A countdown of the top 50 overall players in the 2015 NFL Draft as ranked by NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.(Note: this list has been updated to reflect Jeremiah's most recent rankings.)
SMU defensive lineman Elie Nabushosi (7) rushes against Texas A&M offensive linesman Cedric Ogbuehi (70) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
UCLA defensive lineman Owamagbe Odighizuwa gestures to teammates while facing Colorado in the first quarter of an NCAA football game in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Miami's Phillip Dorsett (4) runs against North Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks, top, gets ready for the snap as Southern California center Max Tuerk looks on during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, in Pasadena, Calif. UCLA won 38-20. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Oregon offensive lineman Jake Fisher (75) waits for the snap in the first quarter during an NCAA college football game against Utah Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Oklahoma defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (80) is pictured before an NCAA football game against Tulsa in Tulsa, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Mississippi State linebacker Benardrick McKinney (50) claps his hands as he prepares for another play at the line of scrimmage in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern Mississippi at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014. Mississippi State won the season opener, 49-0. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah breaks away from Southern California defenders on a 20-yard touchdown run during the second half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, in San Diego. Southern California won 45-42. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson (9) lines up to cover a Utah State receiver during an NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, in Logan, Utah. (AP Photo/Eli Lucero)
Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams (88) catches a touchdown pass as Syracuse defensive back Darius Kelly (18) defends during the second half of the Texas Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, in Houston. Syracuse won 21-17. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Florida State center Cameron Erving (75) points out an assignment before a snap against Oregon in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015 in Pasadena, Calif. Oregon defeated Florida State 59-20 to advance to the first ever NCAA football playoff championship game. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)
Boise State running back Jay Ajayi dives for the touchdown as Arizona cornerback Jarvis McCall Jr. defends during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Connecticut cornerback Byron Jones (16) runs a drill before an NCAA college football game against Temple in East Hartford, Conn., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Michigan wide receiver Devin Funchess (1) celebrates a touchdown in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Penn State in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Mississippi State defensive lineman Preston Smith (91) readies for a tackle against UAB in the second half of an NCAA college football game at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. Mississippi State won 47-34. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Florida State defensive back P.J. Williams (26) defends at the line of scrimmage against Oklahoma State 's Jhajuan Seales (81) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Florida A&M running back Gerald Hearns (30) is tackled by Miami linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) in the first half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Ohio State wide receiver Devin Smith celebrates after catching a 44-yard touchdown pass during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship NCAA college football game against Wisconsin Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
USC Trojans wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) during an NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on November 22, 2014. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
Washington's Marcus Peters (21) snags the ball in the end zone in front of intended receiver Georgia State's Robert Davis in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, in Seattle. Peters was flagged for pass interference on the play, leading to a Georgia State touchdown on the drive. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Central Florida wide receiver Breshad Perriman (11) breaks a tackle by Connecticut cornerback Jhavon Williams (6) after Perriman's touchdown reception in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in East Hartford, Conn., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014. Connecticut won 37-29. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
LSU cornerback Jalen Collins (32) celebrates his interception with safety Rickey Jefferson (29) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014, in College Station, Texas. LSU won 23-17. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) runs away from Arizona cornerback Jonathan McKnight (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Kentucky linebacker Bud Dupree poses for a headshot during the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday, February 20, 2015 in Indianapolis, IN. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
In this photo taken on Oct. 13, 2012, and provided by the University of Virginia , Virginia's freshman defensive end Eli Harold follows the action during an NCAA college football game against Maryland in Charlottesville, Va. Coach Mike London decided to get more young players involved last week after the Cavaliers had lost four straight, and Harold, an undersized defensive end, was among those that made an immediate impact.(AP Photo/University of Virginia)
Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Ereck Flowers (74) lines up on the field in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Miami defeated Cincinnati 55-34. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Missouri wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (15) celebrates his touchdown against Auburn during the first half of the Southeastern Conference NCAA football championship game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
