On the Clock: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

For the seven days leading up to the draft, I am going to assume the roll of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 20^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select…

Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue (6’4” 267 LBS)

"Freight Train"

Last year may have been our best draft class in the history of the franchise.  We made upgrades along the defensive line, provided a go to wide receiver for Freeman and have a top tier running back.  To say that the 2010 NFL Draft was good for us is an understatement.  I see us going after a strong DE that can get some pressure on the QB.  Ryan is a high motor type of guy who will give it his all on every play.  I know that he came out nowhere, but he has all the tools I am looking for.

"Freight Train" is a high character guy who teammates will feed off of.  The closest comparison I can think of is Jared Allen in terms of emotion.  If he has similar production this organization might be a play-off caliber defense.  Aqib Talib has put the team in a difficult situation and the team could look to draft a CB, but that looks doubtful since the next highest rated CB, Jimmy Smith from Colorado, is very similar in character to Aqib.

Now that we have established some pass rush on the edge for our defense I am going to look at getting Josh Freeman another target to through to.  That is why we will be looking at either Titus Young FROM Boise, Randall Cobb from Kentucky or possibly Greg Little form UNC.  This offense needs something for short passing downs and Cobb and Young could be the answer.  Little could be more of a flanker and work one-on-one on the outside.

Kansas City is on the clock…