2021 NFL Team Draft Page

Defensive Tackle is another of the growing list of positions that will get attention with the last pick in RD1, depending on which of the many free agents can be retained for 2021.

The Big 3 (free agents) getting the most attention are stars WR Chris Godwin, EDGE Shaq Barrett, and LB Lavonte David. Next is a group of veterans who contributed mightily to the Super Bowl run: Gronk, AB, Ndamukong Suh, and Leonard Fournette.


What may tilt this pick over to Defensive Tackle is a less-heralded group of contributors: the lunch-pail reserve DLs Steve McLendon and Rakeem Nunes-Roches. McLendon took 40% of the team's defensive snaps; RNR played 45%. Even if Suh is brought back on a two-year deal, depth in the form of Daviyon Nixon will spell Vea and Suh in 2021, then emerge as a starter himself in Year 2. Daviyon's 0.90 TFLs per game played in his career is best in the Power 5.

Coke or Pepsi? Dunkin' Doughnuts or Krispy Kreme? Ginger or Mary Ann?

Shaq or CG?

There is robust discussion within Bucs' forums regarding who to keep.

• On one hand, keep Barrett and let Godwin walk. The rationale being that contributing WRs will be easier to find in this rich draft.
• On the other hand, Brady's the man, and he's spent a year develolping continuity with CG. Why throw that away?

There aren't any top-end EDGE players in this draft, and quite frankly, anyone that GM Jason Licht picks at the position won't be an impact player for a few years on. That being said here's my call: Godwin stays, Shaq walks, and EDGE is the pick.