Numerous mock drafts project former Alabama safety Minkah Fitzpatrick as the first defensive back off the board. Fortunately for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who had the league’s worst pass defense last season, he’s still on the board at No. 7. We’re sending pass-rusher Bradley Chubb to the Indianapolis Colts at No. 6.customized nfl jerseys cheap

Surprisingly, the Buccaneers won’t put Fitzpatrick’s name on their draft card. Instead, they’ll go after a cover corner with the skills to make a difference in the NFC South.

Ohio State product Denzel Ward isn’t the biggest defensive back in this class (5’10”, 191 pounds), but he’s a polished defender who can provide close coverage on the outside or in the slot.custom nfl jerseys

“Ward is very sticky in coverage,” ESPN’s Matt Bowen said, per Jeff Dickerson of nfl custom jerseys cheap . “He uses a technique that is called a ‘motor-mirror-shuffle-scoot,’ where you line up, square up on the receiver and quick-pedal. It’s very hard to teach. It’s very hard to execute. A lot of pro guys can’t do it. He’s excellent at it.”

Ward also has elite speed for the position. He ran a blazing customized nfl jerseys 4.32-second 40 at the scouting combine and should be able to keep up with any receiver in the division.

Aside from a premier pass-rusher, a lockdown cover corner is the most valuable piece a team can add to its defense. With this in mind, the Buccaneers make Ward, not Fitzpatrick, the first defensive back off the board.