TAMPA — The Bucs continued to stock their secondary on the the second day of the NFL draft Friday, taking defensive backs with both of their third-round selections. They drafted Auburn cornerback Jamel Dean with the 90th overall pick, then selected Kentucky defensive back Mike Edwards with the 99th pick The Bucs dealt their 70th pick to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for two selections late in the round. In Dean, the Bucs took their second cornerback of Day 2. They selected Central Michigan's Sean Bunting in the second round at No. 39 overall. Bucs general manager Jason Licht said that going heavy on defensive backs on Day 2 had more to do with the way the draft fell than was an indictment of last year’s secondary, but it’s no secret that the Tampa Bay defensive backs struggled to manufacture takeaways and the Bucs’ pass defense ranked 25th out of the league’s 32 teams. “You’re just always trying to get better,” Licht said. “And it’s not really an indictment on the guys who are here. It’s a long season. You guys have seen firsthand, throughout the years, the injuries start stacking up and our depth wasn’t where we’d like ti to be. We needed to add an infuse of talent. I really wasn’t happy with the play of the secondary as a whole last year, just because of the lack of depth and just because the way the board fell, at this point, we felt we still had guys that would eventually slide into starting roles or have the talent to do it. Competition is a good thing.” The 6-foot-1, 206-point Dean has good size and rare speed. He clocked a 4.3 40 time at the combine. Dean has had an interesting path to the draft, enduring three knee injuries over a four-year stretch. He tore his ACL and meniscus during his junior year upon committing to Ohio State, then tore his meniscus again his senior year. He was medically disqualified to play at Ohio State, then transferred to Auburn. He started two seasons with the Tigers, recording 30 tackles and 11 pass breakups in 2018 as a redshirt junior. “He plays a physical game,” Licht said. “He’s a really good press guy. He’s a really good tackler and he;s a really sharp kid, too, as well.” At Auburn, Dean played alongside Bucs second-year cornerback Carlton Davis, with whom he will now compete for playing time. “We used to work with each other after practice all the time,” Dean said of Davis. “We used to do recovery together. We used to do extra work together. Me and him being on the same team again, it really means a lot to me.” The 5-foot-10, 205-pound Edwards played all 51 games in his college career, including 44 consecutive starts. He ranked second on the Wildcats team in tackles (76), tackles for a loss (nine), pass breakups (six) and interceptions (two). While Bunting and Dean are more suited to line up on the outside, where they can use their size and athleticism to press opposing receivers and interrupt passes thrown their way, the Bucs see Edwards as a safety who can fly to the ball, disrupt the passing game and provide run support in the Bucs’ new 3-4 defensive scheme. “He’s a playmaker,” Licht said. “He had good speed, tough guy and just find a way to get his hands on balls and intercept guys. Any Kentucky guy we’ve talked to and asked them who you want to bring with you, it’s Mike Edwards. It’s simple.” Said Edwards: “I feel like I’m a ball guy. I love the ball. I love to get to the ball and taking away the ball. That’s what I harp on. Getting turnovers. If it’s fumbles or interceptions, whatever it may be. I’m a playmaker so I can help the team out next year as far as taking the ball away. Getting fumbles. Getting interceptions. Whatever it may be but I feel like I’m a playmaker on the back end." The Rams used the 70th pick to draft Memphis running back Darrell Henderson. Contact Eduardo A. Encina at eencina@tampabay.com. Follow @EddieInTheYard.<doc-sep>The first round of the 2019 NFL draft is in the books, but before we move on to previewing what’s ahead, there are some odds and ends from Day 1 to discuss. On Devin White: There’s some consternation among Bucs fans over this pick, and for good reason. Josh Allen, who racked up 17 sacks last season for Kentucky, was available and would have been an upgrade at edge rusher. Tampa Bay has been searching for a difference-maker at that position for a generation. Traditionally, edge rushers have ranked behind only quarterbacks in terms of positional importance. That might be changing. Quarterbacks have been neutralizing them by getting rid of the ball more quickly. Short passes between the numbers dominate the game. Linebackers are targets, and it’s more important than ever