Would the Bucs Go Linebacker with First Pick

Jason Licht has made it known that he strongly believes about building through the draft and always staying true to his board. So what happens if on draft day one of the top linebackers falls down to his spot?

Myles Jack and Jaylon Smith may be two of the top 5 players in this draft and both are coming off of knee injuries that may have them drop in the draft. Would Jason Licht take a position that the Bucs don't need? Lavonte David and Rookie sensation Kwon Alexander have two of the three linebacker spots on lock down and the other is up for grabs. But in todays NFL, teams go into so many 3 wide receiver sets, the third linebacker is rarely on the field. So the answer should be an easy no, right?

Well if you think about the defense Mike Smith said he would run, you could argue that anything could happen. Smith has gone on record stating he would keep things much more flexible, per Rick Stroud of tampabaytimes.com

"You can't line up in the same look and the same front every time. So we're going to have a lot of flexibility and identify what players are capable of doing and try to give different looks to the quarterback. Because if the quarterback has time in this league, he's going to be a guy who's going to be able to cut you up so we've got to do a very good job of putting together a package that is flexible, multiple, yet simple for our players and complex to the quarterback and the opposing coaching staff."

  "We're going to base out of a four-man front. But again, if you play in a four-man front, you over-shift and you're in a 3-4," Smith said. "If you start in a 3-4 and you over-shift, you're in a 4-3."

So he's leaving a lot of options open with his statement of "flexibility". Looking at the caliber of the two linebackers you could say there is room for discussion. Both of them are natural athletes and can run like a running back. Myles Jack actually played running back for UCLA on occasion. Taking a linebacker of their quality could open up opportunities as both can cover and provide strong rushes. I wouldn't be surprised if Licht took one if they slid to our pick. More analysis of Myles Jack and Jaylon Smith to come to show how they can be a fit.