With The First Pick
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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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Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (94) reacts after the play during the first quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (94) reacts after the play during the first quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

#3.  Carlos Watkins – DT – Clemson

The Bucs have some good quality across the Defensive front with Robert Ayers and veteran Gerald McCoy.  But most would be willing to bet that they wouldn’t mind upgrading at the position.

Especially when McCoy is bringing in close to $16 million per year, developing talent under him is important.

In the 3rd Round, the Buccaneers could target someone more versatile, like Chris Wormley from Michigan, but I think they have to go with the big, but fast moving DT from Clemson, Carlos Watkins.

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Watkins has been an absolute force on the inside for the Tigers this season.  At 6’3″ 303 pounds, Watkins definitely possesses the size needed to play the position at the NFL level.   But in addition, Watkins has above average speed and creates a lot of problems in the run game and in getting to the quarterback, already with 4.5 sacks through this season.

Watkins was a 2nd Team All-ACC pick last season, and he was shadowed by Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd.  As the leader of the defensive line this year, he is making a name for himself.

He needs to work on his technique leaving the block, as well as penetrating in the pass rush, but the upside is very strong with this pick.

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