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Yesterday evening, the Aaron-Donald-to-the-Tampa-Bay-Buccaneers rumors heated up. Of course, they also made very little sense. Today, Jenna Laine weighs in with some conflicting information.
Was told by a trusted source within the Bucs organization that Aaron Donald wasn't in play at No. 7, for what that's worth.
— JennaLaineBucs (@JennaLaineBucs) May 8, 2014
Why this makes sense
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers already have a first-team All-Pro at defensive in Gerald McCoy, and Aaron Donald would either have to sit behind him, play out of his natural position, or play at his natural position while the All-Pro moves to nose tackle (which is not going to happen). None of these scenarios make particular sense for a seventh overall pick.
Moreover, selecting Donald wouldn't actually fill a need for the Bucs. They would still need a wide receiver and a starting guard, and could use multiple picks on both positions. And they want to add a quarterback at some point. How are they going to do all that if they use their first pick on their strongest position? One where they signed Clinton McDonald to a multi-year deal worth starting money?
Why this doesn't make sense
Because Aaron Donald is a perfect fit as a three-technique defensive tackle, and that position is the most important position on the field in Lovie Smith's defense. Donald and the Tampa 2 are a match made in heaven, and he'd be a disruptive force in a scheme where he can just get off and wreak havoc in the backfield.