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NFL Draft: 5 best landing spots for former Vol Kyle Phillips

By Billy Williford

COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 27: Kyle Phillips #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts after a call alongside Jake Bentley #19 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 27: Kyle Phillips #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts after a call alongside Jake Bentley #19 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 09: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 09: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4th NFC South 5-11

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers /

Buccaneers.com

What a year it could have been for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They began the season with a 48-40 win over with New Orleans Saints. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 417 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions.

However, then came a stretch of two four-game losing streaks where the Bucs defense couldn’t stop any offense. The Cincinnati Bengals scored 37 points in a three-point win followed by the Carolina Panthers dropping 42 points thanks to two touchdowns from Cam Newton and two more for Christain McCaffrey.

In 2018, the Bucs ranked 27th in total defense. They ranked 26th in passing defense and gave up a league-leading 8.2 yards per pass. Moreover, as you can imagine, the Bucs ranked near the bottom of the league when it came to rushing defense (24) as well.

What defensive ends are on the Buccaneers roster?

Here is a current look at defensive ends on the Buccaneers roster: Hunter Dimick (Utah), William Gholston (Michigan State), Demone Harris (Buffalo), Farrington Huguenin (Kentucky), Carl Nassib (Penn State), Patrick )’Connor (Eastern Michigan), Jason Pierre-Paul (South Florida), and Noah Spence (Eastern Kentucky).

There isn’t a lot to be excited about on from a pass rushing perceptive if you are a Bucs fan. Jason Pierre-Paul got to the quarterback 12.5 times last season, but he needs some help.

What picks do the Buccaneers have?

Round 5: No. 145

Round 6: No. 208 (from Eagles)

Round 7: No. 215 (from Cardinals)

With two picks fairly late in the draft, maybe the Bucs will take a chance on Phillips. It’s hard to compare any player to Pierre-Paul, but Phillips is quick off the ball and could help on the other side of the line.

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