Writing The Ship: Week Two Buccaneers’ College Watch Guide

The NFL draft may take place in April, but to me it is always scouting season. Part of my excitement of college football is watching the future generation of great NFL players. Watching future Hall of Famers like Antonio Brown and Khalil Mack dominate at the college level is so much fun for me.

It also gives me good insight as to who the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will target come draft time. Granted, a lot could change with the needs of the team between now and then. However, there are so many good players that it’s impossible not to find good fits for whatever the Bucs may need in the future. 

Based on my summer scouting process, I have identified three players who I will be keeping an eye on this weekend that could be a good fit for the Bucs. Here is my Writing The Ship week two college watch guide. 

David Stone, Defensive Tackle, Oklahoma

Stone is a powerhouse three technique defensive tackle. Listed at 6’3 and 315 lbs, he combines raw strength with impressive short area quickness. He has all the makings of a first round pick come draft time.

As a sophomore last season, I didn’t see a ton of polish with his hand usage. This resulted in just 1.5 sacks, despite 8.0 tackles for loss. I would love to see him continue to put it all together against a Michigan team that looks ripe for the picking after an underwhelming performance last week.

Step one to Stone reaching his potential is dominating in this game. If he can take that next step then he could be in consideration for the Bucs first round pick next year. Afterall, the team could be in the market to replace A’shawn Robinson who is only playing on a one year deal.

Rasheem Biles, Linebacker, Texas

Biles was one of my favorite linebackers from the summer scouting process. He is undersized (listed at 6’1 and 222 lbs), but more physical than you’d expect. I see no reason why he can’t be a full time linebacker in the NFL.

After some really good seasons at Pitt, Biles had a strong debut with Texas last week. He had 5 total tackles with a forced fumble and an interception. His coverage skills and ability to force takeaways will be vital to his NFL future. If he can continue to shine against Ohio State this weekend then he could be a fast riser on draft boards.

The Buccaneers don’t necessarily need a plug and play linebacker in the coming draft. However, Alex Anzalone only signed a two year contract in Tampa and is in his early 30s. It would be nice to rotate Biles in for a year before he has to step in as a full time starter.

Greg Johnson, Left Guard, Minnesota

Most fans aren’t overly interested in offensive line play, but that doesn’t make it any less important. The Bucs have their starting right guard Cody Mauch entering the final year of his deal and left guard Ben Bredeson has a potential out in his contract after this year. There is a real possibility that this will be a top need in the draft.

Johnson has all the size and power that you could ask for. He’s listed at 6’6 and 325 lbs and he plays like it. This is someone who can generate push at the point of attack and has a strong anchor against the pass rush. 

In what looks to be a good interior offensive line class, Johnson stands out with his length, power and “in your face” attitude. I would love to see him dominate some Southeastern Conference competition this weekend when he plays Mississippi State.