2018 NFL Mock Draft: Early June Edition
By Jon Dove
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made the right decision when they selected OJ Howard in the 1st round of the 2017 NFL Draft. However, they could’ve filled a bigger need by targeting one of the several high-profile cornerbacks in the draft.
Tampa Bay now heads into the season with Vernon Hargreaves III and Brent Grimes as their starting cornerbacks. The depth at the position is also a concern with Javien Elliott and Josh Robinson the best No. 3 options.
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Louisville’s Jaire Alexander is someone the Buccaneers would love to add in the upcoming draft. He’s a long and explosive cornerback prospect. His ability to create turnovers is something that only increases his value.
Alexander would serve as an ideal partner opposite Hargreaves and long-term replacement for the aging Grimes.
Finding an upgrade at left tackle is another option for the Buccaneers. They continue to give Donovan Smith opportunities to solidify the position, but he just has been too inconsistent. He doesn’t have the quickness or foot speed to hold up in space.
Adding a left tackle would allow Smith to shift to the right side and improve two positions. It’s also possible that Smith could move inside to guard.