Weeks ago, I wrote about the need for the Buccaneers to bring in a “Hardy Nickerson–type” linebacker—someone who could step in for a few years and help teach the next generation of linebackers how to be professionals.
On the first day of legal tampering in free agency, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Alex Anzalone, and he now has the opportunity to play a role similar to the one Hardy Nickerson once did for this franchise.
There is still uncertainty about whether Lavonte David will return, but even if he does, it’s likely only for one more season.
Anzalone compares to Nickerson in several areas—most notably in leadership and instincts. Both play an aggressive style and lead primarily through their performance on the field rather than just their words in the locker room.
Nickerson famously helped groom Derrick Brooks into the Hall of Fame player he eventually became. The Buccaneers are hoping for a similar dynamic with the next young linebacker they bring in.
Whoever the Bucs draft in the first or second round will most likely either step in as a starter immediately or split time with David if he returns for one final season.
Right now, many fans are understandably focused on the emotional loss of Mike Evans. But once that initial reaction settles, I think they’ll start to appreciate what the Buccaneers have done here.
Adding Anzalone could quietly become one of the more important moves of the offseason, giving Tampa Bay a veteran presence who can help stabilize the defense while mentoring the next cornerstone linebacker of the future.
For more from Greg click here, then make sure to follow him on Twitter.
Follow, Like and Subscribe to Bucs Report
BucsReport.com
For more on this and everything Buccaneers check back here hourly at BucsReport.com.
