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 Bucks have the No. 27 pick in most mock drafts.
pewterreport.com Let’s take a look at what the most popular mock drafts have in store for Tampa Bay next April.
No. 17 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia TE Brock Bowers
Baker Mayfield is finally playing like a legitimate starting quarterback. He came into his own with the Buccaneers. There is currently a lot of uncertainty regarding Mike Evans’ future, with the organization refusing to offer him a contract extension in return this offseason. They may need a pass catcher to pair with Chris Godwin and the rising prospect Trey Palmer. Acquiring Brock Bowers with the 17th overall pick would provide great value at a position of need.
27th – Tampa Bay Bucs: Washington OLB Bralen Trice
The Bucs have been valiant with new quarterback Baker Mayfield, so this mock doesn’t give them a quarterback. Instead, we’re going to help them in the trenches with a lack of pass rush production outside of Shaquil Barrett. Last season, Trice’s pass rush win percentage of 26.2% was one of his best in the FBS.
No. 27 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Michigan State IOL Zach Ginter
Michigan G Zach Ginter – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Tampa Bay is looking to get five of the best offensive linemen on the field. Tristan Wirfs is certainly one, and Luke Goedeke is becoming another. The addition of Zach Ginter will strengthen Interior’s offensive line.
No. 27 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Michigan State IOL Zach Ginter
Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke and Zach Ginter give Tampa Bay’s quarterback (whether it ends up being Baker Mayfield or someone else) a chance to succeed.
27th – Tampa Bay Bucs: Marson Smith, DT, LSU
The Bucs need new hall monitors. They need someone who can play in multiple alignments alongside Vita Vea and not be used as a human rag doll.
Marson Smith is still an inexperienced player considering he missed all but one drive of the 2022 season due to injury. However, his size and athleticism are an unfair combination.
No. 58 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
There’s a good chance Baker Mayfield will return, and this choice could look completely foolish by the time the NFL season ends.
However, Quinn Ewers could be a second-round pick worth taking after a few seasons of development in Tampa. It’s like going all in with a nut flush draw instead of a 7-2 offsuit.
Georgia C. Cedric Van Plan – Photo by USA Today
No. 27. Tampa Bay Bucs: Alabama Edge Chris Braswell
With Shaq Barrett turning 31 and returning from a torn Achilles tendon, and the jury still out on Joe Tryon-Soyinka, the Bucks could be looking for an edgy helper here. Braswell is one of the fastest-rising prospects in this class thanks to his five-star athleticism and massive production to start the 2023 season.
No. 58 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia C. Cedric Van Plan
No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Oklahoma State RT Tyler Guyton
The Buccaneers’ offensive line was weak and untested until the blowout loss to the Eagles. They will need to address this issue early in the 2024 NFL Draft. Tyler Guyton is a huge tackle with good helplessness for his size.
No. 52 – Tampa Bay Bucs: South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler
Baker Mayfield has been good so far, but the Buccaneers need a true franchise quarterback long-term. Spencer Rattler has great upside in arm strength and athleticism, but his decision making is shaky.