that they can cover. White can do that. “It’s because it’s hard to find a linebacker that can cover these speedy tight ends and even some big receivers and running backs — these third-down backs,” Bucs general manager Jason Licht said. “We think Devin can, so that’s really what was a big draw to him.” Tampa Bay’s pass defense last season was the third worst, according to Football Outsiders’ opponent-adjusted metrics. It especially struggled defending short passes, specifically short passes over the middle. It ranked as the second-worst defense against such passes (only the Cardinals were worse). On Montez Sweat: The edge rusher, who met with the Bucs at the Senior Bowl in February and visited them earlier this month, landed with Washington at No. 26. Washington traded its 2019 second-round pick (No. 46) and its 2020 second-round pick to the Colts to jump back into the first round and take him. That doesn’t seem like a high price to pay to move up 20 spots, which makes you wonder whether Licht submitted a bid. Surely, Indianapolis would have preferred a package built around, say, a 2019 second-round pick (No. 39) and a 2019 third-round pick (No. 70). Given the Bucs’ other needs, of which there are many, perhaps letting the draft come to them is the wiser approach. What’s next Now, let’s look ahead to tonight and Tampa Bay’s potential targets in the second and third rounds. The Bucs are in a good spot, as there’s a lot of talent left on the board at positions of need. Offensive linemen: Florida’s Jawaan Taylor, who was expected to be a top-10 pick, is still available. What a mysterious fall. Four tackles have gone ahead of him. Considering that the Cardinals, Giants, and Jaguars — who are in front of the Bucs — all could use a tackle, it’s doubtful Taylor lasts much longer. Then again, he wasn’t supposed to last this long. … If Taylor comes off the board, Oklahoma’s Cody Ford makes sense. Ford, who can play tackle and guard, blocked for Kyler Murray last season and allowed seven pressures. … Texas A&M’s Erik McCoy is listed as a center but can play guard. Out of more than 1,500 pass-blocking snaps during his Aggies career, he surrendered only one sack. … Keep an eye on Kansas State’s Dalton Risner, too. He allowed five pressures last season. Cornerbacks: The Bucs are perilously thin at cornerback. Vernon Hargreaves and Carlton Davis are slated to play on the outside, but what if one, or both, of them suffers an injury? Who fills in? Ryan Smith? M.J. Stewart? Last season, Tampa Bay allowed a passer rating of 110.9, the second-highest rating of all time. The soft coverage scheme was partly to blame, but so was a lack of depth. LSU’s Greedy Williams, Washington’s Byron Murphy and Temple’s Rock Ya-Sin are available. Williams, Pro Football Focus’ top-ranked cornerback, is the best fit. He excels in press coverage, which we’ll see a lot of in Todd Bowles’ defense. His ball skills (eight interceptions and 19 passes defensed over the past two seasons) would be a welcome addition to a crew that picked off only nine passes in 2018. Running backs: This isn’t a pressing need, but a pass-catching back could add a new dimension to the Bucs offense. Football Outsiders’ BackCAST projection model is high on Darrell Henderson. At Memphis last season, Henderson averaged 8.9 yards per carry and 15.5 yards per catch. He would be a value grab late in the third round. Texas A&M’s Trayveon Williams and Iowa State’s David Montgomery also have some potential in the pass game. What to watch for: Trades! The Bucs will enter tonight with two picks, one in both the second and third rounds. There’s a good chance, however, that they’ll end up with more. Licht loves to move around the board on Day 2. • In 2015, to get offensive guard Ali Marpet, he traded picks No. 65 and No. 109 to the Colts for picks No. 61 and No. 128. To get linebacker Kwon Alexander later that night, he traded picks No. 128 and No. 218 to the Raiders for pick No. 124. • In 2016, to get kicker Roberto Aguayo, he traded picks No. 74 and No. 106 to the Chiefs for pick No. 59. • In 2017, to get linebacker Kendell Beckwith, he traded picks No. 125 and No. 204 to the Jets for pick No. 107. • In 2018, to get offensive guard Alex Cappa, he traded picks No. 102 and No. 180 to the Vikings for pick No. 94. ICYMI: Coverage from Day 1 • Devin White will make the Bucs better, but will he make them a playoff team? Drafting White feels like settling for a safe pick. He’s the kind of solid, high energy player who will hold those around him accountable. He’ll probably lead the Bucs in tackles in 2019, and may get mentioned on some all-rookie teams. But will he make a big enough difference? By John Romano. • When it was their turn to pick, the Bucs didn’t flinch Despite the enhanced value of an edge pass rusher such as Josh Allen, Tampa Bay didn’t reconsider taking White. By Rick Stroud. • Five things to know about Devin White Among them: He’s bringing his horses. By Eduardo Encina.