clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

NFL Draft 2015: Could Randy Gregory go number one?

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are widely thought to be heading for either Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota in the 2015 NFL draft. But what if they don't? What if, instead, they try a pass-rusher?

Randy Gregory thinks he's the best player in the draft, anyway. That's what he wrote in his Draft Diary for USA Today.

I think I'm worthy of the No. 1 pick. I would hope anybody in the draft would want to be the No. 1 pick. I know how I am as a player. I know my potential. I know what I can do. I know what I bring to a team. And I understand that this position is a premium. Everyone wants someone that can get to the quarterback. Everyone wants a quarterback. Everyone wants a left tackle that can block that guy that wants to get to the quarterback. I understand the game and where it's headed, and I understand that there's a big need, a big demand. I definitely think I'm worthy. And I definitely think I'll show that at the combine and when I get out there in the NFL.

Every top player thinks he's best-in-class, but I don't think he'll go that high. It's not completely unthinkable, though. If the Bucs don't like either QB, Gregory is a better fit for their defense than USC's Leonard Williams, who's widely seen as the top player in the draft. Provided they can't find a good trade down, drafting a pass-rush specialist is perfect for Lovie Smith. Gregory's a bit undersized for a 4-3 DE, but Smith loves those undersized speed rushers so that shouldn't be a huge issue.

Of course, there's one rather huge problem here: if they don't draft a quarterback, they don't have a quarterback worth starting. And if they don't have a quarterback, they can't win games.