By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers biggest need is for a pass rusher and no player may fit every requirement like Purdue's Ryan Kerrigan, who is visiting with the team today according to the National Football Post.
Kerrigan led the nation with 27 tackles for a loss, produced 12.5 sacks and forced five fumbles last season. At 6-foot-4, 267-pounds, he is the perfect 4-3 edge rusher.
Kerrigan started three years at Purdue and was a team co-captain as well as the Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year. Kerrigan is trying to shed the effort guy level. He was impressive with a 4.67 40-yard dash at the NFL combine and bench pressed 225 pounds 31 times.
The Bucs like to find players who were leaders of their college teams. Gerald McCoy, Roy Miller and Kyle Moore all were team captains.
Kerrigan already has visited the Buffalo Bills and worked out for the Atlanta Falcons. He has visits scheduled with San Diego, Washington, Jets and Falcons.
It's unlikely Kerrigan would still be available when the Bucs select 20th overall, but they always could attempt to move up in the draft for the right player.