The NFL Draft is over, but how did the Tampa Bay Bucs do with their picks? According to most mainstream analysts, pretty darn good: Kiper gave them a B+, CBS gave them an A, and Rob Rang gave them an A-. Overall, it was a pretty solid showing for the Bucs, although the real strength of their draft came within the first three rounds.
Our friends over at Bucs Nation have put together a great summary of the Bucs' draft picks, including some of their own analysis. Enjoy their handiwork:
Round | Pick | Overall | Player | Grade and analysis |
1 | 20 | 20 | DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa | Grade: B+. A physical, violent defensive end he adds some attitude to the Bucs defense, but pass rush is questionable. |
2 | 19 | 51 | DE Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson | Grade: A. Bowers dropped because of injury concerns, but the Bucs should still get at least 5 years of top-5 play out of him |
3 | 20 | 84 | LB Mason Foster, Washington | Grade: A. Foster is a powerful, downhill linebacker who can play all 3 positions |
4 | 7 | 104 | TE Luke Stocker, Tennessee | Grade: C. Stocker will add versatility to the Bucs offense, but they gave up two fourth-rounders to draft him. |
5 | 20 | 151 | S Ahmad Black, Florida | Grade: C. Black is small and slow but a natural football player who could develop into a good slot defender. I think he was selected too high. |
6 | 22 | 187 | RB Allen Bradford, USC | Grade: D. Bradford is a huge, hard runner who will do good work in short-yardage situations, but I don't see what else he brings to the offense. |
7 | 19 | 222 | CB Anthony Gaitor, Florida International | Grade: B A small, feisty cornerback who could come in and play as a dime back. Won't play outside, but could be good as a slot defender |
7 | 35 | 238 | TE Greg Hardy, Idaho |
Grade: D. A receiving tight end who will be a backup third-down TE at best. |
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