Bucs’ Best Bets: Defensive tackle

Bucs’ Best Bets Rounds 1-3: Ohio State DT Davon Hamilton

The Buccaneers could use a big run-stuffing defensive tackle to groom behind Ndamukong Suh, who is only signed through the 2020 season. Hamilton was a role player up until his senior season when he recorded 28 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, six sacks and one fumble recovery – all career highs – in his first year as a starter. At 6-foot-4, 322 pounds, Hamilton has the size and strength (33 reps on the bench press) to not only play the three-technique defensive tackle position that Suh plays, but also be a reserve nose tackle behind Vita Vea.

The Bucs have moved on from veteran Beau Allen, a big 330-pound reserve run-stuffer, and Hamilton, who had an informal meeting with the Bucs at the NFL Scouting Combine, has the size to fill that void. Where Hamilton has more upside than Allen is as a pass rusher, evidenced by six sacks in 2019, including a takedown of Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence. Hamilton had a great week at the Senior Bowl where he displayed great power in run defense and the ability to push the pocket in the passing game. Hamilton would be a great addition to Tampa Bay’s defensive line as a third-round pick. – Scott Reynolds

Bucs’ Best Bets Rounds 4-7: LSU DT Rashard Lawrence

It’s clear that Bucs general manager Jason Licht and head coach Bruce Arians like LSU defensive players, and that means that Lawrence is on Tampa Bay’s radar. Like Devin White, the Bucs’ first-round draft pick from a year ago, Lawrence was a well-respected, vocal leader for the vaunted Tigers defense and helped lead LSU to a national championship last year. A three-year starter, Lawrence amassed 120 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks seven passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery for the Tigers.

At 6-foot-2, 308 pounds, Lawrence doesn’t have overwhelming size, but he is stout enough to hold his ground at the point of attack in run defense. He is a hard-working, high character defensive tackle that has a winner’s attitude. Teaming Lawrence up with White again could pay big dividends over the next decade as Tampa Bay’s defense is building towards becoming one of the top units in the NFL. Lawrence, who had an informal interview with the Bucs at the NFL Scouting Combine, would be a suitable replacement for Suh at the three technique defensive tackle spot and an ideal pick for Tampa Bay in the fourth round. – Scott Reynolds