The NFL Scouting Combine – a yearly event where the top prospects in the game show off their athletic skills in a series of drills – happened earlier this week, and Monday’s drills involved defensive linebackers and linemen. Since the Buccaneers have a need on their defensive line – specifically at defensive end – it’s likely that one of the players that worked out on Monday will be the Bucs’ first round draft pick.
Our Buccaneers blog Bucs Nation had full coverage of the event, and they highlighted four defensive ends from the Combine for people to keep an eye on: Dontay Moch (Nevada), Sam Acho (Texas), Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue), and Aldon Smith (Missouri).
All four players impressed on Monday, especially Dontay Moch and his 4.44 second 40-yard-dash, but each player also has their issues. Moch is a bit small for a defensive end, Acho’s upside is likely a second-round pick or later, Smith didn’t perform remarkably well (but is still well thought of), and Kerrigan isn’t the most athletic player. Any of these players could develop into a solid defensive end, but the trick is who will be the best and who will be around when the Bucs select at pick #20.