The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might need at quarterback with the first pick of the 2015 NFL Draft, but Randy Gregory isn't afraid to put his own name into the Bucs' list of options.
The Nebraska defensive end closed a weekend diary entry with USA Today by endorsing himself as the top pick.
"I think I'm worthy of the No. 1 pick. I would hope anybody in the draft would want to be the No. 1 pick. I know how I am as a player. I know my potential. I know what I can do. I know what I bring to a team. And I understand that this position is a premium," Gregory wrote.
While FSU quarterback Jameis Winston or Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota figure to be the Bucs' options if they decide to take a quarterback with the top pick, it's not as though they couldn't use Gregory. NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt ranks a pass rusher among the club's top draft needs, as well.
And Gregory seems to know it.
"Everyone wants someone that can get to the quarterback. Everyone wants a quarterback. Everyone wants a left tackle that can block that guy that wants to get to the quarterback," his diary continued. "I understand the game and where it's headed, and I understand that there's a big need, a big demand. I definitely think I'm worthy. And I definitely think I'll show that at the combine and when I get out there in the NFL."
Gregory wrote that he weighs 242 pounds, a light frame for a 6-foot-6 pass rusher. Nevertheless, he is a strong candidate to be the first edge pass rusher chosen. It's a good bet that Gregory is keeping his weight in check to be as lean as possible for the NFL Scouting Combine next week to excel in the various speed and agility drills that will contribute to his overall evaluation as a prospect.
And it's the Bucs' evaluation that has his attention.
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