Dan Vitale drafted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Superback Dan Vitale was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 22nd pick in the 6th round (197th overall) of the NFL Draft on Saturday. He is the second Wildcat to be drafted, after Dean Lowry was taken by the Green Bay Packers near the end of the 4th round.
Vitale led Northwestern in all receiving categories during his senior campaign, hauling in 33 catches for 355 yards and 4 touchdowns. Over his Wildcat career, the Wheaton, Illinois native totaled 135 catches for 1,427 yards, and his 11 career receiving touchdowns are tied for tenth-most in program history. Additionally, Vitale picked up second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2015.
The Buccaneers had shown interest in Vitale leading up to the draft, hosting him for a private workout earlier this month. He also visited privately with the New England Patriots.
As the superback position does not exist in the NFL the Buccaneers drafted Vitale as a fullback, but he could also find snaps at tight end. He joins a Tampa Bay squad that finished 6-10 and in last place in the NFC South last season.
With pick #197, the #Bucs select @NUFBFamily fullback, Dan Vitale!
READ MORE: https://t.co/RGiqqKY6Bl#SiegetheDay pic.twitter.com/AdEzKStI7e
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@TBBuccaneers) April 30, 2016
Congratulations to @RealDannyVitale pick #197 to @TBBuccaneers #B1GCats are all so proud of you! #2016NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/E7oOz0Y9Sy
— Pat Fitzgerald (@coachfitz51) April 30, 2016
Just another step on the journey. Let's bring a Super Bowl home to Tampa! Can't wait to be a part of this team. #Bucs
— Danny Vitale (@RealDannyVitale) April 30, 2016