2018 NFL Draft: Tampa Bay bolsters their defense with Vita Vea
By Shane Lunnen
Tampa Bay pulls off a trade and gets more help along their defensive line, selecting Vita Vea with the No. 12 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
More: Follow our instant grades and live reactions for every top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers pulled a trade during the draft, swapping their seventh overall pick with Buffalo to fall back to the No. 12 pick. In the end with their first round pick, the Bucs continued to bulk up their defense with their selection of Washington Huskies’ Vita Vea.
This off-season the Bucs have signed defensive ends Jason Pierre-Paul and current Super Bowl champion Vinny Curry. With the addition of the best defensive tackle in this year’s draft, Tampa sticks with their commitment to revamp one of the worst defensive lines in the NFL.
player. Washington. Vita Vea. 12. 48. Scouting Report. . DT
Vea is a huge addition to the Bucs. Do not let his nearly 350 pound frame fool you. The kid is a pure athlete, with a ton of power and believe it or not speed. The Pac-12 defensive player of the year commands double teams and can clog up the interior line, allowing for the ends and blitzing linebackers to cause havoc.
The fit with Tampa Bay is a good one. While the Bucs need additional help on defense and probably could have bolstered their secondary too, Vea’s selection means they will have a formidable front four. During 2017, the Bucks could not get to the quarterback and had trouble stopping the run. Vea should go a long way in improving the Bucs sack totals next season.
Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete 7-Round projections
As long as Vea is able to adjust to the more vigorous conditioning of the NFL, he will be a great addition to the Bucs. The big man should have a long and decorated career at the next level.