LSU offensive tackle La'el Collins (70) warms up before an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, September 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat (70) during the second half of the Foster Farms Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Houston defensive end Eric Eiland (21) and Pittsburgh offensive lineman T.J. Clemmings (68) during the second half of the Armed Forces Bowl NCAA college football game, Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, in Fort Worth. Texas. Houston won 35-34. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)
Florida State defensive tackle Eddie Goldman (90) celebrates after Florida place kicker Austin Hardin (16) missed a field goal attempt during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Tallahassee, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. Florida State won 24-19. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
FILE - In this Sept. 20, 2014, file photo, Alabama defensive back Landon Collins celebrates after Alabama sacked Florida's quarterback during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)
Iowa offensive lineman Brandon Scherff looks to block during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Florida offensive linesman D.J. Humphries (70) prepares to block a Tennessee defender during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013.(AP Photo/John Raoux)
Clemson's Vic Beasley pursues Syracuse running back Prince-Tyson Gulley during the second half an NCAA college football game in Clemson, S.C., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014. (AP Photo/ Richard Shiro)
Texas' Malcom Brown (90) lines up against Baylor during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Oregon Alex Balducci, left, and Arik Armstead celebrate a defensive stop against Michigan State during the 1st quarter of their college football game in Eugene, Ore. Saturday Sept. 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)
Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon (25) stiff arms Auburn defensive back Jermaine Whitehead (35) on a 53-yard touchdown run during the third quarter of the Outback Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Georgia's Todd Gurley (3) returns a kickoff for a touchdown as Auburn running back Corey Grant (20) defends in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, in Athens, Ga. The touchdown was called back due to a holding penalty. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
In this Sept. 27, 2014, file photo, Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory (4) is stopped by Illinois' Simon Cvijanovic, second from left, and Chris O'Connor, right, as Illinois quarterback Reilly O'Toole (4) throws the ball in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb. G(AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)
Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes (15) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Penn State wide receiver Chris Godwin (12) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Washington defensive lineman Danny Shelton (55) in the first half during the Cactus Bowl NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State, Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Senior wide receiver DeVante Parker celebrates after scoring on a 33-yard pass and run play against rival Kentucky in their NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, in Louisville, Ky. Louisville came from behind to beat Kentucky 44-40. (AP Photo/Garry Jones)
Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota runs as T.J. McDonald and Eric Dungy chase during an NCAA football game against USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Ca,. on Nov. 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
South Dakota State quarterback Jacob Menage, left, is sacked by Missouri's Shane Ray during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston (5) looks for a receiver as Florida defensive lineman Dante Fowler, Jr. (6) pressures him during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Tallahassee, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
South Carolina quarterback Dylan Thompson, bottom, is sacked by Florida's Dante Fowler Jr. (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, in Gainesville, Fla. Florida defeated South Carolina 44-11. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)
Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) celebrates his touchdown against Ohio State in the second half of the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal game, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
West Virginia's Kevin White (11) catches a pass for a touchdown over Baylor's Xavien Howard (4) in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson)
Southern California defensive end Leonard Williams looks on during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold eight picks going into the 2015 NFL Draft. That begins with the card that will kick the whole thing off on the evening of Thursday, April 30, and it also includes very high choices in the second and third rounds.
The final five picks will fall on Day Three, when the NFL grinds through Rounds 4-7, with five-minute time limits on each selection and most moves happening more quickly than that. The names will tumble by in rapid succession, and many of them will never gain a significantly higher profile than they have on draft day.
But these are not insignificant picks, as we all know. The ones who do succeed in the NFL help form the long-term (and, often, affordable) core of a team. For the Buccaneers, think Adam Hayward or Pete Pierson or Dexter Jackson (the safety, not the receiver). We're not talking Tom-Brady-in-the-sixth-round home runs; we're talking solid pros and roster depth. That's important.
But it isn't easy. Barring trades, the Buccaneers will be doing their best to make use of picks 109, 162, 168, 184 and 218. Using recent history for both Tampa Bay and the NFL as a whole, and matching that with this year's class of prospects, let's take a look at a possible blueprint for how those picks could be used to serve the team's future.
For each of the aforementioned five picks, we've looked at the Bucs' draft history within a 10-slot range of the assigned number, as well as what the NFL as a whole has done in that range since 2000, giving us 15 drafts to peruse. For pick 109, for instance, we looked at picks 100-109. Two of the five picks fell in the 160-169 range and will be considered together.
**1. Pick 109
Who are the best running backs in this year's draft class?
