Since the Bucs’ season ended with a 31-23 divisional round loss to the Lions on Jan. 21, much of the focus has been on the 2024 NFL Draft and how Tampa Bay can improve on a team that has far exceeded expectations. The crabs have moved on.
After months of hard work, everything is starting to get better with just two weeks until the draft begins.
As a result, a plethora of mock drafts have emerged to predict how things will pan out. Looking at what the latest mock drafts predict for the Bucks, it’s clear they could go in a number of different directions, with various prospects appearing on the radar who could step in and contribute right away. I am.
Needless to say, the biggest areas of need from an outside perspective throughout the offseason are along the inside offensive line and outside linebacker. The team has added depth in both areas with the signings of offensive linemen Ben Bredeson and Sua Opeta and veteran pass rusher Randy Gregory, but there are no plugs at each position in the draft. Andplay offers several possible opening day starters.
Bucks GM Jason Licht – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
But if the players Tampa Bay is interested in leave by the time they pick No. 26, They don’t follow the path of trading.that might be where things get interesting.
That could be utilized where more production would be welcome, such as a third wide receiver behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, or another cornerback to compete with Jamel Dean, Zion McCollum, and newcomer Bryce. It could be a case of simply signing the best player available. Hall and Tavierre Thomas.and you never know amazing draft day It may be available in stores.
To put all this into context: pewterreport.com We’ve compiled the latest mock drafts and who the Bucks are selecting.
No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Penn State EDGE Chops Robinson
Penn State Edge Chop Robinson – Photo Credit: USA Today
How about Tampa Bay as a team with Robinson, an attractive pass rusher and upside? The Bucs have just three sacks in two seasons from 2022 second-round pick Logan Hall and 2021 first-round pick Logan Hall. Designated player Joe Tryon-Soyinka has yet to break out (13 sacks in three seasons). Robinson had 9.5 sacks in his final two seasons in college, but his 18% pressure rate last season (sixth in FBS) showed he can wreak havoc without having to beat the quarterback.
Cornerback is also a position the Bucs might consider. Next up on my big board are TJ Tampa (Iowa State) and Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama).
No. 57 – Tampa Bay Bucs: West Virginia C/G Zach Frazier
Ryan Jensen’s unfortunate retirement due to a lingering knee injury affected the Bucks’ O-line plans. Last year’s second-round pick Cody Mauch started every game at right guard, but I think he could upgrade to center. Last season, he was 32nd in run block winning percentage (67.3%). Frazier was the linchpin of a West Virginia line that allowed just 10 sacks last season. He could be a center or guard at the next level. Frazier could have gone further, but he is still recovering from a broken foot he suffered in mid-November.
26th – Tampa Bay Bucs: Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson
No. 57 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Michigan CB Mike Sainristil
No. 89 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Clemson LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
No. 92 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Washington WR Jarrin Polk
No. 125 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Kentucky RB Ray Davis
No. 220 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Houston Christian EDGE Jayrix Hunt
No. 246 – Tampa Bay Bucs: British Columbia OL Giovanni Manu
26th – Tampa Bay Bucs: Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson
Oregon C Jackson Powers Johnson – Photo Credit: USA Today
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could use a true edge rusher, but their early draft capital is well spent on that side. With Ryan Jensen retiring and Jackson Powers-Johnson an easy early-round pick, the Bucks could have a long-term answer at the position.
Jensen is powerful and gets out of his stance quickly. He wants to be attached and double-teamed, and he can pull into space and find work. His mobility and physicality will be a great addition to this attacking line.
26th – Tampa Bay Bucs: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu
There’s a good chance a team will fall in love with Latu’s combination of production and pass rush polish and snap up him in his early 20s (or even teens). Considering his length, injuries, and speed concerns, there’s a chance he slips up a bit, and Tampa Bay could benefit from that.
No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Clemson CB Nate Wiggins
One of the slimmest prospects in the class at over 6-foot-1, 173 pounds and 4.28 speed, Wiggins is obviously really mobile and plays with instincts in coverage. The Buccaneers are in need of a perimeter cornerback after losing Carlton Davis this offseason. This also feels like quality value. Class A-
26th – Tampa Bay Bucs: Duke OL Graham Burton
Center is an issue on their line, so Graham Barton would work. He played tackle in college, but he moved inside. He could also play at left guard, which has its challenges.
No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr.
LSU WR Brian Thomas – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Even with Chris Godwin entering a contract year, the re-signing of Mike Evans makes WR more of a luxury than an immediate need. Still, Thomas’ talent may be too much for Tampa to ignore. What a weapon he would be for a Bucks offense looking to build on Baker Mayfield’s career.
No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Penn State EDGE Chops Robinson
I was going to say that WR Xavier Worthy should be the pick here, but if you think about it, Trey Palmer showed enough ability in his rookie season to continue in the burner role. And with Shaq Barrett gone, they need to find someone who can rush the quarterback. I would be happy if they could land Robinson in this spot.
26th – Tampa Bay Bucs: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu
UCLA EDGE Laiatu Ratu – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Latu has a strong case for EDGE1 in this class, but will likely end up getting a third EDGE1 on draft night. His grade of 96.3 points last season not only led all players in the country. This was the best season by a Power Five player since PFF began ranking college football in 2014. Tampa Bay should be rushing this card in after releasing Shaquil Barrett this offseason.
No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Clemson CB Nate Wiggins
Wiggins has the tools to be an impact cornerback starting in the first round. His athleticism and competitiveness are never in question. These two traits should allow him to be a long-term starter.
