The 2023 NFL season is not even halfway through yet, but the Bucks are far from the top five as many NFL experts expected in 2024. With Tom Brady retiring, most expected the Bucs to acquire USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Instead, the 3-4 Bucks have the No. 13 pick in the latest mock draft.
pewterreport.com Let’s take a look at what the latest round of popular mock drafts have in store for Tampa Bay next April.
No. 13 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Florida State WR Keon Coleman
I keep coming back to this pairing considering Mike Evans is playing in what is likely his final season in Tampa Bay. Coleman is a big rebounder on the outside.
No. 13 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Washington WR Roman Odunze
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense will be at a crossroads after this season. First, the quarterback remains up in the air. Baker Mayfield has played better than expected, but he still doesn’t seem like a long-term solution. He is also working on a one-year contract.
Mayfield could be re-signed to another short-term contract while the organization explores other options. In this case, that outcome seems the most likely, as the QB isn’t a strong option outside of next year’s top-10 pick.
Whoever starts behind center needs to know if he’ll be throwing to Mike Evans, the best receiver in franchise history (also a free agent after this season).
The Buccaneers should make a concerted effort to re-sign the best wide receiver in franchise history. They could also use the franchise tag to keep him around a little longer. Until that decision is made, the Buccaneers should look to add more at wide receiver.
“The Buccaneers love ball winners, and Washington’s Roma Odunze fits the bill,” Derrick Klassen said. “Although not as tall (6 feet 3 inches) as the towering Mike Evans, Odunze has many of the same skills. He is a long, physical outside receiver. It has both strength and speed, making it difficult to handle, especially in small corners.
“Odunze, of course, has an advantage at the catch point. He has great catch range, both when throwing out of bounds and when he has to stand up to contest the catch.”
No. 13 Tampa Bay Bucs: Washington WR Roma Odunze
The Bucks may have a number of needs in the offseason, so this pick is aimed at maximizing talent and value. If they can’t afford to re-sign Mike Evans, the need for a big, athletic pass catcher will likely jump to the top of the list, but Odunze is a top-10 talent and would be the perfect fit. .
No. 44 Tampa Bay Bucs: Clemson ILB Barrett Carter
No. 13 Tampa Bay Bucs: Michigan QB JJ McCarthy
The Buccaneers aren’t far from returning to the playoffs, but they need to find their quarterback of the future. Maybe McCarthy could be that guy.