Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Remaking the defensive line

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 29: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints scrambles out of the pocket away from Mitch Unrein #98 of the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

DT Mitch Unrein (from Chicago Bears)

He has made the rounds when it comes to the NFL. Defensive tackle Mitch Unrein began his career in 2011 with the Denver Broncos and was part of a team that won four consecutive AFC West titles. In 2015, it was off to San Diego but he lasted with the Chargers only two games.

Unrein would finish the year in the Windy City, reunited with former Broncos’ head coach John Fox. The seven-year performer remained with the Chicago Bears for the final 14 games that season and the next two years before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.

When it comes to Pro Football Focus and their rankings of interior defensive linemen, Unrein owns the No. 25 spot on the service’s list. But when rating his play against the run, there are only 13 players at his position with a higher number than the 6-4, 270-pound veteran. And that’s big news for defensive coordinator Mike Smith and a Buccaneers’ unit that failed miserably when it came to stopping the opposition on the ground.

One year after finishing 22nd in the NFL in allowing 117.2 yards per game rushing, Smith’s 2017 unit ranked 23rd in the league against the run and gave up almost identical numbers (117.5 yards per game). In a division loaded with top-notch ground games, Unrein is a very-sensible addition.

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