2011 NFL Draft: In-Depth Analysis of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Day 3 Picks
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers found high end talent in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd rounds of the 2011 NFL Draft. How did Day Three's 4th-7th rounds stack up?
Tampa Bay addressed its glaring need on the first day of the draft.
With their first overall pick they selected pass rushing specialist, defensive end Adrian Clayborn—a player who will make an immediate impact.
The Buccaneers really showed off their drafting talent on day two, stealing Da'Quan Bowers—a top-10 talent in the second round—then bolstering their rush defense with the versatile linebacker, Mason Foster.
By sticking strictly to their pressing needs, these first three selections gave Tampa Bay arguably the best class of incoming rookies in the NFL.
On day three, Tampa opted for depth rather than addressing their other holes.
It was an interesting strategy after such a strong first three rounds. It's no doubt that they found some talent on the board, and Mark Dominik has proven year after year that he is one of the strongest drafting GMs in the NFL.
But I have to remain skeptical about the day three selections.
Let's take a look at the talented group the Buccaneers pulled in on day three, and analyze how they will affect the Buccaneers 2011 NFL season.
Luke Stocker, Tight End: Round 4, Pick 104
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Bypassing some more pressing needs, the Bucs opted to add a talented tight end to their young offensive arsenal with this pick in the 2011 NFL draft.
Tampa Bay shows confidence in their running game with this pick, not to mention their confidence in finding a starting cornerback in Free Agency.
Luke Stocker, from the University of Tennessee, is a big, physical tight end who can be lined up opposite Kellen Winslow. He will improve the blocking game and seal the outside allowing LaGarrette Blount the opportunity to turn the corner and pick up the tough first downs. He showed signs in his college career that he has what it takes to be an NFL starter. He has impressive hands for a big man, and will give quarterback Josh Freeman a reliable drop down target.
With his size, Tampa Bay will likely use him more as a blocker, but if Winslow can't live up to his hype from a few years ago, Stocker's value should go up and increase his looks in the passing game.
He definitely won't be a fantasy giant, but his ability to catch the ball in traffic and beat smaller defenders could get him some decent stats and red zone touchdowns. At best, he could see a season like New England's Aaron Hernandez, but will likely end the 2011 season with about 400 yards and 5 TDs.
After their solid first three rounds improving their defense, taking a skill player who can affect the offense immediately was a good, yet gutsy call from Mark Dominik. He will contribute to the passing game, and has the strength and heart to get the job done.
But the 2011 NFL season will answer the question as to whether they should have taken a running back or corner.
Ahmad Black, Safety: Round 5, Pick 151
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Ahmad Black is probably my favorite selection by Tampa Bay's on Day Three.
Despite already having a full roster of safeties, and arguably needing a cornerback more, the Bucs got a value pick here in the 5th round.
By the conclusion of the 2011 NFL season, Ahmad Black could be considered a 5th round steal. He is undersized for the position and didn't have a breath-taking showing at the NFL Combine. But his NCAA career gave you all the proof you need that he can translate to the NFL.
Black led all of college football in interceptions his freshman year with the Gators. During his senior season, he lead his team in tackles with 102, while finishing the year with two fumble recoveries and three interceptions.
In addition to his ball-hawking abilities, Black can improve the run defense and is a force in the middle of the field, unafraid to step up and make the big hits.
He has the potential to move up to the starting lineup for the Bucs, as his competition at the position didn't pull off a promising year last season. He can immediately contribute in the special teams game, and come in on plays to cover the slot receiver or read the quarterback in a zone. It's not hard to imagine that he can end the season putting up better numbers than their best safety last season, which would only take about 70 tackles and a couple of interceptions.
Allen Bradford, Running Back: Round 6, Pick 187
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I'd be lying if I told you that I wasn't puzzled by this selection.
I have been saying that Tampa Bay will need an answer at this position. They filled the slot, but not with the style of runner that I had imagined.
While the Buccaneers could have chosen a running back with 3rd down potential—showing great hands and pass blocking presence—Tampa went with Allen Bradford, a runner eerily similar to last year's breakout star, LeGarrette Blount.
At 5'11", 240 pounds, Bradford is a very powerful runner. He is an overwhelming talent between the tackles and in short yardage situations. However, this is something they already have in Blount. Bradford lacks the speed and receiving abilities they should have looked for at the position
With that out of the way, there is no denying that Bradford had an impressive NCAA career and can eventually become a talented NFL running back. As a converted defensive player for USC, he averaged 6 yards per carry and accumulated 26 touchdowns in his years at Southern California. His senior year ended with five scores and a tremendous 7.2 yards per carry.
With this selection, Tampa has created an ominous and powerful tandem coming out of the backfield. While he won't exactly fight for the starting role, he could push Blount to become better, and might see some time in short yardage or goal line situations. It isn't out of the question to see him ending the year with 4+ touchdowns.
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DB Anthony Gaitor (222) and TE Daniel Hardy (238): Round 7
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Mark Dominik has had some great drafts in the past.
His ability to find players in the 6th and 7th round and even undrafted talent is nearly incomparable. But I'm hesitant to be impressed with what he pulled off in the 7th round.
I'm struggling to even find research on Pick 222, defensive back Anthony Gaitor.
At 5'10", 177 pounds, he is definitely undersized for the role, but he put up good 40 numbers on his Pro Day. He was an All-Sun Belt Conference first team player who put up nice numbers in 2009. I'm not certain whether his impact will be immediate, but he can play either cornerback or safety and can possibly be groomed to make the squad.
Again, I'm at a loss on Pick 238, tight end Daniel Hardy.
He is predicted to make the move to H-Back in the NFL, and could end up making the team, or hang around on the Buccaneer practice squad. He is not big enough to have the blocking contribution of 4th rounder Stocker, but he is a good receiver and can make his impact on the middle of the field. His lack of speed and blocking will likely not give him many opportunities to see the field his rookie year, but his receiving abilities can turn him into an interesting project who might be worthy of a second look in the years to come.
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