Hargreaves to Start at Nickel?

Bucs rookie corner Vernon Hargreaves is ready to show his skills in the NFL, and that might be at the nickel/slot corner position to start off his career. Coach Koetter feels Hargreaves can be a perfect fit at the inside position, but can play outside as well. Due to the Bucs depth at cornerback, Hargreaves best chance to play in 2016 could be at Nickel which is ok because defenses are in nickel/sub packages over 60% of the time.

“Well, his quickness and how good of a tackler he is (make him suited to play inside)," Koetter said. “We’re going to start him off both inside and outside. We’re – both with the vets and the rooks – trying to find that perfect nickel and he’s one of the guys we’re looking at for sure.”

Koetter is spot on in his analysis of Hargreaves as his versatility is there for the Bucs to use him in multiple ways. However to make things easier for him. starting at nickle could be the best spot for him, and will also allow Hargreaves to maximize his ability on special teams coverage as well.

 “I’m excited for (playing nickel),” Hargreaves said. I want to play wherever I can play, wherever I fit in. It’s perfect for me.”

It's amazing how much different the secondary is going to look with now having Grimes, Banks, Verner, and Hargreaves. On paper it looks strong, hopefully it plays that way on the field.