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5 teams who should take a chance on Robert Nkemdiche

By Ian O'Brien

Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) looks on prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) looks on prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) works out prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) works out prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers have neglected to draft a defensive lineman for the past two years. While they solved their quarterback problem by taking Jameis Winston, the Buccaneers still need to provide help for defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. The Buccaneers pass rush continues to be mediocre, as they rank 16th in the NFL in sacks with 31. While McCoy has lived up to every bit of his hype, the Buccaneers have been unable to draft another quality defensive lineman.

They whiffed in the 2011 NFL Draft when they selected defensive ends Adrian Clayborn and DaQuan Bowers. The Buccaneers still have many holes on their defense, and they should definitely focus on that area since they have the core of their offense in place. Upgrading their pass rush would be a fantastic way to start, and Nkemdiche provide a fierce interior presence. He would help draw double coverage away from McCoy, and he would help make the secondary’s job much easier. The Buccaneers rank 20th in pass defense and have allowed a 98.1 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks. Nkemdiche has compiled 16 tackles for loss in his three-year career with Ole Miss, so he would be a welcome addition to a team that has to play the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers twice a year.

Next: 4. Atlanta Falcons

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