TAMPA, Fla. -- After taking cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III in the first round of the NFL draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quickly turned their attention to the defensive line in the second. In taking defensive end Noah Spence at No. 39 overall, Tampa Bay has selected potential risk and reward.
My take: It will be fascinating to see how this pick pans out. There’s so much to like about Spence. At 6-foot-2, 251 pounds, he’s a physical specimen with intriguing talent. He had eight sacks as a sophomore at Ohio State before moving on to Eastern Kentucky because of failed drug tests in 2013 and 2014. After he was drafted, Spence said football is his life and vowed to concentrate on his career. He blamed his past problems on immaturity, saying he doesn’t consider himself to be a bad person. The Bucs are banking on the belief that Spence has grown up. If he reaches his potential, he will fill a big need.
Boom or bust: Sure, this pick comes with risk -- lots of it. Failed drug tests and the arrest for alcohol intoxication and second-degree disorderly conduct last May can’t be ignored. Still, it will be interesting to see if the obstacles have humbled Spence. It’s entirely possible. The Bucs benefitted from believing in Jameis Winston last year despite the ample questions related to the former Heisman Trophy winner’s off-the-field character. If the Buccaneers’ read on Spence is accurate, he has a chance to become a defensive cornerstone for years to come.
Possible streak-buster: The Bucs’ situation at defensive end has been questionable at best in recent years. The last Tampa Bay player to earn 10 sacks or more in a season was Simeon Rice with 14 in 2005. Gerald McCoy, a defensive tackle, led the Bucs in the category with 8.5 last season. Spence will have a chance to make an impact right away. It will be a good sign if McCoy and Spence develop an instant chemistry on the defensive line together. Keep a close watch next fall as Spence becomes the latest in pewter and red to chase the elusive 10-sack mark.
What’s next: The Bucs have the No. 74 overall pick in the third round.