New England Patriots receive high grades in 2018 NFL Draft first round
Tampa Bay Buccaneers No. 12: Washington DT, Vita Vea
The Buccaneers landed the No. 12 pick in a trade with the Buffalo Bills. The Bills traded up to No. 7 to select Wyoming quarterback, Josh Allen. In exchange, the Buccaneers received this pick and two second rounders; No. 53 and No. 56.
With the 12th pick, the Buccaneers selected Washington defensive tackle, Vita Vea. With Vea in the fold, the Buccaneers have instantly upgraded their run defense. Vea is a mountain of a man, coming in at 6’4” and 347 pounds. He is immovable and a legitimate difference maker in the run game.
Vea has drawn comparisons to defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. His performance as a run stopper is his calling card, but he is no slouch as a pass rusher either. The quickness and power he possesses enable him to make a difference in both facets.
In his career at Washington, Vea compiled 99 total tackles, 15 tackles and 9.5 sacks. Vea will be a strong addition to a Buccaneers defensive line that has been reshaped this season.
In addition to Vea, the Buccaneers also acquired defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul in a trade from the New York Giants. They will join Gerald McCoy in what is shaping up to be one of the best defensive lines in the NFL.
The selection was a good one, but the trade with the Bills didn’t land them as much in the way of a return package that other teams landed in their trades.