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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Running backs steal spotlight

By Brad Weiss

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
19

Malik Hooker

S, Ohio State

Jameis Winston has proven to be well worth the first overall selection the Buccaneers took him with in 2015, as he has helped lead the franchise back to being relevant again. While the team really had no running game to speak of this season, Winston continued to grow in his role as a leader on and off the field, and it appears the franchise is set at quarterback for the foreseeable future.

The combination of Winston to Mike Evans should be a good one for years to come, and hopefully Doug Martin can get his head on straight and return to being one of the better running backs in the league.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bucs need help in their secondary, and that is exactly where they should draft next April. There is a plethora of good defensive backs in this draft, but when it comes to the safety position, Jamal Adams and Malik Hooker are the two best out there. Adams is expected to go earlier in the first round, but if Hooker is available, the Bucs need to pounce on him.

Not only can Hooker defend the pass as well as anybody in this draft, he also is the kind of player who is going to come up and hurt you if you come across the middle. He has the size and strength to be an elite safety at the next level, and he has the speed to make up for mistakes in coverage. The Bucs are only a few players away from being a legitimate contender in the NFC, and this coming offseason is going to be a big one for the franchise.

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