BUCS’ BEST BET AT CB (EARLY 1-3)
CB Adoreé Jackson – USC – Junior – 5-10, 186 – 4.42
Jackson was the 2016 Jim Thorpe Award winner, which is given annually to the best defensive back in FBS college football, after recording five interceptions and covering some of the best receivers in Washington’s John Ross, Alabama’s Calvin Ridley and Ardarius Stewart and Penn State’s Chris Godwin, as well as USC’s own JuJu Smith-Schuster every day in practice. Jackson accomplished this without ever participating in spring football at USC, as he was a member of the Trojans’ track team. Jackson also saw time on offense as a part-time wide receiver and starred as an explosive return specialist with six returns for touchdowns for the Trojans (three kick returns, three punt returns), including four as a junior (two kick returns, two punt returns). With 34-year old Brent Grimes entering the final year of his deal, the Bucs need a replacement and Jackson is fast, athletic cornerback that fits the Bucs’ mold. Jackson is in play for Tampa Bay as an option at No. 19 or trading back a few spots later in the first round and acquiring him then.

Miami CB Corn Elder – Photo courtesy of Univ. of Miami

BUCS’ BEST BET AT CB (LATE 4-7)
CB Corn Elder – Miami – Senior – 5-10, 183 – 4.49
Elder is a fast, quick athlete with good toughness that fits the Bucs’ mold at cornerback. While he might be a bit undersized to play outside in the NFL, Elder could end up being an elite nickel cornerback with the ability to cover slot receivers and make plays on the ball. Not short on confidence, Elder played fearlessly in the ACC and recorded 117 tackles, 23 pass breakups, three interceptions and two sacks for the Hurricanes as a two-year starter. Elder’s athleticism was also put to use on special teams where he returned kicks and punts. That’s an area he could help Tampa Bay as a rookie. He ran a 4.55 at the NFL Scouting Combine, but improved his time at his pro day with a time of 4.49, while turning in a 35-inch vertical leap. With the Bucs looking for athletic, playmaking cornerbacks, Elder could be an option for Tampa Bay in the fourth round and he could compete with Jude Adjei-Barimah and Javien Elliott for the nickel cornerback role.