Darius Price starred at cornerback for Siena Heights University, earning NAIA All-American honors. He was also the top NAIA vote-getter for the Cliff Harris Award, which goes to the top defensive player in NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.
Price received offers from the Bears, Giants and Bills, but chose Tampa Bay because he and his agent thought it would be a better opportunity to earn a roster position.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound defensive back will move to safety from cornerback at Tampa Bay after an impressive showing in the College Gridiron Showcase in January and then another strong effort at the University of Michigan Pro Day in March.
Tim Hackett of SI.com said:
A 5-11 record in Dirk Koetter’s second year sunk the Buccaneers to their tenth straight season outside of the playoffs. Tampa had one of the league’s best passing offenses last season, but also one of the league’s worst rushing attacks. Embattled ball carrier Doug Martin is gone, but the backfield looks a little thin without him.
The defense wasn’t good either: The Bucs allowed the ninth-most points per game and most yards per game, despite Pro Bowl-caliber seasons from Kwon Alexander and Gerald McCoy. They’ve brought in Jason Pierre-Paul and Vinny Curry to potentially help the defense, while Chandler Catanzaro could be the next kicker through that revolving door.
BUCS 2018 NFL DRAFT PICKS
- Round 1 (12): Vita Vea, DT (Washington)
- Round 2 (38): Ronald Jones II, RB (USC)
- Round 2 (53): M.J. Stewart, CB (North Carolina)
- Round 2 (63): Carlton Davis, CB (Auburn)
- Round 3 (94): Alex Cappa, OL (Humboldt State)
- Round 4 (117): Jordan Whitehead, S (Pittsburgh)
- Round 5 (144): Justin Watson, WR (Pennsylvania)
- Round 6 (202): Jack Cichy, LB (Wisconsin)
Darius Price ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds with a 36-inch vertical leap. He had 21 lifts at 225 pounds and added a broad jump of 10 feet, 9 inches. His 21 reps would have been the third-most among all defensive backs in attendance of the NFL Combine.
His arms also measured 33.5 inches, longer than any defensive back at the NFL Combine.
As a senior, Price made 41 tackles, with nine pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
Images in this article is courtesy of Siena Heights University, NFL Draft Bible and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tune into our local and state sportscasts, anytime day or night, for this story and more.
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