Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 Late-Round Sleepers Who Would Be Perfect for Bucs
Most of the attention enjoyed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason will be due to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft, which they have the bittersweet pleasure of owning. After a 2-14 season, Tampa Bay sits atop the first round with a chance to grab a potential franchise quarterback or trade down and stockpile picks.
But though the top pick will command all the immediate headlines, the teams that hit on the deeper picks are the ones truly able to build depth across their roster. The late-round fliers are rarely expected to make an immediate impact—if any at all—but every year a few sleepers stick and become solid contributors.
Tampa Bay is still in the process of turning over its personnel from the Greg Schiano era and should spend this year's late-round picks on players who have the potential to be good fits for what Lovie Smith and his staff are looking for. The later rounds are also the place to find value at positions of need, rather than reaching in the earlier rounds just to fill the biggest holes on the roster.
Which players should the Bucs have their eye on with their late-round picks in this year's draft? Here are a few names to keep in mind.
Eric Patterson, CB, Ball State
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Tampa Bay's starting corners on the outside are set, but depth is a big issue, and finding a good fit at the starting nickelback spot is high on the needs list. One under-the-radar name to keep an eye on is Ball State's Eric Patterson, who played his high school football in Tampa.
What Patterson lacks in size (5'10", 193 lbs), he makes up for with instincts and toughness, which makes him a perfect fit in Lovie Smith's Tampa 2 defense. Patterson has great read/react ability and isn't afraid to stick his head in against the run, something vital to being a successful Tampa 2 corner. He also has a nose for the big play, accounting for three turnovers in a single game earlier this year, including a game-clinching interception against Central Michigan.
The Bucs also need help in the return game, and Patterson could provide that, as well. Overall, he's a player who could easily outplay his draft position if he ends up in the right system, and his hometown team might just be that perfect spot.
B.J. Finney, C, Kansas State
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Evan Dietrich-Smith was a disappointment in his first year after signing with the Bucs last offseason, and there's no depth behind him at center in the slightest.
However, even if Tampa Bay waits until the later rounds to address the position, the team could come away with a quality reserve—and possibly an eventual starter—in Finney, who followed up a solid career with the Wildcats with an impressive performance in the East-West Shrine Game practices earlier this month.
Tampa Bay has plenty of holes to fill along the offensive line, but as the injuries throughout that unit proved this past year, building quality depth can be just as vital as having reliable starters. Finney is a well-rounded prospect who won't "wow" you with any elite traits but would easily be an upgrade behind Dietrich-Smith and could possibly develop into starting material.
Damarious Randall, S, Arizona State
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With Dashon Goldson's future in doubt and veteran Major Wright set to be a free agent again, the Bucs should look to add depth at the safety position.
Randall isn't the biggest at 5'11", 195 pounds, but that hasn't stopped him from making plenty of plays and racking up tackles since transferring to Arizona State after two years in junior college. His combination of fluidity and instincts helps him survive in both zone and man coverage, and he's made plenty of big plays during his time with the Sun Devils.
Starting every game in 2014, Randall averaged eight tackles per game and tied for the team lead with three interceptions. He's versatile, with the range to play center field and the toughness to mix it up in the box. If he's still available when the Bucs pick in the sixth round, they'd be wise to snatch him up.
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Andre Davis, WR, South Florida
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The Bucs should be looking for a slot receiver at some point in the 2015 draft, and finding one who could contribute immediately in the return game with the chance to develop into something more would be preferable.
If they're still looking for that player in the later rounds, the Bucs might not have to look beyond their own backyard. Andre Davis has flashed big-play ability throughout his career at USF, but poor quarterback play held back his production drastically. He has a solid combination of size (6'1", 205 lbs), speed, and reliable hands, and he's explosive enough to have an impact in the return game from Day 1.
Davis had a strong showing at the East-West Shrine Game practices earlier this month, and he's likely to be on the radar for multiple teams come draft time. His best days are likely ahead of him, and the Bucs would be wise to take a chance on him toward the end of the draft.
Ryan Russell, DE, Purdue
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Russell's production at Purdue might not move the needle much, but his frame and length are exactly what Lovie Smith wants in his defensive ends.
The former Boilermaker managed only 8.5 sacks over the last three seasons, but the move to a 3-4 defense in his junior season put Russell a bit out of place. His size (6'5", 273 lbs) and skill set would be a much better fit in the Bucs' 4-3 scheme.
Russell's best chance to succeed at the next level is under a coaching staff that can motivate him to get the most out of his natural size and athletic ability. I wouldn't be surprised if Smith sees enough to work with in Russell and spends a seventh-round pick on a player with plenty of potential.
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