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2016 NFL mock draft: Final edition

By Matt Verderame

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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JACKSONVILLE, FL – OCTOBER 31: Vernon Hargreaves III
JACKSONVILLE, FL – OCTOBER 31: Vernon Hargreaves III /

Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida

Sometimes the pick is so obvious, you just run the card right up to the podium. From almost all reports, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were intrigued by the idea of signing cornerback Josh Norman but could not land him. With general manager Jason Licht acknowledging that Tampa Bay needs another corner before the defense can be considered solid, going with Vernon Hargreaves makes plenty of sense.

Hargreaves has tremendous cover skills and can play in any scheme. The Buccaneers need somebody to come in and become a top corner, and the University of Florida product appears to be just that. Tampa Bay also signed Brent Grimes away from the Miami Dolphins this offseason, giving Hargreaves somebody to learn from for the first year or two of his career.

Regardless of position, this pick has to be on defense for the Buccaneers. The offense is already very potent with the quartet of Doug Martin, Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans and Jameis Winston. The defense is the clear issue, and if Licht can rectify that side of the ball, the Buccaneers could contend for a playoff berth in 2016.

Next: Giants on the clock

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