The Buccaneers have started to sign their 2019 rookie class, announcing that they’ve reached deals with the following five draft choices:
- 2-39: Sean Murphy-Bunting, CB (Central Michigan)
- 4-107: Anthony Nelson, DE (Iowa)
- 5-145: Matt Gay, K (Utah)
- 6-208: Scott Miller, WR (Bowling Green)
- 7-215: Terry Beckner Jr., DT (Missouri)
After ranking 30th in pass defense DVOA last season, the Buccaneers needed to throw assets at the coverage game, and they did so by adding Murphy-Bunting on Day 2. The 2018 CMU Defensive Player of the Year, Bunting is a “long, lanky press corner,” according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, which should make him a good fit for Todd Bowles‘ aggressive scheme. Nelson might need to replace Jason Pierre-Paul‘s production after posting 9.5 sacks a year ago, while Gay should be in line to serve as the Bucs’ kicker during his rookie campaign.
Tampa Bay still has yet to sign first-round linebacker Devin White, third-round cornerback Jamel Dean or third-round safety Mike Edwards.
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