CBS analyst likes a potential Bucs draft target more than scouts

An article from CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco highlighted a group of prospects he values more than the consensus, and two defensive linemen stand out as potential fits for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kaleb Proctor and R Mason Thomas.

Proctor, at just under 6-foot-2 and 291 pounds, isn’t built like a traditional interior anchor, but his quickness off the ball creates problems immediately. He produced eight sacks last season and showed the ability to win against higher-level competition, including a two-sack performance against LSU, where he split double teams with pure burst. That type of interior disruption is something Tampa Bay has looked to pair with its front, especially in pass-rush situations.

Thomas, on the other hand, wins from the edge with speed and effort. He totaled 22 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks over the past two seasons, consistently showing up in matchups against NFL-caliber offensive tackles. His size limits him as a full-time edge, but his ability to pressure quarterbacks and hold up better than expected against the run gives him a defined role early.

For Tampa Bay, this comes down to identity. The Buccaneers still need more consistent pressure without relying heavily on blitzing, and both players offer that in different ways. Proctor provides interior quickness while Thomas brings edge juice.

If the Bucs are looking for value beyond the top tier, these are the types of prospects who could outperform their draft position and quietly upgrade the defensive front.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Draft: R Mason Thomas is held in a high regard with analyst