The first wave of NFL free agency came and went this week, but the Bucks made some important work leading up to it and long after. The first involved re-signing wide receiver Mike Evans, quarterback Baker Mayfield, kicker Chase McLaughlin and linebacker Lavonte David. Teaming up with Antwon Winfield Jr. on the franchise was also part of an important internal move by Tampa Bay.
In addition to bringing back some of their big names, the Bucs also bring back running back Chase Edmonds, offensive tackle Brandon Walton, defensive tackle Greg Gaines, quarterback John Wolford and swing tackle Justin Scurll. The contract was renewed.
Bucks S Jordan Whitehead – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
There was also a new addition, albeit a familiar face when the team brought back strong safety Jordan Whitehead two years after he left Tampa in free agency. Cornerback Bryce Hall and Interior offensive linemen Ben Bredeson and Sua Opeta were also among the Bucs’ newest additions.
Therefore, with these re-signatures and new additions, The first big wave of free agency for Tampa Bay. Of course, more could happen, especially as teams try to find the best possible deal to maximize value and address remaining needs while staying within salary cap constraints.
But what does this all mean for the Bucks as they begin to shift gears heading into next month’s 2024 draft?
Tampa Bay still has needs primarily at center, edge rusher, and potentially inside linebacker, cornerback, and tight end/wide receiver. So what does the latest mock draft have in store? Let’s take another look at the latest Bucs Mock Draft Roundup. This is the post-free agency (at least early) version.
Bucs Post Free Agency Mock Draft Summary
Iowa State CB Cooper Dejean – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Round 1, Pick 26: Iowa CB Cooper DeJean.
“Todd Bowles’ cornerbacks are going to press and dig into the grill, but they also need to be able to put the pedal to the metal and get back into the zone and into the playing space. Cooper Dejean, with his speed and instincts, will work well on the perimeter of this scheme. He can be a fit, but he also has the frame and physicality to rotate and get into the frame.”
Round 2, Pick 57: Alabama EDGE Chris Braswell
“It’s basically a clean slate for Tampa Bay on EDGE this offseason, and Chris Braswell can help YaYa Diaby with his speed-to-power speed and active hands behind the arc.”
Round 3, pick 89: Texas RB Jonathan Brooks.
“Jonathon Brooks’ ultimate ceiling at the NFL level is questionable, but on the floor he is a scheme-versatile runner who can carve vertical lanes with his speed.”
Round 3, Pick 92: Kansas State OL Dominique Puni.
“Dominic Puni played tackle at Kansas in 2023, but his ability to play square has shown him to be very capable at guard and center. He can fit in wherever Tampa Bay needs him. right.”
Round 4, Pick 125: Baylor DT Gabe Hall.
Round 6, Pick 220: Auburn CB Nehemiah Pritchett.
Round 7, Pick 246: Limestone WR Jelani Baker.
Round 1, Pick 26: Penn State EDGE Chop Robinson.
“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, long known for their vaunted defense, cannot stand to see a player like Chops Robinson drop on them despite other pressing needs that need to be addressed. The Bucs pull the trigger with this 2024 NFL mock draft, packing a dense, explosive pass rusher with tons of burst, twitch, and a fierce first step.”
Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry Photo Credit: USA Today
Round 1, Pick 26: Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
“The Buccaneers traded Carlton Davis to the Lions, which made sense given Davis’ price tag and Tampa’s previous moves (re-signing Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans). Cool Aid McKinstry is not as highly regarded as his former University of Alabama teammate Terrion Arnold, but he has all the tools to develop into a solid outside corner.”
Round 1, Pick 26: Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
“On the first day of legal tampering, the Bucks traded a third-round pick to the Lions for Carlton Davis and some late picks, including Jamel Dean, Christian Isien (who was a pleasant surprise in his rookie season), A rotation that includes Zion McCollum will need at least one more corner. Dean is the oldest on the roster, but McKinstry has even more experience after playing college baseball at Bama.”
Round 1, Pick 26: Georgia OT Amarius Mims.
“With the run at edge rusher, the Bucs are in position to select offensive tackle Amarius Mims.”
Round 2, Pick 57: Utah EDGE Jonah Ellis
UCLA Edge Riatu Latu – Photo Credit: USA Today
Round 1, Pick 26: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu
“There are rumors coming out of Indianapolis that there may be concerns about Laiatu Latu’s medical. He has a long list of injuries to review and each team will look at Latu’s status differently. there is a possibility.
“Latu has top-class tape on the field and has high enough athleticism to make a bet on the NFL. He is only available here due to medical concerns, but potential rewards is well worth the risk this late in the first round.”
Round 1, Pick 26: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu
“Last year, the Bucks were below average in pressure rate despite blitzing at a league-high clip. Then they released EDGE Shaq Barrett for cap purposes. Last year, PFF’s Laiatu Latu, EDGE’s No. 1 player in college football, will make an immediate impact on a team looking to make the playoffs.”
Duke OL Graham Burton – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Round 1, Pick 26: Duke OL Graham Burton.
“Tampa Bay did everything they could to keep their best players, but the offensive line took a hit the past few offseasons, losing key players like Alex Cappa, Ryan Jensen, Ali Marpet, and Shaq Mason. Graham Burton has played left tackle, but he projects inside at the next level.”
Round 1, Pick 26: Duke OL Graham Burton.
Round 1, Pick 32 (via trade with Kansas City): Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson.
“With the retirement of Ryan Jensen, Tampa Bay is in dire need of a center. Powers-Johnson has a great anchor and quick feet, and his hand strength is evident. His pass protection skills have subtle There are times when he can get into trouble, but we expect him to be a good starter.”
