NFL Mock Draft 2016: Pre-Free Agency edition

48. <p>This is a situation where the Bucs would be insane to pass on the best player available in favor of filling a need. Tampa Bay <em>needs</em> help in the secondary and a player like Florida’s Vernon Hargreaves III or even Clemson’s Mackensie Alexander could help the Bucs from the downbeat of the 2016 NFL season. However, DeForest Buckner is such a monster that either Hargreaves III or Alexander would be a real reach.</p> <p>Buckner probably will not be available with the ninth overall pick, but in this case, he is on the board and Tampa Bay wins the prize of his services. At 6-foot-7 and more than 290 pounds, Buckner is a physical force as a defensive end in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, and the former Oregon standout lit the world on fire at the combine while flashing incredible athleticism when considering his size.</p> <p>The Bucs do have a weakness in the area of pass rush, making this an easier sell, but in reality, Tampa Bay should not need to be sold on the best player remaining in the draft. DeForest Buckner may not be a 15-sack player in the NFL, but given what he can do against the run at his size, he is an every-down force from the word “go”.</p>. DE. Oregon. DeForest Buckner. 9. player