Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10 Targets in 2020 NFL Draft to jumpstart Tom Brady era

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots talks with the media during a press conference after the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

6 of 10

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL Draft (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

5. Marlon Davidson, DT, Auburn

Like so many other defensive coordinators in the NFL today, Todd Bowles runs a hybrid scheme. With any coach utilizing a hybrid scheme, there’s a need for hybrid players, chess pieces that can be placed all over the board and play their role well.

Auburn’s Marlon Davidson brings the versatility Bowles needs with the Buccaneers defense. During his college years, Davidson primarily played outside linebacker, where he totaled 6.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. In the NFL he’s not likely to play standing up — but the success doesn’t figure to stop.

The former Tiger does his best work at the point of attack. His strong hands allow him to destroy rush angles. He has a solid burst and flexibility when coming off the edge despite being 6-3, 303 pounds. The girthy big man ran a 5.0-second flat 40 at the 2020 NFL Combine.

As a rookie, Davidson can be used as a moveable lineman, a power rusher and someone to exploit gaps. On third downs, Davidson can line up next to Vita Vea with his hand in the dirt and disrupt as a gap penetrator.

Should the Bucs decide to wait on defensive line help, Davidson is a solid prospect for them. There’s no doubt that 4-3 teams will covet Davidson, so he’s unlikely to last past the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Home/NFL Draft