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About the Author: Matt Matera
Latest Bucs Headlines
As the Top 30 visits continue to grow, the Bucs are bringing a defensive lineman prospect into the mix. Tampa Bay is hosting Northwestern defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore for a visit on Tuesday, per Ryan Fowler.
The Buccaneers are hosting Northwestern DL Adetomiwa Adebawore on a Top 30 today, per source.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 4, 2023
Adebawore played four years at Northwestern, getting a lot of playing time in his sophomore, junior and senior years. As an edge rusher that also lined up inside, he recorded 97 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and interception in his career. He received a 75.2 overall grade on PFF for last season with a 80.3 pass rushing grade.
He was another player that had a good showing at the Senior Bowl. He is quick off the ball and is able to sustain a proper amount of leverage when engaging with the defender. Adebawore ran a 4.49 40-yard dash with a 37.5″ vertical jump and 10’5″ broad jump and 27 reps on the bench press. At 6-foot-2, 282 pounds, he fits as a hybrid edge rusher and interior defensive lineman with the ability to put his hand in the ground.
Bucs Defensive Outlook
Tampa Bay is always looking for speed on the defensive line, which is why they drafted Logan Hall with the first pick of the second round in last year’s draft. Adebawore’s consistent sack numbers each year should be intriguing to the Bucs’ coaching staff.
Bucs DT Logan Hall – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Hall joins Vita Vea and free agent signing Greg Gaines as the main players up front while Deadrin Senat and Pat O’Connor will back up. There is still the possibility that veterans Will Gholston and Akiem Hicks could re-sign with the team, or the Bucs sign another free agent. Odds are that they will draft a defensive lineman as well.
Should Adebawore stay as an edge rusher, he would place fourth on the depth chart behind Shaq Barrett, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson. Cam Gill re-signed as well and he will compete to make the roster out of training camp. Given the severity of Barrett’s Achilles injury and a lack of trust in Shoyinka to be the top guy, edge rusher is certainly an area of need for Tampa Bay heading into the draft.
The Bucs also hosted Georgia outside linebacker Nolan Smith on a Top 30 visit on Monday.