Buc History:** Tampa Bay's best success in this range has been with wide receivers, especially tall ones. Mike Williams, Horace Copeland and Bruce Hill were all found at this spot in the draft. The Bucs also hit the mark on center Tony Mayberry and safety Dexter Jackson. To a lesser extent, the Buccaneers got decent contributions here from guard Dan Buenning, cornerback Jerry Wilson and tight end Luke Stocker. The misses included running backs Dave Barrett and Michael Gunter, punter Monte Robbins and cornerback Larry Flowers.
2000-14 NFL Drafts: This is still high enough in the draft that there are dozens and dozens of success stories to draw from, and hits all over the depth chart. Some recent standouts include tight end Jordan Cameron, defensive end Everson Griffen and current Buccaneer cornerback Alterraun Verner (selected by Tennessee). This is also the same range that produced defensive tackles Paul Soliai, Isaac Sopoaga and Henry Melton, interior offensive linemen Jahri Evans, Clint Boling, Nick Kaczur and Kory Lichtensteiger and wide receivers Jerricho Cotchery, Mike Thomas and Brian Hartline.
Potential Buccaneer Plan: In this case, we're going to have to ignore the Bucs' own history with our recommendation. That's because, despite all the respectable names in the above paragraph, what really drew our eye was the number of big, power running backs who entered the league in the 100-109 range. Since 2000, that list includes Houston's Domanick Williams, Cincinnati's Rudi Johnson, the New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs, the Dallas Cowboys' Marion Barber, the Oakland Raiders' Michael Bush, the San Francisco's Michael Robinson and Kansas City Chiefs fullback Omar Easy. While the 2015 class of running backs is not considered especially top-heavy – and backs are increasingly being shut out of the earliest picks – it is considered deep, with a variety of types. Even with the capable runners the Buccaneers have onboard, they could be looking for a big, bruising type to complement what they already have. Remember that, only a few years ago, it was Buccaneers Head Coach Lovie Smith, then at the Bears' helm, who signed Bush away from Oakland to pair with prolific tailback Matt Forte.
**
Possible Target:** Northern Iowa running back David Johnson. Alabama's T.J. Yeldon could be a coveted player in this mold, but there's a good chance he's gone before Round Four despite an underwhelming showing at the Scouting Combine. Meanwhile, the 6-1, 224-pound Johnson has a chance to fall into the 100-109 range, although he was impressive at the same combine. Johnson is a powerful, one-cut runner who has been compared to Alfred Morris, who went to the Washington Redskins in the sixth round in 2012. Johnson is described as a hard worker and has also shown good hands out of the backfield. If the Bucs are indeed looking for a power runner to add to their stable in this year's draft, Johnson could be available at a spot that has traditionally produced that sort of player.
**2-3. Picks 162 and 168
Florida's Dante Fowler and Clemson's Vic Beasley lead a talented group of linebackers.
Buc History:** The Bucs have not historically drawn much of value from the 160-169 pick range. Their best pick in that neighborhood was cornerback Al Harris, who collected 21 interceptions and two Pro Bowl invites over 15 seasons. Unfortunately, none of those were in Tampa. Otherwise, defensive tackle Curt Jarvis, who started 36 games over four seasons, is the biggest Buc hit from 160-169. Quarterback Josh Johnson, defensive tackle Shawn Lee, running back Kerry Goode and guard Sean Mahan all saw some success in Tampa, but for relatively brief periods. The team missed on safety Kevin Walker, WR Elijah Marshall, linebacker Bernard Carter and tight end Jay Carroll.
2000-14 NFL Drafts: Though there are far fewer notable success from 160-169 than we saw from 100-109, the hits here include safety George Iloka, defensive end Pernell McPhee, cornerback Corey Graham, linebacker Michael Boley, tight end Brent Celek and even a kicker, Randy Bullock. The highest concentration of successful picks here, however, were found on the interior offensive line. That group includes Carl Nicks, Chris Kuper and Dan Koppen, as well as David Diehl, who started as a guard but then played quite a bit at tackle. Just last year, the Packers found a new starting center, Corey Linsley, in this range.
Potential Buccaneer Plan: This could work well for the Buccaneers. While it seems quite possible that the team will use a high second or third-round pick on an offensive lineman, that pick could be a tackle, particularly if the depth at that position pushes a top prospect to pick #34. If an early pick is used on an edge blocker, the team's need on the inside could move to the top of the wish list on Day Three. And since the team has two picks in the 160-169 range and there are a lot of quality O-Line prospect this year, perhaps it could double down on the plan and increase its chances of hitting on at least one.
