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Ranking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2015 Draft Picks From Worst to First

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2015 NFL Draft: Ranking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Picks From Worst to First

Jameis Winston Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had the No. 1 pick this year, and they ultimately made seven selections in the 2015 NFL draft.

Here is my ranking of Tampa Bay's 2015 draft class, from worst to first.

7. Joey Iosefa, FB, Hawaii-7th Round, #231 Overall

Joey Iosefa Hawaii
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

7. Joey Iosefa, FB, Hawaii-7th Round, #231 Overall

Joey Iosefa Hawaii
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Iosefa was a productive four-year starter at Hawaii, with over 2,200 career rushing yards (4.3 yards per carry) and 21 touchdowns on the ground. He could be Tampa Bay's starting fullback right away.

6. Kwon Alexander, OLB, LSU-4th Round, #124 Overall

Kwon Alexander LSU
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

6. Kwon Alexander, OLB, LSU-4th Round, #124 Overall

Kwon Alexander LSU
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Alexander was LSU's leading tackler last season, and he had the fastest 40-yard dash time (4.55 seconds) among linebackers at the NFL Combine. His lack of size (6'1", 227 lbs.) may bring an eventual move to safety, but Alexander should contribute on special teams right away.

5. Kaelin Clay, WR, Utah-6th Round, #184 Overall

Kaelin Clay Utah
Russell Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

5. Kaelin Clay, WR, Utah-6th Round, #184 Overall

Kaelin Clay Utah
Russell Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Clay was a productive return man during his lone season at Utah, and he has already been named Tampa Bay's No. 1 kickoff returner by general manager Jason Licht. Any contribution Clay makes offensively, at least as a rookie, should be considered a bonus.

4. Donovan Smith, OT, Penn State-2nd Round, #34 Overall

Donovan Smith Buccaneers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

4. Donovan Smith, OT, Penn State-2nd Round, #34 Overall

Donovan Smith Buccaneers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay immediately moved to upgrade the protection for their new franchise quarterback by taking Smith with their next pick. He is expected to start immediately, possibly at left tackle.

3. Ali Marpet, OG/OT, Hobart-2nd Round, #61 Overall

Ali Marpet Senior Bowl
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

3. Ali Marpet, OG/OT, Hobart-2nd Round, #61 Overall

Ali Marpet Senior Bowl
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Marpet stood out at the Senior Bowl against good competition, and he also tested well at the NFL Combine. He is the early favorite to start at right guard for the Buccaneers, but I think taking Marpet in the second round was a bit of a reach.

2. Kenny Bell, WR, Nebraska-5th Round, #162 Overall

Kenny Bell Nebraska
Eric Francis-Getty Images

2. Kenny Bell, WR, Nebraska-5th Round, #162 Overall

Kenny Bell Nebraska
Eric Francis-Getty Images

Bell finished as Nebraska's all-time leading receiver (181 receptions for 2,689 yards), and he did well during the combine (4.42-second 40-yard dash, 41.5" vertical jump, 10'9" broad jump). Barring something unforeseen, Tampa Bay has their No. 3 wide receiver.

1. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State-1st Round, #1 Overall

Jameis Winston Buccaneers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State-1st Round, #1 Overall

Jameis Winston Buccaneers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay needed a more capable quarterback, and just as importantly a face of the franchise. Winston fits that bill in both regards, as long as his maturity issues stay in Tallahassee.

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