<doc-sep>Cornerback Sean Bunting became one of the highest NFL draft picks in Central Michigan University history on Friday when he was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round. The 6-foot, 195-pounder was drafted 39th overall, the third-highest Chippewas player ever drafted and the highest since offensive tackle Eric Fisher was taken first overall in 2013. TAMBA BAY, IM COMING!!!! — Sean Bunting (@MrSeanyB1) April 27, 2019 Bunting, considered one of the best press-man coverage cornerbacks in the draft, was the fourth player selected at his position in the 2019 draft. He was drafted earlier than most NFL pundits expected. Many had him being selected in the third or fourth round, but he increased his stock with a strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine on March 4, when he ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, which was the ninth-fastest mark among 54 defensive backs who participated in the drill. Bunting also was fifth among 51 defensive backs with a 41.5-inch vertical. “He has tremendous measurables,” ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick said after the pick was made. “He’s very smooth and fluid. He can flip, turn and run, and he can play the boundary. Tampa Bay needs cover guys and people who can shut down people on the outside. I think he’s one of the best athletes in the draft." The Clinton Township Chippewa Valley High School graduate was a first-team All-Mid-American Conference selection in 2018 after recording 37 tackles, including three for loss, two interceptions and two force fumbles in 12 games (11 starts). Bunting, a zero-star recruit out of high school started all 13 games as a sophomore, making 49 tackles. He also had five interceptions in his final four games.<doc-sep>TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 31: Quarterback Sefo Liufau #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers controls the offense during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Redskins on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) As the draft approaches, chaos is underway as the Washington Redskins are looking to trade into the top-five; get the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the phone. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers currently hold the fifth pick in this upcoming NFL draft and general manager Jason Licht has stated more than once that the team is willing to move down for the right price. Rumors have started making the rounds today in the draft community that Washington is looking to move into the top-five for what we expect to be a quarterback. Not only are there rumors about a trade up for Washington, there is even more smoke circling saying owner Dan Snyder is taking over the first round selection similarly to the 2012 draft where he traded up for former Heisman and Baylor QB Robert Griffin III. What would a return for a trade of the fifth overall pick look like for the Buccaneers? Back in 2012, Washington was coming off of a 5-11 season under then Head Coach Mike Shanahan and were in need of a franchise quarterback after rotating Rex Grossman and John Beck. Washington was slotted at the number six spot but knew it would take a top-two pick to land the quarterback they wanted. Andrew Luck was a lock to the Colts at the first pick so that left the reigning Heisman winner RG3 as the best quarterback on the board and not far behind Luck according to many at the time. Fearing they would miss out on what they believed would be a franchise quarterback for the next decade Dan Snyder decided to give up everything including the kitchen sink. Washington received the second overall pick, and in return gave the then St. Louis Rams a first rounder (sixth overall), second rounder (39th overall), and two future first round picks in 2013 and 2014. In total the Rams walked with a king’s ransom to move down only four spots, pocketing three total firsts and an extra second rounder. If Washington and Snyder indeed do want to move up to select their QB of the future whether that is Kyler Murray, Dwayne Haskins, Drew Lock, or Daniel Jones, it will cost them an arm and a leg to do so. To ask the Bucs to move down ten spots is a massive ask of Licht. If the Bucs were to agree to move down a guess would be it would take at least a 2019, 2020 and 2021 first rounder, a day-two pick this year, and if not another day three selection maybe they would be willing to take on a bad contract the Bucs want to unload. The Bucs are currently in a win now mode and a trade down would not only net more draft capital for possible trade but more importantly for future assets if they do lean towards a rebuild come seasons end. As the mayhem is set to begin, keep an eye on the Buccaneers as a potential trade partner with Washington.<doc-sep>
