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2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Buccaneers could take in Round 1

By Rucker Haringey

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Bruce Arians head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is seen at the 2019 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Bruce Arians head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is seen at the 2019 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Kentucky edge rusher Josh Allen answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 2, 2019 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Kentucky edge rusher Josh Allen answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 2, 2019 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Josh Allen

Most projections have Josh Allen coming off the board just before the Buccaneers get a chance to snap him up. If, for some reason, he is still on the board at No. 5, he’ll be a tempting target for Tampa Bay.

The only question about Allen landing with the Buccaneers is about schematic fit. They are committed to playing a 3-4 defense, which means the former Kentucky standout would need to play at outside linebacker. Those starting positions are currently occupied by Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaquil Barrett.

There is, however, a chance that one of those guys could bulk up and cycle down to play as a defensive end. That would give the Buccaneers a dynamic linebacking corps. Starting Allen next to Lavonte David would give the Tampa Bay defense a ton of athleticism at the second level.

This isn’t a choice the Buccaneers front office will likely have to make, but if Allen slips they’ll be presented with a fascinating decision. He’s not a perfect fit with their current personnel, but his talent is too much to ignore.

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