William Gholston to Play Inside More?

The 2016 NFL Draft has concluded and the Buccaneers did not draft a defensive tackle which has fans and local media confused as the position was fairly deep. Perhaps it is just the way the draft fell for Bucs Gm Jason Licht or maybe the team has eyes on a DT from another team whom they think might get cut here in the upcoming months. Currently at defensive tackle the Bucs have Gerald McCoy, Clinton Mcdonald, and Akeem Spence which is a solid trio. Bucs just added defensive ends in Robert Ayers in free agency, and Noah Spence through the draft, giving the team more depth at defensive end.

Going back to Ayers, he has the capability to play inside or outside, and so does 4th year defensive end William Gholston. Gholston is a player I think is on the rise as he had his best season last year, and could be even better this year. Due to the flexibility of Ayers and Gholston, this is perhaps why the Bucs passed on drafting a defensive tackle this year, and will ask both Ayers and Gholston to play more at the defensive tackle position. I personally think Gholston will get more defensive tackle time this year, due to his size at 6'6 290lbs pairing him with McCoy who is 6'4 300lbs.

This would give DC Mike Smith a similar duo to the one he had in Jacksonville with Marcus Stroud and John Henderson. Gholston will still play often at DE, but could be a regular in the rotation at defensive tackle given his strengths at stopping the run and being able to push the pocket with his power bull rushes. With the Bucs loading up on athletic defensive ends like Jacquies Smith, Howard Jones, and Noah Spence, it tells me the Bucs are serious about playing the 3-4 scheme. This is great news for Gholston, as he can be a base end in the 3-4 or even play DT in the 3-4 as well. Keep an eye out for Gholston this year, the big kid could have a major impact this year.