With The First Pick
Fansided

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2017 NFL Mock Draft

By Kyle Davis

Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws a pass in the first half against the Oakland Raiders at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws a pass in the first half against the Oakland Raiders at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) is seen during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) is seen during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

#1.  Jabrill Peppers – LB/S – Michigan

With the Buccaneers first pick, I have them selecting Jabrill Peppers, a player that is flying up draft boards, and even emerging as a Heisman Candidate.

It is possible (probable) that Peppers may not be available by the time the Bucs have their first pick in the draft.  That being said, most of the bad teams in the NFL that are predicted to pick before the Buccaneers, won’t have as large of a hole to fill at the hybrid safety/linebacker position.

In addition, I think that Tampa Bay may see Peppers as a must have, and may be willing to trade up a few picks to make sure that happens.  We saw them do this last year, and I wouldn’t put it out of the question.

Peppers is quite possibly the most versatile and athletic player in college football this year.  For Michigan, he is currently taking snaps at: Linebacker, Safety, Cornerback, Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receiver, and Punt/Kick Return.

The man has incredible athletic ability, but he backs this up with high IQ on the football field.  He is rarely out of place, and makes great breaks on the ball, in the run game and in pass protection.  While he can play linebacker at the college level because of his strength and tackling ability, his speed and play making ability translates to an NFL Safety, which the Bucs could use badly.

I think we see this pick from Tampa Bay next year.

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