BUCS’ BEST BET AT LB (EARLY 1-3)
LB Ryan Anderson – Alabama – Senior – 6-2, 253 – 4.78
The Bucs are looking at Sam (strong side) linebacker candidates that have a history of pass rushing from the line of scrimmage as a defensive end or blitzing off the line. Tampa Bay has met with Anderson this offseason after a sensational senior season in which he had 61 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, nine sacks, three pass breakups and a pick-six. Anderson has a similar build to that of Daryl Smith, who retired this offseason. He has the size necessary to help set the edge when the Bucs are in a 4-3 Under scheme and is a good enough athlete to cover the flats, hooks and curls in zone coverage. Because the Bucs are in nickel 60-70 percent of the time, the Sam linebacker spot is devalued in Tampa Bay. Yet if the Sam linebacker has some edge rush skills – as Anderson does – that creates more versatility and importance for a player like Anderson. The Crimson Tide star has 19.5 sacks and that kind of pass rush ability has to excite the Bucs. Anderson could be a third-round pick.

BUCS’ BEST BET AT LB (LATE 4-7)
LB Samson Ebukam – Eastern Washington – Senior – 6-2, 240 – 4.50
Ebukam will have to be a blitzing linebacker at the next level due to his 6-foot-2, 240-pound frame, but he has played Buck defensive end, outside linebacker, inside linebacker and occasional defensive tackle at Eastern Washington. The Bucs are intrigued by Ebukam’s 4.5 time in the 40-yard dash at his pro day and the fact that he notched 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles as a senior. He’s a tremendous athlete that has the speed to cover running backs and tight ends even though he spent most of his time rushing the passer. Ebukam could be drafted in the sixth round, but keep an eye on these three Day 3 linebackers, too: Jackson State’s Javancy Jones, Cincinnati’s Eric Wilson and Southern Illinois’ Chase Allen. Jones is similar to Anderson, while Wilson and Allen are backup middle linebacker candidates.