Devin’s Buccaneers’ Combine Watch

So I have finally decided to write another article. Things have been busy for me, and not so busy for the Buccaneers.

However, I realize with the Combine here now is as a good a time as any to warm up the keyboard. The Combine is an incredibly important step for evaluating a prospect. Although there are cases of a bad player elevating their stock by testing well, or a good player not testing well. I personally am excited to watch Reuben Bain’s T-Rex arms test, but he won’t be available for the Buccaneers unless they make a huge move.

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A guy that may possibly be there is Sonny Styles. Yes, I know, this is not one of the most hidden players of this draft. He will be competing in all of the Combine drills. Styles is considered one of the better prospects in this draft, albeit at a position that doesn’t usually Garner a high draft pick. Most people who watch his tape see his down hill speed and great instincts. However, the Combine will really help show off his athletic ability. Not to say he hasn’t showcased that, because he definitely has. It’s hard to imagine how he could drastically improve his draft stock, but somehow I think this guy can do it. It’s not clear if he is doing position specific drills, but Jason better be watching real close.

One guy that does need to show more that the Buccaneers can be looking at is Eli Stowers. Stowers was a former QB prospect who moved to TE. He has showcased incredible catching ability. However, that is only half the battle for a tight end. The fact is Stowers is pretty abysmal at blocking. He just has a fairly small frame, at least for a TE. I imagine the catching drills will go pretty well for him. But he has to at least showcase adequate blocking ability in the blocking drills. He is sorta more like a really big WR right now. Which is fine as NFL teams can utilize that. And for the Bucs, they have more of a need for a pass catching TE than a good blocker. However, I would still like to see more from Stowers blocking to inspire confidence.

Kaytron Allen is another guy I want to see at the Combine. I think he would be a good complement to Bucky. He is very good at getting tough yardage. However, like Bucky (and every RB on this roster really), his breakaway speed doesn’t seem there. He honestly really needs this Combine as he needs to show a little bit more athletic ability. He’s built really low to the ground, but not sure he’s fully showcased his skills. I also want to see him work on his catching ability. Right now that is also an unrefined part of his game, and the Combine can maybe show something more from that facet of his game.