2015 Draft Sleepers Who'd Fit Perfectly with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Just like every other team in the NFL, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have scoured the later rounds of the draft over the years, trying to snatch up the best sleepers in each class.

The problem for the Bucs? Few of them have ever actually woken up.

Looking back through the franchise's history, it's hard to find many late-round picks who made a significant impact for Tampa Bay.

The key to finding the best sleepers in every draft is identifying players with natural ability who fit specific roles within a team's scheme on either side of the ball, as well as being able to contribute immediately on special teams. If the Bucs want to come away with impact players in the later rounds of the 2015 draft, here are some names they should target.

Purdue DE Ryan Russell

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Even after trading for George Johnson, the Bucs are still in need of depth at defensive end. They're likely to spend an early pick at the position, but they could also find value in the later rounds with Ryan Russell, who has the frame and natural tools to be a perfect fit in the 4-3 scheme.

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com points out some of Russell's strengths:

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Looks the part. Long-armed with angular body. Takes wide, quick steps and can be difficult for tackles to handle when stunting. Quick feet with long steps to close on quarterback quickly in "T/E" twists. Flexible upper body. Very good change of direction to harass boot-action pass plays. Flashes a quick first step. Has adequate power at the point of attack. Still very raw with traits to potentially mold.

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At 6'4", 269 pounds, Russell showed his athletic ability with a 4.68-second 40-yard dash at the Boilermakers' pro day. His rawness as a prospect and lack of production is likely to drop him to the later rounds, but he could end up being a steal if the Bucs could maximize his natural skills.

Penn State S Adrian Amos

Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

The Bucs have done some reshuffling at safety this offseason by trading Dashon Goldson and signing free agent Chris Conte, but that may not keep them from drafting a young talent who could provide immediate depth and eventually develop into a potential starter.

Adrian Amos has experience at both corner and safety, and he has already met with Bucs safeties coach Mikal Smith—son of head coach Lovie Smith—according to Amos' draft diary for The Baltimore Sun.

"That went really well," Amos said. "[Smith] told me a lot about their defense and how I fit in their defense. I did classroom stuff for each coach. They want to see how I understand offenses and defenses, my understanding of formations and tendencies, my understanding of the game."

Amos has the size to hang at safety at the next level—6'0", 218 pounds—and impressed with a 4.37 40-yard dash at his pro day. He's a solid tackler who brings versatility to the table, and it's clear the Bucs already have some interest in him. He looks like he could be a perfect fit for Tampa Bay on Day 3.

Arizona State OL Jamil Douglas

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The Bucs need a new starter at right guard, but they also need to bolster their depth along the entire offensive line. The way to do that is by drafting versatile players who can play multiple positions, which is why Jamil Douglas should be a primary target on Day 3 for Tampa Bay.

Douglas played tackle for the Sun Devils but will translate better at the next level as a guard. He was asked to slide inside during Senior Bowl week, and he impressed with his ability to make the transition smoothly and still perform at a high level against top competition from around the country.

Rob Rang of CBSSports.com lists some of Douglas' strong points:

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Looks the part with broad shoulders, trim middle and good balance. Quick off the snap. Plays with good leverage in pass protection to absorb bull rush, good flexibility and core strength. Slides well laterally and looks to help teammates when not covered up. Flashes a nasty streak, taking defenders to the ground.

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Injuries and poor play exposed the Bucs' lack of depth and overall talent up front last year. Grabbing Douglas on Day 3 would add much-needed versatility and give them a potential starter at guard who could also give them the occasional spot start at tackle.

Georgia Tech WR DeAndre Smelter

Mike Stewart/Associated Press

After adding Mike Evans and Austin Seferian-Jenkins with their first two picks last year, it's obvious the Bucs value big pass-catchers who can make plays down the field. If Tampa Bay wants to take a late-round swing on another playmaker with great size, DeAndre Smelter should be on their radar.

Smelter has the frame and skill set to make an impact at the next level, but an ACL tear suffered last season has left him without the ability to work out for teams prior to the draft.

There's plenty to like about Smelter's game, as Lance Zierlein of NFL.com outlines:

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Big receiver with physicality to match. On hitch routes, showed shake to make first defender miss and also showed he can punish defenders with a stiff-arm. Talented after the catch. His football intelligence really stands out. Has understanding of leverage within his routes and will adjust his route to counter the defender's actions. Able to create separation underneath by pushing cornerbacks with good route speed. Consistently worked back to quarterback when plays got off schedule. Uses wide frame to box out cornerbacks on back-shoulder throws near the boundary. Wins when ball is in the air with physicality, body control, well-timed leaps and strong hands. Capable run blocker. Great competitor with mature background.

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His durability is a huge question mark, as a shoulder injury kept him from pursuing a promising baseball career. A fantastic athlete with football IQ and work ethic to match, Smelter could be one of this year's best values if he can stay healthy, and he would be a perfect fit for the type of receiver the Bucs covet.

Arkansas OLB Martrell Spaight

Danny Johnston/Associated Press

Tampa Bay looks to have its starting linebackers set with All-Pro Lavonte David, free agent Bruce Carter and one of last year's pleasant surprises in Danny Lansanah. But there's little depth behind that group, which the Bucs could look to address in the later rounds.

Martrell Spaight is exactly the type of undersized, speedy player who would have his talents maximized in the Tampa 2 defense. Rob Rang of CBSSports.com points out that while he's a raw prospect, Spaight has all the qualities to be successful in a 4-3 scheme.

"Fast is the operative word with Spaight," Rang said. "While undersized and still a work in progress in terms of his instincts and technique, Spaight possesses impressive closing speed that could help him make an impression on special teams and ultimately compete as a weak-side linebacker in a 4-3 alignment."

As Rang says, Spaight's skill set would also make him a valuable asset on special teams, which shouldn't be overlooked. He could end up being a great value pick for the Bucs late in the draft, with the ability to contribute immediately on coverage units while working toward being able to spell David on the weak side.