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NFL Draft 2018: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-round mock

By Joe Romano

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Jameis Winston No. 3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks over the defense during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 31-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Jameis Winston No. 3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks over the defense during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 31-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Round 3 – Pick 69

Jeff Holland, EDGE, Auburn

The pass rushing class after Bradley Chubb really falls off. Tampa will miss out on the second wave of guys like Arden Key, Harold Landry and Marcus Davenport. After that foursome there is debate and holes in every edge rusher’s game.

At the top of the third round, Jeff Holland of Auburn would be a great fit for this team. Noah Spence flashed some potential but is also injury prone. Outside of him this Buccaneers team does not have an edge player worth starting. Holland could contribute immediately off the edge.

Replacing Carl Lawson at Auburn was no small feat but Holland excelled as a first year starter. He finished the season with 10 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. Despite lacking ideal size, he excels with a planned rush attack.

Holland may not be an every down starter right away on most teams but this Buccaneers team is desperate for help on the outside. He would give them almost the opposite of what they have in Spence who wins with athleticism and bend. Holland is a little tighter in the hips but is smart and has excellent hand usage when rushing the quarterback.

Even when his initial rush stops, his compact and strong lower body allow him to hold the edge and at least keep contain. He is a violent player who lives in opponents backfield, something the Buccaneers struggled at all season.

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