TAMPA — How many defensive backs do the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need? The answer: As many as it takes. With the selection of Central Michigan cornerback Sean Bunting, Auburn cornerback Jamel Dean and Kentucky safety Mike Edwards on Friday, Tampa Bay has picked a league-high nine defensive backs in the first four rounds of the NFL draft since 2016. It has picked six in the past two drafts. Despite their investments in their secondary, the Bucs allowed opponents to complete 72.5 percent of their passes last season, the second-highest percentage of all time. They also allowed a 110.9 passer rating, the second-highest rating of all time. Perhaps their new trio of defensive backs is the cure. When targeting Bunting’s coverage last season, quarterbacks completed 46 percent of their passes and posted a 41.5 rating. When targeting Dean’s coverage, they completed 42 percent of their passes and posted a 60.0 rating. Edwards is the most versatile of the bunch; he can cover slot receivers, blitz and defend the run. Each player intercepted two passes last season. After defensive backs tumbled down draft boards Thursday, teams snapped them up Friday. Bunting was one of 11 taken in the second round, the most since 2017. Tampa Bay, of course, made one of those picks: safety Justin Evans. Bucs coach Bruce Arians saw the run coming. “It’s going to be an intriguing day because there was no run on corners yesterday,” he said before the draft restarted. “Boy, there’s some first-round corners. People in the first 10 picks (Friday) are going to get really quality, maybe first-round players.” Wheeling and dealing General manager Jason Licht made a trade on Day 2 of the draft for the fifth straight year, sending the Bucs’ No. 70 pick to the Rams for picks No. 94 and 99. He used the No. 94 pick to take Dean and the No. 99 pick to take Edwards. Did Tampa Bay win the deal? It depends which calculator you use. If you go by the draft pick value chart devised by former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson, it’s a nearly even deal. If you go by Football Perspective’s chart, which more accurately reflects the value of picks, the Bucs come out ahead. Basically, they received $1.46 in return for their dollar. In 2015, Licht traded picks to acquire offensive guard Ali Marpet and later linebacker Kwon Alexander. In 2016, he traded picks to acquire kicker Roberto Aguayo. In 2017, he traded picks to acquire linebacker Kendell Beckwith. Last year, he traded picks to acquire offensive guard Alex Cappa. Around the NFC South The Panthers have checked off their top two needs. After selecting Florida State edge rusher Brian Burns with the No. 16 pick Thursday, Carolina traded up to No. 37 to take Ole Miss offensive tackle Greg Little on Friday. Little allowed 26 pressures over the past two seasons. With the 100th pick, Carolina took West Virginia quarterback Will Grier. The Panthers hadn’t drafted a passer since 2011, when they took Cam Newton at No. 1. The Saints, because of last year’s trade up for defensive end Marcus Davenport, didn’t make a selection until halfway through the second round. At No. 48, New Orleans selected center/guard Erik McCoy, who surrendered only one sack in 1,500 pass blocking snaps in his three seasons at Texas A&M. He was their one and only Day 2 pick. The Falcons didn’t have a Day 2 pick. They packaged their second and third-round choices Thursday to move back into the first round for Washington offensive tackle Kaleb McGary. They drafted Boston College offensive guard Chris Lindstrom with their original first-round pick. Cobb’s son announces 49ers pick San Francisco paid tribute to scout Reggie Cobb by bringing Cobb’s son, DeMarcus, to Nashville to announce the team’s second-round pick, which was South Carolina receiver Deebo Samuel. Cobb, who was selected in the second round of the 1990 draft by the Bucs, passed away April 20. He was 50 years old. He was a running back in Tampa Bay for four seasons. In 1992, his best season, he rushed for 1,171 yards and scored nine touchdowns. Contact Thomas Bassinger at tbassinger@tampabay.com. Follow @tometrics.