Bucs Draft Breakdown: Defensive EndsJustin Pawlowski@CommishOnlineApr 14, 2015
This is a breakdown of the defensive ends in this draft specifically for the Bucs. We tell you why the Bucs should and should not take the top 10 defensive ends that fit the Bucs in this draft.In this positional breakdown, we look at the defensive ends in this year's draft that are realistic to the Bucs.With the assumption that the Bucs will take a quarterback with the 1st overall selection, this list will start with the top 10 defensive end targets after the 1st round.This means you will not see names like Dante Fowler Jr., Shane Ray, Bud Dupree, or any other projected 1st round edge rushers.1. Owamagbe Odighizuwa - UCLA6'3'' - 267 lbs - 4.621st/2nd RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: Odighizuwa has all of the physical traits I'm looking for in a premier pass rusher. His potential is through the roof, and his best days are ahead.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: Odighizuwa is a very raw player. NFL Network's Charles Davis told me that Odighizuwa is as raw as Ziggy Ansah when he came out. Odighizuwa has also dealt with numerous injuries to his hips.2. Mario Edwards Jr. - FSU6'3'' - 279 lbs - 4.821st/2nd RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: The ultra-talented Edwards plays with power and speed. The Bucs are not looking for a guy to just rush the passer. They want an end that is balanced, and Edwards is that. I also think Edwards versatility would be attractive to the Bucs.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: Inconsistency on the field and with his weight are the biggest concerns. Edwards is now down to 272 lbs, but started last season around 300 lbs. He has to keep his weight down to play end. 3. Preston Smith - Mississippi State6'5'' - 271 lbs - 4.742nd RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: Power is the name of Preston Smith's game. He is a player that is prepared to come into the NFL and contribute immediately. Smith is versatile as I saw him playing everywhere on the defensive line when watching film.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: Smith isn't flashy. I don't see much acceleration or speed off the edge. Will this lack of explosion limit him as a pass rusher?4. Nate Orchard - Utah6'3'' - 250 lbs - 4.802nd RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: Orchard had 18.5 sacks in 2014 playing in the PAC 12, so he must be doing something right. He's got good burst off the edge and shows a knowledge of how to get to the quarterback.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: Orchard showed up to Utah as a 200-pound WR. At just 250 lbs now, I'm slightly concerned if he can anchor against the run. He had a great year in 2014, but didn't do much before that.5. Anthony Chickillo - Miami6'3'' - 267 lbs - 4.773rd RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: Chickillo has all of the characteristics I'm looking for. He's big, strong, has good burst and acceleration, and has ties to the Tampa Bay area. I believe that if he's allowed to just attack, we'll see a much better player in the NFL than he was in college.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: The fact is that Chickillo's film isn't overly impressive. What was he asked to do? It appears as if he's just holding up blockers at times. That won't cut it in the NFL. 6. Danielle Hunter - LSU6'5'' - 252 lbs - 4.573rd RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: Hunter is the epitome of potential. He has a fantastic frame to put on more weight and get stronger, and his athleticism is among the best in the draft.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: Hunter has not put it all together yet. He almost appears as if he doesn't know what he is doing at times. For someone to have that much natural talent, but not really be a factor ever is a big concern.7. Za'Darius Smith - Kentucky6'4'' - 274 lbs - 4.833rd/4th RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: Smith is big and relentless on the field. Watching Smith on film reminds me of a bigger and stronger Adrian Clayborn. Smith offers the versatility to play inside or outside.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: Smith lacks ideal quickness off the ball and speed off the edge.8. Trey Flowers - Arkansas6'2'' - 266 lbs - 4.933rd/4th RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: Solid player who seems to be predictable in the type of player he'll be in the NFL. Flowers plays with good power and is very stout against the run.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: Flowers lacks ideal quickness and speed to become an elite pass rusher in the NFL.9. Cedric Reed - Texas6'5'' - 269 lbs - DNP4th RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: I like what Daniel Jeremiah said about Reed on his podcast when he said that Reed doesn't seem to look the part, but then you realize he's got a bunch of tackles for a loss and sacks. He might lull you to sleep, but he's productive as he does it.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: Reed has dealt with some injuries. He also does not possess any characteristics that would lead you to believe he could become a consistent starter in the NFL.10. Henry Anderson - Stanford6'6'' - 294 lbs - 4.934th/5th RoundWhy the Bucs Should Take Him: Anderson plays with good leverage and arm extension. He'll never quit on a play, and provides some scheme versatility.Why the Bucs Should Not Take Him: Anderson relies mostly on effort for any success. He isn't the strongest and is not the most athletic.link
