Bucs add Anthony Nelson to pass-rush group

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have selected pass-rusher Anthony Nelson out of Iowa in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 107th overall.

An ideal 4-3 defensive end with outstanding length, Nelson will add depth to an edge group headlined by Jason Pierre-Paul, Carl Nasib, and Noah Spence.

Nelson had 9.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss in 13 starts for the Hawkeyes in 2018.

Prospect profile

School: Iowa
Height: 6-7
Weight: 271 lbs

Strengths

• Frame, strength, and length to line up at several different spots
• Explosiveness off the snap, active hands to keep himself clean outside
• Pushes the pocket with powerful bull rush and counters with push-pull technique
• Flashes a nasty long arm as part of power arsenal
• Change of direction shows with ability to flatten to QB at top of outside rush
• Uses length to control positioning and stacks, sheds to make plays in running game

Weaknesses

• Lacks flexibility desired in top-flight edge rushers
• Needs to develop inside counter move

Bottom line

Nelson is an outstanding reminder that bend isn't the only way to win the edge. With speed off the ball, strength and hand usage through his rush, and an ability to change direction at the top, the Iowa standout can be a problem for offensive tackles on the outside. Adding an inside counter to his arsenal could lead to some major pass-rush production in the NFL, complementing an already well-established skill set in the run game.