The defensive linemen invited to the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine - presented by Lazydays RV.
DE-Mehdi Abdesmad, Boston College
DE-Sterling Bailey(58), Georgia
DE-Jimmy Bean, Oklahoma State
DE-Andrew Billings, Baylor
DE-Joey Bosa, Ohio State
DE-DeForest Buckner, Oregon
DT-Jonathan Bullard, Florida
DT-Vernon Butler(45), Louisiana Tech
DE-Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State
DT-Kenny Clark, UCLA
DT-Maliek Collins(7), Nebraska
DE-Kamalei Correa, Boise State
DE- James Cowser, Southern Utah
DT-Sheldon Day, Notre Dame
DE-Kevin Dodd, Clemson
DE-Jason Fanaika, Utah
DT-Adam Gotsis, Georgia Tech
DT-Javon Hargrave, South Carolina State
DT-Joel Heath,Michigan State
DT-Willie Henry, Michigan
DE-Brandon Jackson, Texas Tech
DT-Quinton Jefferson, Maryland
DT-Austin Johnson, Penn State
DT-Chris Jones, Mississippi State
DE-Ufomba Kamalu, Miami(FL)
DE-Bronson Kaufusi, BYU
DT-Darius Latham, Indiana
DT-Niles Lawrence-Stample, Florida State
DE-Shaq Lawson, Clemson
DT-Luther Maddy, Virginia Tech
DT-Chris Mayes, Georgia
DE-Alex McCalister, Florida
DE-Carl Nassib, Penn State
DE-Dadi Nicolas, Virginia Tech
DT-Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss
DE-Shawn Oakman,Baylor
DE-Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State
DE-Romeo Okwara, Notre Dame
DE-Drew Ott, Iowa
DE-DJ Pettway, Alabama
DT-Sheldon Rankins, Louisville
DT-DJ Reader, Clemson
DT-Jarran Reed,Alabama
DT- Hassan Ridgeway, Texas
DT-A'Shawn Robinson(86), Alabama
DT-DeVaunte Sigler, Jacksonville State
DE-Charles Tapper, Oklahoma
DT-Lawrence Thomas, Michigan State
DE-Ron Thompson, Syracuse
DT-Jihad Ward, Illinios
DT-Vincent Valentine, Nebraska
DT-Antwaun Woods, USC
DT-Connor Wujciak, Boston College
DT-Anthony Zettel, Penn State
DT-Adolphus Washington, Ohio State
DT-Matt Ioannidis, Temple
1. DE DeForest Buckner
On Wednesday, Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht said that the Buccaneers would be prioritizing the defensive side of the ball this offseason, but wouldn't commit to saying that he'll draft a defensive player in the first round. Buckner is a physical specimen at 6-foot-7, 290 pounds and has been linked to the Bucs in several mock drafts so far this offseason.
2. CB Vernon Hargreaves
If there's a name that's been linked to the Bucs just as often as Buckner it's Hargreaves. And, based on many mock drafts, it seems more likely that Hargreaves will be around for Tampa Bay at No. 9. Hargreaves could answer several questions at the Combine, including those about his size and straight-line speed.
ESPN's Mel Kiper believes the Buccaneers will select Hargreaves with the No. 9 pick in this year's draft.
3. CB Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey is projected to be selected among the top five, with most draft experts rating him as the top corner in the nation. With that being said, Ramsey might have more to lose at the Combine than he has to gain. Should he perform poorly, Hargreaves could pass him on many team's draft boards, potentially pushing him down towards the bottom of the top ten to Tampa Bay.
4. CB Mackenzie Alexander
Alexander is an interesting prospect, having not recorded a single interception in his college career. Many experts argue that production is production, no matter how you cut it. He's been touted as a relentless competitor – something that could help sway scouts during his one-on-one interviews.
5. DE Noah Spence
Interviews will likely be more important for Spence than his on-field performance. He had been dismissed from Ohio State's football program before enrolling at Eastern Kentucky. Unfortunately for many fans, the results of those interviews will stay between the interviewers and interviewees.
**
- DE Joey Bosa**
Bosa had, at a time, been considered a potential No. 1 overall pick, but has since fallen. In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper has Bosa going No. 6 overall. Defensive line has been regarded as the deepest position in this draft class. Should Spence and Buckner be off the board at No. 9, Bosa could very well still be there.
7. OT Ronnie Stanley
Stanley is, virtually, the only name on the offensive side of the ball any mock drafter has linked to the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay acquired two starting linemen in the 2015 draft, along with a starting quarterback. Adding another lineman to that core won't be out of the question if he's the best player left on the Bucs' board.
