Despite a stunning 23-13 loss to the New Orleans Saints that wasn’t as close as the final score indicated, the Bucks’ draft order remained unchanged despite the team’s winning streak ending at four. . Tampa Bay’s record fell to 8-8, but the Bucs reportedly retained the No. 19 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft at the end of Week 17. Tankathon.com.
All playoff teams selected No. 19 or higher, with Tampa Bay and Seattle tied at 8 wins and 8 losses. Meanwhile, Indianapolis, Jacksonville and the Los Angeles Rams all improved to 9-7 and are currently in the wild-card playoff round, with Buffalo also in the same group with a 10-6 record. However, the Bucks have the weakest schedule strength at .485, and if the NFL Draft started today, the Bucks would pick 19th and the Seahawks would pick 20th with a schedule strength of .515.
But depending on what happens in Carolina in the final game of the 2023 regular season, Tampa Bay’s draft position could change dramatically next week. A victory over the Panthers would improve the team’s record to 9 wins and 8 losses, clinching their third consecutive NFC South title. However, if they lose, the Bucks will fall to 8 wins and 9 losses for the second year in a row, and are likely to be eliminated from the playoffs.
A loss in Carolina means the winner of the Falcons-Saints game will win the NFC South, and Tampa Bay will need a lot of help to secure the NFC’s final wild-card playoff spot. ESPN gives the Bucks 1% odds of making the playoffs as a wild card at 8-9.
If they lose, the Bucks will move up significantly in the 2024 NFL Draft. An 8-9 Tampa Bay team could pick as high as No. 13, but a 9-8 team could be relegated to No. 21. This depends on what happens with the rest of the league in Week 18.
The Bucs had the worst record in the wild-card playoff round last year (8-9), making it to the playoffs as a lower-seeded district champion, but they still selected defensive tackle Kariya, so the 19th overall pick is not a bad position. . Kanshi is 19th. Kancey has four sacks this year despite missing all four games due to injury, and he has 10 tackles for loss, the most of all rookies this year, giving him star potential. It’s hidden.
Tampa Bay currently has a plethora of talent needs that could be addressed in the 2024 NFL Draft, with the Bucs choosing not to re-sign starter Baker Mayfield, who he signed to a one-year, $4 million contract last offseason. If so, he could become a quarterback. Mayfield has played well for the Bucs, but if there is a head coaching change in the offseason, the new coach may want to draft a quarterback in the first round.
This year’s draft includes Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema called it a “mega QB draft class” in an interview with Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds. Up to five QBs could be taken in the first round of the draft, including USC’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye, LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Oregon’s Bo Nix, Michigan’s J.J. – McCarthy and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. could be included.
The Bucs have drafted two quarterbacks in the first round in the past 15 years. Josh Freeman was the 17th overall pick in 2009, and Jameis Winston was the first overall pick in 2015.
The Bucks have pressing needs at other positions as well.
Florida State WR Keon Coleman – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Aside from quarterback, Tampa Bay has big needs that must be addressed either in free agency or in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Bucs could use a starting-caliber wide receiver to replace Mike Evans or use him as a better No. 3 receiver next year if the legendary wideout doesn’t re-sign in March. This year’s draft class includes Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., Washington State’s Roma Odunze, LSU’s Malik Nabors, and Florida State’s Keon Coleman, all expected to be selected in the top of the first round. , the receiver position is at the same level.
Tampa Bay could also use an upgrade at tight end, with 2022 fourth-round pick Cade Otton struggling as an inline blocker and not gaining much yardage on catches as a receiver. The 2024 draft class is a little weak at tight end, with only Georgia’s Brock Bowers considered a first-round pick.
The Bucks could replace Matt Feiler and Aaron Stinney with a starting guard, or upgrade Robert Hainsey with a starting center. But this year’s draft class includes a talented first-round interior offensive lineman who could move inside to guard at the next level, other than Duke offensive tackle Graham Burton. There is no one.
![Penn State Edge Chop Robinson NFL Draft Backs](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Robinson-Chop-Penn-State-Indiana-pressure-300x199.jpg)
Penn State Edge Chop Robinson – Photo Credit: USA Today
Tampa Bay could upgrade Joe Tryon-Soyinka in the pass rush and replace 31-year-old Shaq Barrett if he becomes a salary cap casualty next offseason as expected. Tampa Bay is likely to take Yaya Diaby, a third-round pick last April, but will need another starting edge rusher.
This year’s draft class has quite a few edge rushers, led by UCLA’s Laiatu Latu, Penn State’s Chopp Robinson, Florida State’s Jared Verse, Alabama’s Dallas Turner, and Washington State’s Bralen Trice. All are projected to be first-round picks.
The Bucs may need a starting inside linebacker or two, as Devin White and Lavonte David, who turns 34 in January, are both set to become free agents. Instead of re-signing White, the Bucks will wait and see what kind of market there is for David, who is the team’s top tackler and is having a great season.
Sarvosia Denis, a fifth-round pick in April, may or may not be a starter, but this year’s draft class lacks a quality first-round inside linebacker. This position is considered mediocre in terms of overall talent and depth.
The same goes for safety if the Bucks could use another starter to play next to free agent Antwon Winfield Jr., who is expected to re-sign with the team. Free agent Ryan Neal is a disappointment and he won’t be back in 2024. The 2024 draft class is a strong safety, but lacks quality talent. Miami’s Camren Kintjens and Minnesota’s Tyler Nubin are both considered the best players and could be drafted at the end of the first round.