Leonard Floyd At 9th Overall?

The big topic this off-season for the Buccaneers has been finding pass rush help along with improving the secondary. With the draft less than a month away, many mock drafts have the Bucs taking fan favorite CB Vernon Hargreaves while others have the Bucs taking a edge rusher. One caught my interest today which was Charlie Campbell's mock draft on WalterFootball.com, as Campbell had the Bucs selecting Georgia  DE/OLB Leonard Floyd at 9th overall. Here is the explanation per Campbell.

In speaking with sources, the Bucs love Jalen Ramsey but he won't make it to their pick. Tampa Bay has to improve the talent in its secondary and defensive line, so here's a Plan B to address the edge rush if Ramsey is off the board.  

If the draft plays out like this, Tampa Bay could consider edge rushers like Floyd and Noah Spence. Floyd is graded higher and in the Bucs' 4-3 defense, he would play Sam (strongside) linebacker on run downs and rush the passer off the edge in passing situations. 

 Floyd totaled 74 tackles with 10.5 for a loss and 4.5 sacks in 2015. He is a speedy defender who is just scratching the surface of his potential. Floyd is a natural pass-rusher with agility and a knack for getting to the quarterback. His ability to bend around the corner is extremely rare. 

Campbell makes valid points here, as Floyd could play the SAM linebacker position on run downs and then could be used as a pass rush specialist on passing situations. I have mention before that Floyd could be a potential trade down option, if the Bucs feel there are none worthy of a top ten selection. Floyd has massive potential, but needs to add weight if he wants to be every down defensive end, has the athleticism and length to be a great fit in a 3-4 scheme. Floyd would benefit from working with defensive line coach Jay Hayes, who has made tall, lengthy type players like Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson pro bowlers, so he could do the same for Floyd. Only 28 days away til the draft, its going to be interesting.