Day 3 Prospect To Watch

Larrell Murchison, IDL, N.C. State

Murchison was a quiet surprise at the Senior Bowl, and his tape shows a player that although limited, could be an effective complementary piece in the NFL. A smaller defensive tackle at 6-2, 292, Murchison’s motor is insane, as he constantly battles through blocks to get to the football. His active hands and array of counter moves helped him produce 11 sacks over the past two seasons, despite significant size and athletic limitations that will keep him from a full-time role in the NFL.

Murchison reminds me some of current Buc Rakeem Nunez-Roches, who is currently slated to become a free agent. Murchison would be a capable replacement who could provide some much needed situational interior pass rush and an energy boost for an aging Ndamukong Suh on long/late downs.

Free Agent To Target

B.J. Finney, IOL, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Bucs currently have almost no depth on the interior offensive line, especially with Earl Watford about to hit free agency. They need to at least improve the backup spots behind Alex Cappa, Ryan Jensen and Ali Marpet, and bringing in competition to continue to push Cappa isn’t a bad idea either.

Finney has started 13 games over the past four years for the Steelers, filling in admirably at both center and guard. His versatility, smarts and toughness are attractive qualities for teams looking at interior OL depth, and Finney is a locker room favorite as well. He could easily push Cappa for a starting spot or remain the first interior offensive lineman off the bench in case of injury. The best part? Finney won’t break the bank either, which will allow the Bucs to continue to concentrate their ample cap space on re-signing their high-end free agents.

NFC South Bullets

• Drew Brees might be the quarterback of the Saints next season. Teddy Bridgewater is unlikely to be, but don’t rule it out. Rule out Taysom Hill though. I have no idea what has occurred to make this an actual topic of discussion in the media these days, but Hill will be 30 this summer, he’s thrown 13 career passes and he’s one of the Saints best special teams players. He also isn’t going to bring back a first or second round pick if the Saints choose to tender him (he’s a restricted free agent). I can’t believe I just had to type those words. Let’s hope this lunacy fades soon.

• I think David Tepper isn’t lying when he says that he’s only hesitating on tying himself to a Cam Newton return because he’s uncertain of Cam’s health. Tepper has been pretty forthright and honest to the media so far, so I wouldn’t read ulterior motives into what he’s saying. I also think there is a pretty slim chance that Newton is going to get a “he’s in the prime of his health” medical report from the Panthers’ doctors. A lot to be determined in this situation.

• SI’s Albert Breer reported in a recent Monday Morning Quarterback that the Falcons are likely to cut Devonta Freeman this offseason. I think the Bucs should have some interest if he’s available for cheap. Not saying they should absolutely sign him, but if Freeman is healthy he’d be the best running back on the roster after being stuck in Dirk Koetter’s run scheme that Bucs fans are undoubtedly very (unfortunately) familiar with. He’s 27, he can still help a team.