Its the Deepest Position In the Draft!

Free agency is right around the corner which means high dollar amounts will be dished out by teams to attract big name players to their respective clubs. However, one position might struggle to see that big money and that is the defensive tackle position. There is some quality free agents at that position like Nick Fairley, who has been mention before as a potential Bucs target. Unfortunately for the defensive tackle free agents, this upcoming draft class has one of the deepest defensive tackle groups in which eight defensive tackles could go first round.

This will make teams hesitant to throw market value or overpay for a free agent defensive tackle when they can just draft a starting DT in the third round of the draft. Here's a list of defensive tackles who I think are first round material.

1. Deforest Buckner-6'7 291 Oregon

2. Robert Nkemdiche 6'4 296 Ole Miss

3. Vernon Butler 6'3 325 Louisiana Tech

4. Sheldon Rankins 6'1 304 Louisville

5. A'shawn Robinson 6'4 320 Alabama

6. Andrew Billings 6'2 310 Baylor

7. Jarran Reed 6'3 312 Alabama

8. Chris Jones 6'5 300 Mississippi State

Those are just eight out of this extremely talented group in which the talent will go deep into round 3 and possibly round 4. The Bucs have two free agents at DT in Henry Melton and Tony McDaniel. I don't see either one returning as the Bucs will probably turn to this deep defensive tackle class to find a replacement and even a potential starter. Keep an eye on Javon Hargrave, he is rising up the draft boards.

Day 3 Prospect: Javon Hargrave

Jason Licht loves drafting lineman, as he has drafted three in his first two drafts all being offensive but now its time to get some on defense. The good news is this draft has good value in defensive lineman that will be available on day 2 and 3.

One guy I like is defensive tackle Javon Hargrave out of South Carolina State. Hargrave,22 measuring in at 6'2, 295lbs, he brings good leverage and quickness which allows him to get to the quarterback often putting up 13.5 sacks this past season.  Not only did he get to the quarterback, but he made plays in the backfield with 22.5 tackles for loss which displays his quickness off the ball and is a pretty good penetrator.  After drafting a small school guy like Ali Marpet last year, who was an absolute home run, you gotta think Licht could go back to that again with a guy like Hargrave who could be the next Geno Atkins.

The Bucs need help on defense, and by adding Hargrave it would be a great start to fixing it. Hargrave is playing today in the East-West Shrine game for the East team, tune in at 4pm on the NFL Network. Watch the interview below courtesy of Football Gameplan, Hargrave describes himself as a big 300lb point guard.