Get ready for a number of 2024 NFL mock drafts in the first few months of this year. The latest wave of mocks has a number of needs addressed on both sides of the ball before the Bucks take on the Panthers on Sunday.
big changes are coming Whether Tampa Bay wins or loses in Week 18 won’t affect the team, but this game will also have a big impact on the draft position. What can the Bucks, currently sitting in 20th place, do to revamp their roster?
Bucks GM Jason Licht – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
Should they consider strengthening their offensive line? With left guards Aaron Stinney and Matt Feiler pending free agency and center Robert Hainsey playing at a supplemental level, there are several spots to shore up.
Or how about adding an offensive playmaker at wide receiver or tight end? If Mike Evans is re-signed, he and Chris Godwin could use another addition in the passing game, and they also need a No. 1 type of tight end to pair with Cade Otton.
What about defense? Elite pass rushers will transform defenses, and there are some realistic targets in this year’s draft. Add to that the likely absence of Ryan Neal, so Tampa Bay’s 32nd-ranked pass defense could look to shore up, especially with a strong safety.
That’s not even mentioning the most important position: quarterback. Baker Mayfield has actively participated in discussions about sticking with a new contract, but with a strong quarterback class, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to draft and develop another arm.
The latest mock draft is very interesting because there are so many things the Bucks can improve on. pewterreport.com Let’s see what they have in store for them when they host Tampa Bay this April.
Georgia OT Amarius Mims – Photo courtesy of USA Today
20th – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia OT Amarius Mims
In my opinion, Baker Mayfield’s recent play in Tampa Bay changed the direction of the franchise. The priorities this offseason will be locking up Mike Evans and upgrading the offensive line. With this in mind, Amarius Mims projects to be a solid right tackle in his NFL career.
No. 20 – Tampa Bay Bucs: South Carolina WR Xavier Leggett
Mike Evans is preparing to become a free agent, which will leave a hole at wide receiver for Tampa Bay. Xavier Leggett is an impressive physical specimen with great athleticism and long speed. The combination of him, Trey Palmer, and Chris Godwin would give Baker Mayfield a trio of talented pass catchers in 2024.
20th – Tampa Bay Bucs: Penn State EDGE Chop Robinson
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Washington QB michael penix jr.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will likely have a new coaching staff in 2024, meaning they are very likely to select a quarterback early in the 2024 NFL Draft. Michael Penix Jr. can make a lot of money for his performance in the College Football Playoff. Still, with so many teams in need of a quarterback, he should be drafted in the first round at some point. The fit and value here in Tampa Bay makes a lot of sense.
20th – Tampa Bay Bucs: Iowa CB Cooper DeJean
Iowa State CB Cooper Dejean – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Cooper DeJean offers versatility in the secondary as well as his return ability. Tampa Bay is in a good position to compete in a weak NFC South for years to come, but they need to inject more young talent into their roster. Cooper DeJean offers versatility in the secondary as well as his return ability. Tampa Bay is in a good position to compete in a weak NFC South for years to come, but they need to inject more young talent into the roster.
20th – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia OT Amarius Mims
If the Buccaneers aren’t in a position to land a franchise quarterback, they’ll need to give Baker Mayfield better protection.
Amarius Mims has received a lot of positive feedback from the scouting community. He has a great skill set and a lot of upside.
No. 51 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Illinois CB Tarveon Nicholson
The Buccaneers need to at least replace Sean Murphy-Bunting to shore up their abysmal secondary.
Tarveon Nicholson has some size concerns, but he should do well in the slot.
Penn State Edge Chop Robinson – Photo Credit: USA Today
20th – Tampa Bay Bucs: Penn State Edge Chop Robinson
Tampa Bay may have a number of needs in the offseason, so this pick will be about matching any of them with the best value on the board. In this scenario, it’s the depth of edge defenders that makes Robinson a bargain pick with the explosiveness and pass-rush polish that makes him the perfect successor to veteran Shaq Barrett.