**
A countdown of the top 50 overall players in the 2015 NFL Draft as ranked by NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.(Note: this list has been updated to reflect Jeremiah's most recent rankings.)
SMU defensive lineman Elie Nabushosi (7) rushes against Texas A&M offensive linesman Cedric Ogbuehi (70) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
UCLA defensive lineman Owamagbe Odighizuwa gestures to teammates while facing Colorado in the first quarter of an NCAA football game in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Miami's Phillip Dorsett (4) runs against North Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks, top, gets ready for the snap as Southern California center Max Tuerk looks on during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, in Pasadena, Calif. UCLA won 38-20. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Oregon offensive lineman Jake Fisher (75) waits for the snap in the first quarter during an NCAA college football game against Utah Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Oklahoma defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (80) is pictured before an NCAA football game against Tulsa in Tulsa, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Mississippi State linebacker Benardrick McKinney (50) claps his hands as he prepares for another play at the line of scrimmage in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern Mississippi at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014. Mississippi State won the season opener, 49-0. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah breaks away from Southern California defenders on a 20-yard touchdown run during the second half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, in San Diego. Southern California won 45-42. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson (9) lines up to cover a Utah State receiver during an NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, in Logan, Utah. (AP Photo/Eli Lucero)
Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams (88) catches a touchdown pass as Syracuse defensive back Darius Kelly (18) defends during the second half of the Texas Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, in Houston. Syracuse won 21-17. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Florida State center Cameron Erving (75) points out an assignment before a snap against Oregon in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015 in Pasadena, Calif. Oregon defeated Florida State 59-20 to advance to the first ever NCAA football playoff championship game. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)
Boise State running back Jay Ajayi dives for the touchdown as Arizona cornerback Jarvis McCall Jr. defends during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Connecticut cornerback Byron Jones (16) runs a drill before an NCAA college football game against Temple in East Hartford, Conn., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Michigan wide receiver Devin Funchess (1) celebrates a touchdown in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Penn State in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Mississippi State defensive lineman Preston Smith (91) readies for a tackle against UAB in the second half of an NCAA college football game at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. Mississippi State won 47-34. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Florida State defensive back P.J. Williams (26) defends at the line of scrimmage against Oklahoma State 's Jhajuan Seales (81) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Florida A&M running back Gerald Hearns (30) is tackled by Miami linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) in the first half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Ohio State wide receiver Devin Smith celebrates after catching a 44-yard touchdown pass during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship NCAA college football game against Wisconsin Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
USC Trojans wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) during an NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on November 22, 2014. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
Washington's Marcus Peters (21) snags the ball in the end zone in front of intended receiver Georgia State's Robert Davis in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, in Seattle. Peters was flagged for pass interference on the play, leading to a Georgia State touchdown on the drive. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Central Florida wide receiver Breshad Perriman (11) breaks a tackle by Connecticut cornerback Jhavon Williams (6) after Perriman's touchdown reception in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in East Hartford, Conn., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014. Connecticut won 37-29. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
LSU cornerback Jalen Collins (32) celebrates his interception with safety Rickey Jefferson (29) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014, in College Station, Texas. LSU won 23-17. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) runs away from Arizona cornerback Jonathan McKnight (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Kentucky linebacker Bud Dupree poses for a headshot during the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday, February 20, 2015 in Indianapolis, IN. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
In this photo taken on Oct. 13, 2012, and provided by the University of Virginia , Virginia's freshman defensive end Eli Harold follows the action during an NCAA college football game against Maryland in Charlottesville, Va. Coach Mike London decided to get more young players involved last week after the Cavaliers had lost four straight, and Harold, an undersized defensive end, was among those that made an immediate impact.(AP Photo/University of Virginia)
Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Ereck Flowers (74) lines up on the field in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Miami defeated Cincinnati 55-34. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Missouri wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (15) celebrates his touchdown against Auburn during the first half of the Southeastern Conference NCAA football championship game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
