I'm not sure if it will happen at #9 or if there will be a trade down, but let me lay out my case for drafting Andrew Billings. I'll break it down into two sections, team needs and player traits.Team Needs: As PR has pointed out by mocking Sheldon Rankins as the Bucs pick at 9, DT is a need that most don't acknowledge. Mike Smith has had great success when he coached the Jags D with Marcus Stroud and John Henderson. Yes, I realize he didn't draft those players on his watch, but his scheme and developing their stunts and blitzing sure helped their success. Let's also consider Licht's recent comments. He has said that interior pressure is just as important as edge pressure. He has also stated in interviews that he is building the Bucs in the Panthers blueprint. That blueprint includes the panthers drafting two interior linemen. One short, but quick pass rusher in Kwann Short. Star Lototulei adds strength and power. The Bucs already have the pass rusher in McCoy. Why not add the strength in Billings.Player Traits: 6'1" 311 lb. I'm not going to go over his entire scouting report, but I'll sum it up as this: High motor, quick first step, and elite strength. Cons are that he's unpolished and has limited pass rush moves. The fact is that he's a pocket disruptor. He's able to manhandle single assignments and hold ground in double teams, allowing LB to run free. When he does break through the line, he's got the quickness to seal the deal. He's only played the position for 3 yrs and Baylor isn't exactly known for their defensive coaching, so maybe the Bucs see the raw tools that they believe they can coach up. He's only just turned 21, so he'd be just 26 when he gets his second contract. He is a champion weightlifter, and I always have a soft spot for athletes that excel in other sports. It shows that he has the dedication, work ethic, and grit to succeed at the next level. He's already said he plans on continuing classes at Baylor to get his degree, so that shows the maturity I'd want in a 21 yr old.Summary: I think a lot of people are sleeping on Billings. Hopefully the Bucs work out a trade with someone like Tenn moving up for Stanley. Even if they don't, I'd be excited by the Billings pick. As long as they follow it up with an edge rusher in the 2nd. Adding Billings and Spence/Dodd/Ogbah/Calhoun would take a lot of pressure off of the secondary and LB's.
