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Packers 2016 Draft: Last minute NFL mock draft

By Kenn Korb

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the 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 stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) scrambles against Clemson Tigers defensive end Kevin Dodd (98) during the first quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) scrambles against Clemson Tigers defensive end Kevin Dodd (98) during the first quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick #9 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kevin Dodd

The Buccaneers have spent a ton of draft capital towards their offense in recent seasons, and with it have given themselves what should be a stable foundation for years to come; Jameis Winston is a legitimate quarterback, Mike Evans is one of the better young wide receivers in the NFL, and the offensive line has multiple young guys who (hopefully for Tampa Bay) will be starters for the foreseeable future.

The defense has been trailing behind them, and that needs to change for this team to continue stepping forward.

They have a couple stalwart pieces at linebacker (Lavonte David) and defensive tackle (Gerald McCoy), but haven’t found much consistency outside of those guys.

The two ways the team should first be looking to improve would be their pass rush and their coverage unit.

While both need help, if you take into account that it is likely easier to find contributors for the secondary later in the draft than it would be for top-level pass rushers (and the fact that it could be a sizable reach to grab any of the remaining defensive back options at #9), the Buccaneers should key in on their front four first.

There are many interior types that could be looked towards, but an edge guy is what the team truly needs. Of the players who are left, the Clemson pair of Shaq Lawson and Dodd are the best options for this particular need. Lawson has been considered by some to be more suited as an edge rusher in a 3-4 base defense, so considering that Dodd is the better fit for Tampa Bay.

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