The main priority for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers entering this month’s NFL draft will likely be finding protection for quarterback Tom Brady. While the six-time Super Bowl champion certainly brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Bucs, none of that will do them any good if they can’t keep him upright.
Last season, the Bucs’ O-line allowed Jameis Winston to be sacked 47 times, so it’s no wonder most mocks have the Bucs targeting an offensive tackle with the 14th pick in round one.
But, let’s not forget about the Bucs’ secondary. While Tampa Bay’s rush defense ranked first in the NFL last season, allowing just 73.8 yards per game on the ground, their pass defense was 30th in the league. So, while Tampa Bay may address tackle in the first round, looking for a safety or cornerback may take precedence in round two.
In his recent two-round mock draft over at ESPN, Todd McShay had the Bucs taking Southern Illinois safety Jeremy Chinn with the 45th pick in round two. Chinn has many people excited with his size and versatility, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 221 pounds.
Bucky Brooks over at NFL.com talked about Chinn recently and how he could turn out to be a Day 1 guy.
Per Brooks:
“As a run defender, Chinn is an instinctive playmaker with a strong nose for the ball and rock-solid tackling skills. He stones running backs in the hole and displays dependable wrap-up skills while corralling receivers in the open field. Chinn’s tackling skills, aggressiveness and overall physicality make him a potential disruptive force as a box-area defender at the next level. He has a knack for finding the ball and his instincts stand out when studying the tape. With Chinn also showcasing explosive playmaking skills on blitzes, he could be an intriguing defender to build a scheme around.”
Chinn could certainly help improve Tampa Bay’s secondary. The Bucs have young pieces to be excited about in both Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean, but with Drew Brees and Matt Ryan both in the NFC South, the Bucs’ pass defense needs to improve. Chinn may not be available after round one, but if he is, the Bucs should consider adding him to their roster.
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