Buccaneers: 4 EDGE prospects to get younger defensively

1. Joseph Ossai – Texas

I first watched Texas pass rusher Joseph Ossai in the 2019 Alamo Bowl against the University of Utah and he was a huge reason why the Longhorns stuffed the Utes offense that smashed Pac-12 South teams all year long. Ossai had nine tackles including six solo tackles with three sacks against Utah.

What sticks out to me about Ossai is his length and speed at 6’4 and 253 lbs. He shoots the edge and can be an offensive tackle’s worst nightmare. Not only could he get to the quarterback but he created piles in the backfield by pushing his opponent into other blockers and created disruption. If a player is not getting sacks, creating disruption in the rhythm and timing of the quarterback’s release is the next best thing.

My concern with him is coverage skills. In college, he was mainly a rusher but in the NFL he will be asked to cover tight ends more often than in college. If Todd Bowles stays in Tampa as the defensive coordinator, which is not a sure thing due to Bowles being a hot name in the coaching carousel this season, I am confident he can get there.

He is exactly what the Bucs need in a division that has excellent left tackles with Terron Armstead in New Orleans and Jake Matthews in Atlanta. Ossai would be a great replacement for either JPP or Barrett as an edge pass rusher.