This is some awesome timing. Just as I write a story about Da'Quan Bowers and an improving Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass rush, ESPN comes out with a new mock draft, giving the Bucs a pass rusher. Specifically, the Bucs will draft LSU defensive end Sam Montgomery with the 14th overall pick. Here's what Todd McShay said about the pick:
There is not a corner after Milliner worth taking here to fill a pressing need. There is talk about Joeckel's teammate Jake Matthews* as a first-rounder, and Matthews could fill the Bucs' need at right tackle. However, Montgomery is a solid all-around prospect who can hold up against the run and is a powerful pass-rusher.
On the surface, this pick makes some sense. The Bucs have not had a great pass rush this season, and finding good defensive lineman can be very difficult. But if we look at the Bucs' current roster and their needs, it's not all that sensible. The Bucs already have a lot of talent at defensive end, and in fact have three starting quality defensive ends on the roster: Michael Bennett, Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers. Unless the Bucs decide to let Bennett walk, which would be very stupid indeed, they have a surplus at defensive end and certainly not a need.
Moreover, Montgomery's quality lies in being a run-stopper, a hard worker, and a defensive end who plays with power. So basically, he's a lighter version of Michael Bennett at 245 lbs. If the Bucs need anything at defensive end, it's a pass rush specialist, not a run stopper who's okay as a rusher.
Also, something that annoys me: the Bucs don't have a need at right tackle. They could use a backup right tackle, but Demar Dotson really has been very good in his first year as a starter. Using a first-round pick on a right tackle would be a waste of a pick.
The Bucs have on massive, glaring hole on their team at cornerback. Unless they manage to fill that hole in free agency, I would be absolutely flabbergasted if they don't use their first-round pick on a cornerback.