LSU offensive tackle La'el Collins (70) warms up before an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, September 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat (70) during the second half of the Foster Farms Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Houston defensive end Eric Eiland (21) and Pittsburgh offensive lineman T.J. Clemmings (68) during the second half of the Armed Forces Bowl NCAA college football game, Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, in Fort Worth. Texas. Houston won 35-34. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)
Florida State defensive tackle Eddie Goldman (90) celebrates after Florida place kicker Austin Hardin (16) missed a field goal attempt during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Tallahassee, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. Florida State won 24-19. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
FILE - In this Sept. 20, 2014, file photo, Alabama defensive back Landon Collins celebrates after Alabama sacked Florida's quarterback during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)
Iowa offensive lineman Brandon Scherff looks to block during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Florida offensive linesman D.J. Humphries (70) prepares to block a Tennessee defender during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013.(AP Photo/John Raoux)
Clemson's Vic Beasley pursues Syracuse running back Prince-Tyson Gulley during the second half an NCAA college football game in Clemson, S.C., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014. (AP Photo/ Richard Shiro)
Texas' Malcom Brown (90) lines up against Baylor during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Oregon Alex Balducci, left, and Arik Armstead celebrate a defensive stop against Michigan State during the 1st quarter of their college football game in Eugene, Ore. Saturday Sept. 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)
Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon (25) stiff arms Auburn defensive back Jermaine Whitehead (35) on a 53-yard touchdown run during the third quarter of the Outback Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Georgia's Todd Gurley (3) returns a kickoff for a touchdown as Auburn running back Corey Grant (20) defends in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, in Athens, Ga. The touchdown was called back due to a holding penalty. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
In this Sept. 27, 2014, file photo, Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory (4) is stopped by Illinois' Simon Cvijanovic, second from left, and Chris O'Connor, right, as Illinois quarterback Reilly O'Toole (4) throws the ball in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb. G(AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)
Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes (15) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Penn State wide receiver Chris Godwin (12) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Washington defensive lineman Danny Shelton (55) in the first half during the Cactus Bowl NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State, Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Senior wide receiver DeVante Parker celebrates after scoring on a 33-yard pass and run play against rival Kentucky in their NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, in Louisville, Ky. Louisville came from behind to beat Kentucky 44-40. (AP Photo/Garry Jones)
Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota runs as T.J. McDonald and Eric Dungy chase during an NCAA football game against USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Ca,. on Nov. 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
South Dakota State quarterback Jacob Menage, left, is sacked by Missouri's Shane Ray during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston (5) looks for a receiver as Florida defensive lineman Dante Fowler, Jr. (6) pressures him during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Tallahassee, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
South Carolina quarterback Dylan Thompson, bottom, is sacked by Florida's Dante Fowler Jr. (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, in Gainesville, Fla. Florida defeated South Carolina 44-11. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)
Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) celebrates his touchdown against Ohio State in the second half of the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal game, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
West Virginia's Kevin White (11) catches a pass for a touchdown over Baylor's Xavien Howard (4) in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson)
Southern California defensive end Leonard Williams looks on during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Possible Targets:* Louisville guard John Miller and Missouri guard/tackle Mitch Morse. You've got two different types here, but both with NFL promise. Miller is a powerful blocker who could be a road-grader at right guard but would probably need to improve his footwork on the next level. Morse is less of a mauler and more of a versatile athlete who played all over the line at Mizzou. The two are also on different ends of the spectrum when it comes to the likelihood of their availability at 162 or 168. Miller is seen as a Day Three pick by some while others believe he could go as high as the second round. Morse raised his stock considerably with a very good showing at the Combine, which may have actually jumped him *up into the fifth round.
**4. Pick 184
Who are the best tight ends in this year's draft class?
Buc History:** The Bucs have made four decent picks in this range, which isn't bad. The two best were linebacker Adam Hayward and defensive tackle Ellis Wyms. Hayward turned into a long-time captain on special teams and a versatile backup for all three linebacker spots, while Wyms became a strong element in an interior-line rotation for the Bucs during a good portion of the 2000s, contributing a good pass-rush up the middle. Jim Leonard was a solid O-line reserve in the 1980s and running back Mike James has helped the Bucs on special teams and in the backfield the past two years. Among the team's misses at the position include three safeties – Shevin Smith, Ken Swilling and Tom Morris – as well as running backs Allen Bradford and Weldon Ledbetter.
