NFL Draft: Grading each 2018 first-round pick after Week 11

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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Vita Vea of Washington poses after being picked #12 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Vita Vea, NT

When on the clock at No. 12, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went for some bulk on their defensive line. They had already picked up Jason Pierre-Paul in the offseason from the New York Giants in an effort to shore up what they felt was their greatest weakness.

Now, they went for an interior defender they felt could help everyone around them. The selection was Vita Vea, the massive 6-5, 347-pound nose tackle. During his time with the Washington Huskies, Vea proved he’s more than just a big body though.

The big man showed the ability to penetrate the backfield like a three-technique while still being a monster in the run game. He moves like a man much smaller than his size indicates, but the Bucs had to wait to see him on the field as he started the year injured.

Eventually, he made his debut, but so far has been very limited in impact. In seven games, Vea has just three tackles and one sack. While he’s still very young, these aren’t the kind of numbers the Bucs had in mind. Then again, this entire season is nothing like what they had in mind.

Grade: D

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