Stevie

Tu'ikolovatu

Tu’ikolovatu was a seventh-round pick last year but missed his entire rookie season with a torn triceps. He’s too short for DC Todd Bowles’ scheme at 6'1/320.

The 2017 seventh-rounder needs surgery to repair a torn triceps. The Bucs could choose to stash him on injured reserve if he clears waivers, though ESPN’s Jenna Laine believes it’s more likely Tu’ikolovatu will be released with an injury settlement. The 27-year-old out of USC has yet to play an NFL down.

Tu’ikolovatu (6’1/331) spent only one season at USC after transferring from Utah, starting 12-of-13 games and logging two tackles for loss with a half sack. PFF College graded Tu’ikolovatu as the No. 2 run-defending interior lineman in this year’s class. Tu’ikolovatu tested as an eighth-percentile athlete at the Combine, however, and he turns 26(!) before his rookie season while offering zero pass-rush upside. At best, he’s a run-stopping role player who must leave the field on all passing downs.

After transferring from Utah, Tu’ikolovatu started 12 games for USC. He was graded as the No. 2 run-defending interior lineman in the class by PFF College. Despite the high praise, Tu’ikolovatu was a seventh-round selection because he tested as an eighth-percentile athlete, is 26 years old as a rookie, and offers zero pass rush. Tu’ikolovatu will be a run-stopping role player for the Bucs.