Buccaneers pick corner Sean Bunting in 2nd round
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made Sean Bunting the third cornerback taken at the top of the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Bucs selected him 39th overall after the Arizona Cardinals took Byron Murphy with the 33rd pick and the Indianapolis Colts went with Rock Ya-Sin with the next pick.
Desperately in need of some corner help, new Bucs coach Bruce Arians went with the 6-foot-0 junior to potentially pair with Vernon Hargreaves III if Bunting can crack the starting roster.
Prospect profile
School: Central Michigan
Height: 6-0
Weight: 195 lbs
Strengths
- Ideal size and athleticism for his position
- Very loose hips and quick feet
- Has shown the ability to shadow receivers' release at the line of scrimmage
- Adjusts with the ball in the air and understands his opponents' routes
- Very good anticipation and reaction to the quarterback's timing when bailing
- Consistently gets in the way of throwing lanes
- Productive college player that didn't allow very many receptions
Weaknesses
- Big, physical receivers have given him trouble
- Inconsistent press technique
- Can get grabby when trailing downfield
- Could add strength to a thin frame
Projection
Bunting will likely be selected on Day 2, but don't be surprised if he's among the top cornerbacks in this class when it's all said and done. The All-MAC first-team defender could stand to improve near the line of scrimmage, but he offers the ball skills, instincts, and speed to thrive in zone coverage. Bunting likely needs a year of seasoning, but he'll be a hot commodity for many NFL teams.