NFL Draft Results 2017: Buccaneers trade up for Stevie Tu’ikolovatu

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have traded up in the seventh round, giving up their 2018 seventh-round pick in addition to this year’s 237th overall pick in exchange for the Miami Dolphins’ 218th overall pick.

The Bucs used that pick to select defensive tackle Stevie Tu'ikolovatu from USC. At 6’1”, 331 lbs. he’s a massive defensive tackle who fits defensive coordinator Mike Smith’s preference for bigger defensive linemen. He should fit as a run-stuffing nose tackle in the Bucs’ defense.

Here’s what Lance Zierlein had to say about him.

Left Utah to earn more playing time at USC and it seemed to pay dividends. With a jarring punch that sets him up for success, he is able to get rid of blockers for quick wins and is a productive tackler once he's free.

Check out our USC blog Conquest Chronicles for more notes on the big guy, too.

One curious note: Tu’ikolovatu is 26 years old and married, having gone on a two-year Mormon mission in the Philippines. He played most of his college football at Utah, but transferred to USC for his final season to get more playing time—which worked.

With that, the Bucs draft comes to an end, having selected five players in seven rounds. Stick with us as we cover college free agency, which should start right as the draft ends.

Buccaneers draft picks

Round 1: pick 19 (19th overall) - TE O.J. Howard, Alabama

Round 2: pick 18 (50th overall) - S Justin Evans, Texas A&M

Round 3: pick 20 (84th overall) - WR Chris Godwin, Penn State

Round 3: pick 43 (107th overall) - LB Kendell Beckwith, LSU

Round 4: pick 19 (125th overall) Traded to the Jets

Round 5: pick 18 (162nd overall) - RB Jeremy McNichols, Boise State

Round 6: pick 20 (204th overall) Traded to the Jets

Round 7: pick 5 (223rd overall) - DT Stevie Tu’ikolovatu, USC

Round 7: pick 19 (237th overall) - Traded to the Dolphins