The Bucks have been winning for the past three weeks, which has lowered their ranking in the 2024 draft. Tampa Bay currently ranks 19th in the rankings. According to Tankasson. Not long ago, the team had risen to seventh place.
Bucks’ current needs heading into the 2024 draft
Bucks GM Jason Licht – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
With Baker Mayfield playing better and subsequent draft picks, the Bucs may not be in the market for a first-round quarterback. Rather, they could wait and take advantage of what should be a fairly deep quarterback class to combine a rookie with a returning Mayfield. Of course, how the rest of the season plays out and what the market does after that will determine general manager Jason Licht’s direction.
The Bucs are in dire need of a high-end pass rusher, and may even need to replace inside linebacker Devin White, or even have both David and Labonte quit. A safety to pair with Antoine Winfield Jr. and a new nickel cornerback appear to be needed on defense as well.
On offense, a new No. 1 tight end and an upgrade at wide receiver to follow Mike Evans and Chris Godwin could also be considered. A running back to complement Rashard White also shouldn’t be a first-round necessity, but should be in the team’s plans.
So, The Bucks picked late in the first round. What do their current needs look like and what do recent mock drafts mean for them? Let’s take a look at some of the latest ones.
UCLA EDGE Laiatu Ratu Photo courtesy of USA Today
Round 1, Pick 19: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu
“Rookies Kariya Kansi and Yaya Diaby have reinvigorated Tampa Bay’s pass rush this season, but the Bucs should look for another dynamic edge rusher here. Latu has top-five talent and record. , but his injury history could keep him on the board longer than he deserves. If he can stay healthy, he could be a great addition to Shaq Barrett.
Round 2, Pick 53: Minnesota S Tyler Nubin
Round 3, pick 84: West Virginia OL Zach Frazier.
Round 1, Pick 19: Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner
Round 2, Pick 51: Iowa State CB TJ Tampa
Round 3, pick 83: Texas QB Quinn Ewers
Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner Photo Credit: USA Today
Round 1, Pick 19: Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner
“The Buccaneers’ roster has been aging steadily since their Super Bowl appearance, especially along the defensive line. Shaq Barrett’s production has declined significantly, and it’s time to add strength to the group.” Dallas Turner is insanely explosive and could eventually develop into a highly productive pass rusher in the NFL.”
Round 1, Pick 19: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu
“Tampa Bay will probably try to figure out a long-term QB situation this offseason as well. So far, the team has struggled all season to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and they’ve had some trouble putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks on that side of the ball.” We need help. Laiatu Latu slips up a bit here due to his worrisome medical history, but he could be a top pass rusher for a Buccaneers defense that needs appearances.”
Round 1, Pick 19: Iowa CB Cooper DeJean.
“This is a must-have addition to the secondary for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Adding the talent and versatility of Iowa DB Cooper DeJean will instantly upgrade a Tampa Bay defense that has struggled to stop opposing passing games all season. Dejan’s athleticism and positional flexibility will allow him to play all over the field for Tampa Bay’s defense.”
Florida State WR Keon Coleman – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Round 1, 19th pick: Florida State WR Keon Coleman
“Mike Evans could become a free agent after the season. Tampa Bay is currently in the playoff picture, but no one expects the Bucs to do much damage. Add Evans’ draft asset. , bringing in a more affordable skill player like Keon Coleman could put the franchise on a healthier trajectory.”
Round 1, Pick 19: 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 gotten a lot of positive feedback from the scouting community. . He has a great skill set and a lot of upside.”
Round 1, Pick 19: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu
“Shaq Barrett is aging and Joe Tryon Soyinka hasn’t established himself as a leading edge rusher. YaYa Diaby is a young rusher to go with.
Latu totaled 49 tackles, 13 sacks, two interceptions, two passes batted, and two forced fumbles in 2023. He had 10.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 2022. Latu proved to be a dangerous quarterback hunter. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound player has very good instincts, athleticism, and use of his hands.
In Washington, Latu was plagued by injury issues and missed the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Due to a severe injury to his neck, former Huskies coach Jimmy Lake said Latu’s career was over, but after Lake and his staff were fired, Latu transferred to UCLA. Latu then resumed his career after receiving medical clearance from UCLA. ”
South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler Photo Credit: USA Today
Round 2, Pick 53: South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler
“Tampa Bay has acquired a young quarterback who could be a starter.
Rattler completed 69 percent of his passes in 2023 for 3,186 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He also scored four rushing touchdowns. Despite losing both games, Rattler played well against North Carolina and Georgia. At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, he showed great talent in 2022, completing 66 percent of his passes for 3,026 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also ran for three touchdowns.
Team officials say they see Rattler as a player with great opportunities. They love his great arm talent, instincts, athleticism, and unfounded confidence. They also like Rattler’s ability to improvise and write playoff scripts. The big blow for Rattler is his erratic decision-making. He made great improvements in his decision-making while at South Carolina. As a redshirt freshman starter at Oklahoma in 2020, Rattler completed 68 percent of his passes for 3,031 yards, 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions. In 2021, he didn’t play all that well for the Sooners and was replaced by Caleb Williams. ”
