 7th round pick or UDFA.
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