NFL Draft 2011: 5 Reasons Why Ryan Kerrigan Is the Best Pick for the Buccaneers

As the calendar inches closer and closer to the final days of April, the days of the NFL draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to look into many different prospects that could help improve their performance.

We've seen in the past couple of years that the Bucs are willing to take whoever is the best left on the board just as much as they would take a position of need.

With that said, it's obvious the No. 1 need is a defensive end, someone who can create pressure on the quarterback and disrupt an offense.

Ryan Kerrigan could be that guy for Tampa Bay. He fits the system, and he fills the need. Here's more reason to believe he's the right choice for the Bucs.

It's the Top Position of Need

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Ryan Kerrigan #94 of the Purdue Boilermakers attempts to tackle Brandon Saine #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Like I said before, defensive end has been the position all along for the Buccaneers to take from in the opening round of the draft. Though I like mixing it up and throwing out new ideas, there is no need to overthink this one if you're Mark Dominik.

Sure, if J.J. Watt or Da'Quan Bowers is still on the board, the Bucs should take a stab at him, but it's unlikely for them to remain undrafted till the 20th selection. I also don't see the Bucs moving up to draft one of them.

But Kerrigan is a solid pick at 20, and not a dull one whatsoever, though some may say so. The Bucs were next to last in sacks last year, so I think it's an easy pick for the Bucs to make.

They could take a corner or swipe for an outside linebacker, but with only 26 total sacks last year (only ahead of that awful Denver defense), it's hard to think of them going with those positions unless a very highly ranked prospect falls way below his projected draft slot.

A 4-3 Man

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

There's no mistaking the fact that Kerrigan is best suited for a 4-3 defense, and luckily for the Bucs, that's what they run the majority of the time.

While he won't play great as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 or have great success as another big guy in a five-man front, Kerrigan is meant to play in the 4-3 and fits the Bucs system very well.

So all the questions of him not having great versatility between positions can go out the window by knowing the Bucs won't need him to perform at several different spots in their defense.

The Need for a Pass Rush

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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 04: Armando Allen Jr., #5 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is tackled in the end zone for a safety by Ryan Kerrigan #94 and Bruce Gaston #90 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Notre Dame Stadium on September 4, 2010 in South Bend, In

Like I said before, next to last in sacks means you need somebody to rush the passer. Everyone and their sister knows that. Kerrigan is the answer to that equation—a guy that can wreak havoc.

While he is talented at stopping the run (good thing seeing as the Bucs were 28th in the league in stopping it last year), he is an exceptional pass rusher, one of the best in this year's draft.

Guys like Stylez G. White and Tim Crowder on the ends haven't produced to the level the Bucs need. On top of that, the once promising Kyle Moore has been far less than impressive—that is, when he actually plays.

With Moore being plagued by injuries, it's clear that there's not going to be production, much less depth, at the defensive end spot—another big reason why the Bucs need Kerrigan.

Production, Production

In the midst of 40-yard dashes and cone drills is something that seems to be a bit undervalued to me. That thing is production. Numbers don't lie. Kerrigan is a prime example of that truth.

Kerrigan was the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year last season and was also an All-American at Purdue. His work in the classroom (three-time Big Ten All-Academic team) is also outstanding, a trait that carries over to his knowledge on the field.

Many would consider the act of throwing numbers at them just a cover-up for the lack of size and speed that Kerrigan has. The truth is Kerrigan doesn't have quite the prototypical size of most first-round ends. But he's crafty and instinctive, which makes up for his lack of great speed.

He'll Play Every Game Like It's His Last

Ryan Kerrigan always plays at 110 percent with his motor turned on high. His incredible intensity can rarely be rivaled. In a way, he reminds a bit of an old Buccaneer defender, one of those that helped build the team from the ground up.

Kerrigan is a true playmaker on defense and has a certain tenacity that few others possess. He also has a leadership quality on the field, having been named the captain of last year's Purdue squad.

Kerrigan is a tough, relentless pass rusher with all the positive intangibles. There are some concerns with injuries here and there for Kerrigan, but it's nothing major, and when he's on the field, he never stops clawing away.