College football season is just kicking off and getting into full swing - let me introduce you to 5 less obviously talked about prospects who the Bucs organization should be watching closely this fall.
IDL: Lee Hunter, Central Florida
A big boy who could provide depth behind Vita Vea, Hunter is a massive human with a 6’4, 320 pound frame and some insane quickness and burst at the 0 and 1 tech positions. He won’t flash as a rusher a ton, but is superb at getting across gaps and making plays in the run game. A day 2 type to watch.
EDGE: Mike Green, Marshall
No, that’s not current the current Bucs practice squad defensive lineman Mike Greene, it’s another one (and a better one, no offense Greene). A limited snap count player on Marshall last season, Green is a former 3-star recruit who initially joined Virginia before playing his first season with the Thundering Herd as a redshirt freshman last college campaign. A lanky yet strong presence, Green’s stack and shed ability is special for a player with his wiry frame and he has ample bend around the corner and flexibility to get after the QB. Ranking 1st amongst all returning FBS edge defenders in PFF’s run defense grade last season (90.5), look for Green to go from “sleeper” prospect to top 50 on draft boards in no time. All he needs is more reps and playing time; the sky's the limit.
LB: Lander Barton, Utah
Not so much under the radar anymore after making Dane Brugler’s preseason top 50 board, Barton is likely a Round 1 type candidate with freakish athleticism and strong NFL bloodlines (his brother Cody is currently a Denver Broncos LB). Reminding me somewhat of a prime Leighton Vander Esch, Barton is a true MIKE presence who combines physicality with plus athleticism and a great understanding of zone dropping in coverage. He might not be the typical blitzer Bowles loves at the position but man is he a good one.
CB: Ricardo Hallman, Wisconsin
Standing at just 5’10 (and that might be generous) without particularly long arms, Hallman is not the typical mold of a Jason Licht corner, but the ball skills and his understanding of route patterns in zone is too good not to throw him on here. Leading the FBS with 7 interceptions last season, Hallman is a tenacious and feisty personality who matched up surprisingly well (as well as anyone can) with now Cardinals stud WR Marvin Harrison Jr. in their match-up last season and isn’t afraid of disrupting much bigger bodies at the catchpoint.
S: Trey Washington, Ole Miss
Safety is perhaps the strongest and deepest position on the Bucs roster so I’m not going to waste time by putting a top 15 type player here, but Washington was a fun watch on 2023 tape as the only underclassmen starter on a pretty good Rebels defense and nabbed 3 interceptions. Look for him to make a name for himself as a Day 3 type pick this season.
College football season is just kicking off and getting into full swing - let me introduce you to 5 less obviously talked about prospects who the Bucs organization should be watching closely this fall.
IDL: Lee Hunter, Central Florida
A big boy who could provide depth behind Vita Vea, Hunter is a massive human with a 6’4, 320 pound frame and some insane quickness and burst at the 0 and 1 tech positions. He won’t flash as a rusher a ton, but is superb at getting across gaps and making plays in the run game. A day 2 type to watch.
EDGE: Mike Green, Marshall
No, that’s not current the current Bucs practice squad defensive lineman Mike Greene, it’s another one (and a better one, no offense Greene). A limited snap count player on Marshall last season, Green is a former 3-star recruit who initially joined Virginia before playing his first season with the Thundering Herd as a redshirt freshman last college campaign. A lanky yet strong presence, Green’s stack and shed ability is special for a player with his wiry frame and he has ample bend around the corner and flexibility to get after the QB. Ranking 1st amongst all returning FBS edge defenders in PFF’s run defense grade last season (90.5), look for Green to go from “sleeper” prospect to top 50 on draft boards in no time. All he needs is more reps and playing time; the sky's the limit.
LB: Lander Barton, Utah
Not so much under the radar anymore after making Dane Brugler’s preseason top 50 board, Barton is likely a Round 1 type candidate with freakish athleticism and strong NFL bloodlines (his brother Cody is currently a Denver Broncos LB). Reminding me somewhat of a prime Leighton Vander Esch, Barton is a true MIKE presence who combines physicality with plus athleticism and a great understanding of zone dropping in coverage. He might not be the typical blitzer Bowles loves at the position but man is he a good one.
CB: Ricardo Hallman, Wisconsin
Standing at just 5’10 (and that might be generous) without particularly long arms, Hallman is not the typical mold of a Jason Licht corner, but the ball skills and his understanding of route patterns in zone is too good not to throw him on here. Leading the FBS with 7 interceptions last season, Hallman is a tenacious and feisty personality who matched up surprisingly well (as well as anyone can) with now Cardinals stud WR Marvin Harrison Jr. in their match-up last season and isn’t afraid of disrupting much bigger bodies at the catchpoint.
S: Trey Washington, Ole Miss
Safety is perhaps the strongest and deepest position on the Bucs roster so I’m not going to waste time by putting a top 15 type player here, but Washington was a fun watch on 2023 tape as the only underclassmen starter on a pretty good Rebels defense and nabbed 3 interceptions. Look for him to make a name for himself as a Day 3 type pick this season.
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