NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete 7-Round projections

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a splash this spring when they traded for former New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to bolster their pass rush. Paul makes an already impressive front seven even more daunting, but he isn’t enough to put the defense over the top on his own. The Bucs still need help in the secondary which should be addressed with their first round selection.

Do-everything defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick will be at the top of their draft board. They just need to decide where to put him. Many believe outside corner is where he’ll end up playing the bulk of his professional career, but the Bucs have more pressing needs at safety. Fitzpatrick would be an upgrade over the combination of Chris Conte and Keith Tandy who patrolled the defensive backfield in Tampa Bay last season.

Fitzpatrick played all over the defensive back field in college, but did not play much on the outside – just 13 snaps in 2017 (per Pro Football Focus). His more recent experience in the middle of the field, combined with his versatility will make him a valuable piece to have down the road, giving Tampa Bay options should they decide to shift their secondary around in the future.