NFL Draft results 2015: Kwon Alexander taken by Buccaneers after trade

With the No. 124 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have selected outside linebacker Kwon Alexander of LSU. The former Tiger opted to forgo his senior season after a breakout junior campaign in 2014 when he finished as the team’s leading tackler with 90 stops.

Alexander earned second-team All-SEC recognition from the Associated Press last season, and was a key component of an LSU defense that led the SEC in yards allowed and ranked second in points allowed. He broke into the starting lineup as a freshman and played in 32 games during his three-year career in Baton Rouge, starting 23 times.

The Alabama native shined at the Combine, running a 4.55 40-yard dash that was the second-fastest time for linebackers there in Indianapolis behind Vic Beasley (4.53). Although he measured as one of the smallest at his position (6’1, 227 pounds), he did establish himself as one of the most athletic linebacker prospects with his blazing 40 time. Alexander participated in positional drills at LSU’s pro day, working as both a linebacker and an edge rusher.

His above-average speed, strong work ethic and outstanding athleticism should make him an instant contributor on special teams and third down in the NFL. If Alexander can continue to add bulk to his frame and improve his field awareness (one of the glaring weaknesses in his game, according to scouts), the outside linebacker has the potential to become a solid starter in a 4-3 defense.