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5 Late-Round Sleepers the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Should Target In 2015 NFL Draft

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5 Late-Round Sleepers the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Should Target In 2015 NFL Draft

Bucco Bruce
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Florida State QB Jameis Winston is the current favorite to be selected No. 1 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With a potential franchise QB in place, the team will have several other holes to fill throughout the rest of the draft. Here's a look at some of the sleepers the Buccaneers should target on the third and final day of the draft.

5. Mario Alford (WR-West Virginia)

Mario Alford West Virginia
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5. Mario Alford (WR-West Virginia)

Mario Alford West Virginia
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With Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans on the outside, the Buccaneers should focus on adding a slot receiver in the draft. Robert Herron was drafted last year, but Mario Alford is an upgrade over the middle. He also has the ability to line up outside, but his true value is in the slot. Alford was overshadowed by Kevin White at West Virginia, but he still caught 65 passes for nearly 1,000 yards. He's also a threat as a kick returner.

4. Jamon Brown (OT-Louisville)

Jamon Brown Louisville
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jamon Brown (OT-Louisville)

Jamon Brown Louisville
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

After giving up 52 sacks last season, the Buccaneers must upgrade the offensive line or it won't matter who the QB is. Tampa Bay is hoping one of the top linemen fall to the second pick of Round 2, but additional help is needed. Jamon Brown is capable of lining up at right tackle or guard, but he needs to clean up his technique before he can compete for a starting role. He should be available in Round 6 or 7.

3. Brian Mihalik (DE-Boston College)

Brian Mihalik Boston College
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3. Brian Mihalik (DE-Boston College)

Brian Mihalik Boston College
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Another player who should be available at the end of the draft is DE Brian Mihalik. After the release of Michael Johnson, the Buccaneers' defensive line has gone from bad to worse. At least two picks should be invested on the line. At 6-foot-9, Mihalik offers great size and length for the position. The downside is he doesn't have any other above-average traits. Despite his size, he only recorded 82 tackles in four years at Boston College.

2. Sean Mannion (QB-Oregon State)

Sean Mannion Oregon State
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2. Sean Mannion (QB-Oregon State)

Sean Mannion Oregon State
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Even if Jameis Winston is selected first overall, the Buccaneers should consider drafting a backup. This would be similar to what the Redskins did in 2012 when Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins were both selected. Sean Mannion would likely begin his career as the No. 3 QB behind Winston and Mike Glennon, but with time he could develop into a solid No. 2. His experience in a pro-style offense at Oregon State should speed up his learning curve.

1. Za'Darius Smith (DE-Kentucky)

Za'Darius Smith Kentucky
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Za'Darius Smith (DE-Kentucky)

Za'Darius Smith Kentucky
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Not many college players have the opportunity to play in an All-Star game like the Senior Bowl or East-West Shrine Game. Za'Darius Smith played in both. The powerful DE was the star of the Shrine Game and he added two tackles, including one for a loss, at the Senior Bowl. He's not a Round 1 prospect like his teammate Alvin Dupree, but his stock is rising. Tampa Bay would be smart to select Smith with the fourth-round pick acquired from the Rams.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related:
5 Reasons Why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Should Not Draft a QB No. 1
Washington Redskins’ Interest in Marcus Mariota an Obvious Smokescreen

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