Tampa Bay Bucs 2011 NFL Draft review

The Bucs drafted more young talent to add to the pool collected in 2010. Last year Tampa Bay drafted two promising interior defensive linemen, Gerald McCoy and Brian Price. This year the edge guys, Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers, were drafted to complete the defensive front. The Bucs traded up 12 spots with Philadelphia to draft Luke Stocker, the second best complete tight end in the draft. General Manager Mark Dominik took an aggressive approach by trading their 2012 fourth round pick to move up and get Stocker. In 2010 the Bucs just missed the playoffs with 10 wins and fielded the youngest team in the league. Adrian Clayborn is a natural right end who is explosive, disciplined, and relentless in his play. He doesn’t stay blocked. Over the past few years he’s as good as any defensive lineman to disengage a block and make a play. He stays on his feet and plays with power and activity in his legs. He plays with leverage, is sudden to read and react after controlling the blocker, and has the lateral speed and quickness to string out and pursue to the sideline. He plays with urgency and intensity. Da’Quan Bowers is a left end candidate who led the country with 15 ½ sacks in 2010. A top ten talent, he dropped in the draft due to a knee injury. A three-year starter he has long arms, big hands, and is light on his feet. He demonstrates an explosive burst to the ball carrier after he sheds the block. A disruptive athlete, he can accelerate off of a block. He keeps his balance, has good agility, and body control. If his knee holds up he will be a productive ascending player. Mason Foster was productive as the country’s second leading tackler in 2010 with 163 stops. He also had 6 ½ sacks. Quincy Black and Barrett Ruud are free agents. Foster may get on the field sooner than later. Athletic with a very good motor and hustle, he is explosive on contact. He is a good downhill player who tracks well getting to the ball. Instinctive with good coverage ability, he also has the ability to play in space. He has solid tackling skills and is relentless in his play. In college he played in a 4-3 scheme. He will be a contributor on special teams coverage. Luke Stocker was a great value in the fourth round and should contribute early in two tight end formations. He has inline ability and can make blocks at the point of attack. At Tennessee he played in the classic tight end position and slot, but he also aligned as an H-back and fullback where he motions and blocks on the run. Athletic and competitive in his play, he is a big target in the passing game. He has good body control and cutting ability. Ahmad Black is a productive safety who will be hard to keep off the field. He will provide great competition in the back end of the defense and be an immediate contributor on special teams. Black is a hybrid athlete who can do several things because of his awareness and instincts. Competitive and poised, he plays with confidence and has high reaction football IQ. He makes plays by stripping the ball, playing through blockers on run support to make a tackle, and times his runs through on a blitz to be disruptive. Allen Bradford is a big back who will fit into the rotation with LeGarrette Blount. Bradford could be the combined steal and sleeper of the Bucs’ draft. A powerful back with good lower body strength, he is a downhill runner who is strong, fast, and explosive when he gets his hands on the ball. He can jump cut and burst through the hole. He has good contact balance. Patient on the outside zone, he lets the blocks set up. He runs with his chin over his toes and is a good blocker. Corner Anthony Gaitor was productive over his four-year college career. He has the speed and ball skills to be a solid developmental project. He has good instincts and quick feet and is physical for his size. Daniel Hardy caught 71 passes over the past two years. He’s been productive as a receiver and will provide competition with Ryan Purvis and Nathan Overbay for the third tight end position. He needs work on strength and bulk to block the edge. A developmental project, he has fringe measurables. GRADE: EXCELLENT