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Bucs move up to grab injured LSU star Kendell Beckwith

Crystal LoGiudice / USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have selected linebacker Kendell Beckwith out of LSU in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Beckwith was an absolute force with the Tigers last season before tearing his ACL against Florida in November. The first-team All-SEC performer was leading the team with 91 tackles before sustaining the injury.

The Bucs could certainly use a tackling machine like Beckwith - they ranked 22nd in the league last year in rush defense, allowing 117 yards per contest. Beckwith likely won't be ready at the start of the season, but could represent a great value selection once he's ready for action.

Kendell Beckwith Bio

Position: LB
School: LSU
College Experience: Senior
Height: 6-2
Weight: 243 lbs.

Strengths

  • Patient when choosing his gaps and flies through when closing out on tackles.
  • Does a great job wrapping up ball-carriers with strong technique.
  • Great at disengaging from tackles and has the strength to power through opponents in the run game.
  • Shows a strong propensity to predict plays pre-snap.

Weaknesses

  • Recovering from a torn ACL suffered in November.
  • Struggles in the open field and with rotating in coverage.
  • Possesses subpar straight-line and sideline-to-sideline speed.

Combine Results

Event Result 
40-yd Dash N/A
Bench Press 20 reps
Vertical Jump N/A
Broad Jump N/A
3-Cone Drill N/A
20-yd Shuttle N/A

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