2000-14 NFL Drafts: Though there have been some really big hits in this range along the lines of defensive end Adalius Thomas, running back Mike Anderson and punter Andy Lee, this group is not particularly impressive as a whole. You could start a decent offensive line with John Sullivan, Jeromy Clarey and Jeremy Bridges but there's not much more to work with. There has been some success, however, at the safety position, as Marquand Manuel, Chris Harris and C.C. Brown all came from this range of picks.
Potential Buccaneer Plan: Once again, the Bucs may need to try to buck their own history here. While they haven't had luck trying to find safeties from 180-189, other teams have. The Bucs have traded both of their 2014 opening-day starters, and while they have replacements standing by, it would probably be a good idea to plan for the future and add depth at the back of the secondary. And, of course, defensive backs at this stage of the draft can often become key special teams players very quickly.
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Some of the most productive players in Buccaneer history have come to the team via the ranks of the undrafted. Check out photos of the top 10 free agent finds in Bucs history.
- RB/KR Clifton Smith NFL Origins: Signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State in 2008.
- RB LeGarrette Blount NFL Origins: Signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon in 2010; waived by Tennessee on September 5, 2010 and claimed by the Buccaneers.
- DE Michael Bennett NFL Origins: Signed with Seattle as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M in 2009; made the Seahawks' roster but did not appear in any games before being waived on October 10 and claimed by the Buccaneers.
- T Demar Dotson NFL Origins: Signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Mississippi in 2009.
- K Michael Husted NFL Origins: Signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent out of Virginia in 1993.
- DE Ray Seals NFL Origins: Signed by the Buccaneers as a free agent after spending several years playing semi-pro football in Syracuse; did not attend college.
- WR/KR Karl Williams NFL Origins: Signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M-Kingsville in 1996.
- RB Earnest Graham NFL Origins: Signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent out of Florida in 2003.
- T Donald Penn NFL Origins: Signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent out of Utah State in 2006; signed off the Vikings' practice squad in October of '06 by the Buccaneers.
- LB Shelton Quarles NFL Origins: Signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent out of Vanderbilt in 1994; subsequently played two seasons for the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League before signing with the Buccaneers in March of 1997.
Possible Target:** Eastern Washington safety Tevin McDonald. The son of former NFL standout Tim McDonald (and the brother of current Rams safety T.J. McDonald), Tevin certainly has an NFL pedigree. He accumulated some off-the-field red flags at UCLA before transferring, and his measurables don't scream early pick. However, he unsurprisingly has good instincts for the game and employs an all-out style that may bode well on special teams.
**5. Pick 218
Buc History:** This has been a surprisingly productive pick range for the Buccaneers. Guard Gene Sanders, cornerback E.J. Biggers and linebacker Dekoda Watson all produced far more value than is typical from this spot in the draft. In addition, safety Cody Grimm made a brief but noticeable impact. That's four of the 11 players Tampa Bay has taken in the 210-219 range; the others were the quickly-forgotten likes of linebacker Kelvin Atkins, running back Michael Smith, defensive end Chance McCarty, linebacker John Samuelson, safety Derrick Goddard, tackle Chris Denman and tackle Steve Ingram.
2000-14 NFL Drafts: A couple of useful quarterbacks surprisingly came from this range in Derek Anderson and Tim Rattay. Others of note who were taken 210-219 include tackles Zach Strief and Derek Newton and safety Yeremiah Bell. Of greater interest is the fact that Biggers wasn't the only recent hit at cornerback in this range, nor the biggest. That title would certainly belong to Cortland Finnegan, with Captain Munnerlyn behind him. One could also include Reynaldo Hill, Shaunard Harts and Travis Carrie.
Potential Buccaneer Plan: Isn't it obvious? Cornerback! As with our sixth-round pick, this one has the added bonus of possibly producing an instant contributor on special teams. Competent cornerbacks are very valuable but difficult to find. Since it's not unusual to see third and fourth-round cornerback picks miss, there is no guarantee that anyone taken near the end of the draft is going to fare any better. But it's worth a try, as secondary depth is so important.
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Possible Target:** Central Florida cornerback Jacoby Glenn. Glenn doesn't have top-notch speed, which is exactly why he'll be available on the third day of the draft. However, his skill set seems to match up with the Tampa Two defense, which should make him more of an intriguing prospect for the Buccaneers. Glenn also plays with an attitude and is a good tackler, which should help on special teams.
