5 Hidden Gems the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Should Have Noticed at the Combine
The 2015 NFL Scouting Combine is officially in the books, and as usual, fans and draft analysts alike are all abuzz with the results.
The event risks valuing a single workout over years of on-field effectiveness, but the combine is indeed useful for showcasing a player's overall athleticism—or lack thereof—as well as his ability to handle the pressure of such a daunting job interview.
There are plenty of big names that take the headlines every year, but the combine also tends to reveal a few hidden gems who make the most of the big stage.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a team without much quality depth across the board, which makes it imperative that they not only hit on their early picks, but also on the later selections. Who are the diamonds in the rough the Bucs' decision-makers should have taken note of in Indy this past week? Here's my take.
Ali Marpet, OL, Hobart
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A name that had already piqued the interest of NFL scouts and media analysts alike heading into the combine, Ali Marpet from little-known Hobart College put together an impressive workout and planted himself firmly on the radar of any team looking for interior offensive line help.
Marpet came out of nowhere to give an eyebrow-raising performance at the Senior Bowl, putting himself on the map and forcing all eyes to pay close attention to his combine workout. He didn't disappoint, showing a great combination of balance, agility, athleticism and power during drills.
Tampa Bay needs a new starter at right guard, and it should be able to find one on Day 2 of the draft. There are plenty of bigger names that will be in the conversation in that range, but Marpet deserves to be right there with them.
Tre McBride, WR, William & Mary
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The Bucs could use a young slot receiver with speed and solid route-running ability, and William & Mary's Tre McBride should be on their radar, especially after his performance at the combine.
McBride already has some impressive tape, and he followed it up by running one of the better 40-yard dash times of any receiver, clocking in at 4.41 seconds on both of his runs.
A natural pass-catcher, McBride has the thick frame—6'0", 211 pounds—smooth route-running ability and sure hands to be the perfect slot target for the Bucs. His combine numbers could push him into the top 100 picks, but if he's available when Tampa Bay picks in the fifth round, he should be strongly considered.
Ben Heeney, LB, Kansas
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Tampa Bay could be looking to replace Mason Foster, who struggled with injuries last season and has an expiring contract, at middle linebacker. If it does, one dark-horse candidate to keep in mind in the middle rounds is Ben Heeney.
The former Jayhawk hadn't gotten much publicity compared to bigger names at his position, but he garnered plenty of attention after showing fantastic athleticism across all drills. A 4.59-second 40-yard dash was among the numbers that turned heads, and Heeney bested all other linebackers in the three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle.
If the Bucs want an immediate starter in the middle, they'll likely be looking to spend an early pick. However, if they wait a little bit and grab Heeney, they could eventually end up with quite a steal.
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MyCole Pruitt, TE, Southern Illinois
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Tampa Bay spent last year's second-round pick on a playmaking tight end, but a plethora of injuries left them extremely thin at the position for much of the year. If they're looking for another young target to add to the mix this year, MyCole Pruitt made his case at the combine this past weekend.
The Missouri Valley Conference's career leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches by a tight end, Pruitt topped his position in the 40-yard dash and vertical jump in Indy.
A bit shorter than the prototypical NFL tight end at just 6'2", Pruitt still has an intriguing combination of soft hands and natural athletic ability. If he's still on the board in the later rounds and the Bucs have shored up their more pressing needs, they could very well take a chance on him.
Craig Mager, DB, Texas State
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Tampa Bay needs depth all throughout the secondary, so looking for a deep sleeper who could potentially play either safety or cornerback should definitely be on their "to-do" list for the 2015 NFL draft.
A four-year starter at Texas State, Craig Mager may end up being a classic 'tweener at the next level, but he certainly brings some attractive characteristics. Built like a safety but playing corner, Mager has a thick frame and loves to use it as a physical defender.
Mager impressed at the combine by running a 4.44-second 40-yard dash, along with a 130-inch broad jump. He's a name for Bucs fans to keep an eye on in the sixth or seventh rounds as a raw talent who could help out immediately on special teams, and perhaps develop into something more.
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