Top Edge Rusher Options for the Buccaneers in First Round of 2024 NFL Draft
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has not come close to meeting the expectations that come with being a first-round NFL draft selection. The Buccaneers released two-time Pro Bowler Shaq Barrett so that adds to the major search for more help in the position.
For any NFL defense, pressuring the opposing quarterback isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. And with the Buccaneers' edge rushers -- aside from last year's third-round pick, YaYa Diaby -- trending in the wrong direction, it's easy to make the case for edge rushers being the team's most pressing need.
With the 26th pick in the first round, Bucs' GM Jason Licht will have the opportunity to draft the highest-rated player on his board, regardless of position. That said, there are a couple of very talented edge-rushing prospects who may fit the bill, while at the same time filling a massive hole on the roster.
Let's take a closer look at who those players are.
Chop Robinson | Penn State
Oct 14, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Chop Robinson (44) celebrates following a sack on Massachusetts Minutemen quarterback Taisun Phommachanh (3) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Massachusetts 63-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Chop Robinson is a 6'3", 255-pound freak of nature. He's an explosive, twitchy athlete with the bend, speed, and power to eventually become a top-tier NFL edge rusher. Despite his elite athleticism, critics will point to his modest production at Penn State (where he amassed just four sacks and 15 total tackles last season) as cause for concern. But the reality is, Robinson just turned 21 -- he's more than two years younger than FSU's Jared Verse -- and his best days are ahead of him. With some improved hand usage, refinement to his technique, and by simply adding to his arsenal of pass rush moves, Robinson could maximize his tremendously high potential, and develop into a star.
Chop Robinson is expected to be drafted in the mid to late first round.
Laiatu Latu | UCLA
Oct 29, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Tanner McKee (18) is pressured by UCLA Bruins linebacker Laiatu Latu (15) in the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Unlike Robinson, Latu had no problem racking up stats this past season for the UCLA Bruins. He was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and led the Pac-12 conference with 13 sacks while finishing first in the nation in tackles for loss (1.8 per game). Latu is a uniquely talented pass rusher. Not only is he extremely crafty with his hand usage and impressive assortment of pass-rush moves, but he has a lightning-quick first step and a relentless motor. These attributes make him a very well-rounded edge player, with the potential to impact the game in all phases at the NFL level. The biggest concern with Latu -- and the only reason he might still be around when the Bucs are on the clock -- stems from his complicated injury history.
Laiatu Latu is expected to be drafted in the mid to late first round.
Other Options
The consensus top two edge rushers in this year's draft are Dallas Turner (Alabama) and Jared Verse (Florida State). Neither player is expected to be available when the Buccaneers make their pick at 26.
One name for Bucs fans to keep an eye on is Austin Booker from Kansas. He's very long, listed at 6'6", 245 pounds, with impressive athleticism. Booker presents a very intriguing profile because of his limited experience (just 505 college snaps), but also because of the incredible natural feel and physical abilities he flashed when he was on the field. He's like a basketball player with a massive wingspan and nasty spin move, among other appealing traits, but he'll need to add some bulk to his frame. At this juncture, Booker looks like someone who could be available for the Bucs in round 2. That said, he has a chance to skyrocket up draft boards if he puts together a really strong performance at the combine -- which I think he will.
Final Thoughts
There's no question that edge rusher should be a top priority for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason. The team may try and acquire an impact player via free agency, but they still have several of their own free agents who are going to require a significant financial investment to be retained, which complicates that avenue.
Assuming the Buccaneers don't make any splash moves in free agency, and one of Chop Robinson or Laiatu Latu are still on the board when it's time to make their first selection, it would be wise for Jason Licht and co. to jump at the opportunity to add a young, dynamic edge rusher to the roster.
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