Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2011 Draft: Looking to the Big Ten For a Defensive End

It's clear from what was observed last season, that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were not strong when it came to rushing the passer. Injuries played a part in that, but for the most part, it was based on pure lack of performance.

After using two of their top picks to snag defensive tackles last season, the Buccaneers will most likely select a defensive end with their first pick in the 2011 draft. If that is the case, then there's plenty to choose from in the draft.

Aldon Smith from Missouri and Cameron Jordan out of Cal, could both be suitors. But with the likes of Da'Quan Bowers and Robert Quinn off the board early, the Bucs strategy for the first round could be a simple one: Look to the Big Ten. Seems simple enough.

Now, it's hard to tell just yet who and who won't be remaining when the 20th overall pick comes around (that is if they don't trade up or down), but there is a good stock of defensive ends coming from the conference. With that in mind, here's a look at four of those ends that the Bucs could potentially select.

Adrian Clayborn, Iowa Hawkeyes

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TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 28: Defensive end Adrian Clayborn #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes waves to fans as he walks off the field after defeating the Missouri Tigers in the Insight Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. The Hawkeyes defe

This is an obvious pick at number twenty for Tampa Bay. That is if there's any chance of him still being on the board then. Some scouting agencies have him as a top 15, top 10, or even a top 5 prospect.

Seeing that ends like Bowers, Quinn, and Smith could all be picked before him, he could drop a bit in the draft and give the Buccaneers a chance to steal him. But then again, don't hold your breath on this one Bucs' fans. It's still a long shot for Clayborn to drop this far down.

Clayborn's superior size and speed is something teams looking for defensive ends drool for. He has incredible grace and foot work for a man pushing past 280 pounds. "Ballhawk" and "Dreadlock Warrior" are the perfect ways to describe this end. With the elite explosiveness that he has, he is able to get off the line quicker than most, no matter what type of rush he decides to go with.

A disorderly conduct misdemeanor doesn't wave much of a red flag to me. He's considered an overall classy and determined man, and will have a big NFL career, in my opinion. But will it be with the Bucs? We can only cross our fingers.

Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Dan LeFevour #13 of the Central Michigan Chippewas is tackled by Ryan Kerrigan #94 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 20, 2008 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/

The Bucs seem to be very high on this guy. Being a unanimous All-American, you can see why. But ESPN, even with an overall rating of 90, has him ranked eighth among defensive ends in the draft.

That's not much of a knock on Kerrigan, seeing as the draft hasn't been this deep on ends as long as most can remember, if ever. And that plays into the Bucs' plans perfectly. Kerrigan has drawn comparisons to Aaron Kampman, with his good size and amazing strength.

Kerrigan also has a motor that never stops running, and is one of the most intelligent players on the field at any time. Scouts even pull out the old "work ethic" cliche' when talking about Kerrigan. But the truth is, not many have the same dedication that he does.

Adequate, but not great explosiveness, and lack of dynamic speed, keep him from being at the top of draft boards. But that shouldn't keep him from having a solid career in the league. Leadership, heart, and smarts can't beat understated. Neither can talent. Kerrigan has all of those. He would be a great pick for the Bucs.

J.J. Watt, Wisconsin

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MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 18: J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Camp Randall Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin defeated Arizona State 20-19. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Ima

Near the end of last season, Wisconsin was putting up some serious numbers on the scoreboard. Something that seemed to go unnoticed by many (including myself), was the fact that their defense wasn't too shabby either.

 The top player on defense for the Badgers was their defensive end, J.J. Watt. Watt is a hard guy to miss, standing at nearly 6'6". That is unless your an offensive lineman. His instincts and intangibles can't be ignored. He is constantly alert and aware of things happening around him.

This guy also has a tremendous motor like the the other two, and is matched by no one when disrupting a quarterback's throwing lane, specializing in batting throws away. He has the combination of always keeping his head on a swivel, and pursuing the ball carrier at great angles.

From watching Watt, he doesn't look like he would be able to switch inside and play consistently, but the Bucs don't need that from him. They need a good end, simple as that. And Watt is a serious option to fill that need.

Cameron Heyward, Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 13: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes chases after quarterback Matt McGloin #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Dot the "i", and circle this guy on Tampa Bay's draft board. He may not have the production of Kerrigan, the NFL body of Clayborn, or the instincts of Watt, but Cameron Heyward could be a dark horse in the Bucs' draft process.

Heyward does have pedigree on his side (his father was an NFL running back), but that obviously can only get him so far. His All-Big Ten selection speaks volumes, but Heyward could slip to the second round. He's also had recent elbow surgery, which may raise more questions.

He has been a starter ever since he stepped onto campus, with his solid tackling and superb quickness. Overall he seems better against the run than the pass, and that may set him back a bit on Tampa Bay's board. He has great strength up top, but doesn't seem to have great change of direction.

I don't think Heyward is overall the type of player the other three are, but he would most likely be a first round pick most years, but maybe not this one.

Conclusion

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 06: A palm tree is seen in front of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers logo prior to the NFC Wild Card game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on January 6, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

I think Clayborn will end up going a few, if not several picks, before the Bucs select in the first round (that is unless they move up). Heyward won't be the best left on the board, seeing as he may be the ninth best end, and there's no way eight will go in the first 19 picks.

My best bet is on Watt, but Kerrigan may still be on the board at that time, and I think that would be the better pick for Tampa Bay. If going out of the Big Ten, Aldon Smith may still be available out of Missouri, and that would also be a key addition at end for the Bucs.

There's not much of a chance the Bucs don't go with an end. Putting more targets around Josh Freeman is something the Bucs would like to do, while also shoring up at linebacker, but it's not near as urgent as picking a player that will improve the rushing of opposing passers.

The likes of Tim Crowder, Stylez G. White, and Michael Bennett, just aren't going to cut it. Neither is the oft-injured and under-performing Kyle Moore. So picking Kerrigan, or at least Watt, is a truly huge need for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They're in luck, with defensive ends galore, in the 2011 draft. But when looking for an end, the Big Ten could be the answer.