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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Browns land Saquon Barkley

By Brad Weiss

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after making a 7-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the USC Trojans during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after making a 7-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the USC Trojans during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE STATION, TX – OCTOBER 07: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns an onside kick as he runs past Deshawn Capers-Smith #26 of the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on October 7, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX – OCTOBER 07: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns an onside kick as he runs past Deshawn Capers-Smith #26 of the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on October 7, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Minkah Fitzpatrick. 7. player. 48. . Defensive Back. Alabama

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made some great moves already this offseason, and they still have one of the top draft picks in April in their back pockets. Already this offseason, the team has signed two of their best offensive weapons, locking up tight end Cameron Brate, and star wide receiver Mike Evans. That gives Jameis Winston what he needs in the passing game to take a step forward next season, after really a lost 2017 campaign.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Buccaneers brought back cornerback Brent Grimes, but they need help in the middle of the secondary. Minkah Fitzpatrick is going to be a star at safety at the next level, and some draft experts actually have him going to the Cleveland Browns at No. 4. While that is certainly possible, if the Browns do decide to bolster the offense with their top two picks, Fitzpatrick could fall to Tampa Bay.

Fitzpatrick is one of the more versatile players in this draft class, and the Bucs need stellar talent in the defensive backfield. He has played cornerback and safety for the Alabama Crimson Tide, winning two national titles along the way. This Bucs team has the talent to be a contender in the NFC South next season, and from what we have seen already this offseason, their plan is to do just that in 2018.

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