With the NFL Combine concluding over the weekend, the NFL Draft season has officially begun. I realize that we still have free agency coming up in less than two weeks, but I don’t see the Bucs being too active in it besides trying to re-sign their own players. I’ve put out a couple of mock drafts now, but I thought that I would put together a list of players the Bucs showed some interest in at the Combine and also a few that I really like in the draft as well. Here we go, in no particular order of importance.
QB
The Buccaneers quarterback situation is completely up in the air right now but should be settled within the next week or two. I see only one of three things happening. Either one, the Bucs re-sign Jameis Winston to a multi-year deal. Two, they sign Tom Brady in free agency and let Jameis walk. Or three, they end up with neither and their QB situation is left in limbo leaving them no choice but to draft one early in April. No matter what happens, they could be taking one at some point in this draft so here are a few that fit the needs of Arians offense.
*Jordan Love, Utah State*
Projected Round: 1
6’4″/ 225lbs, 4.74 forty
26 games, 63% comp, 6,969 yards, 52 TDs, 23 INTs
Ideal size, cannon for an arm, good mobility, above-average athleticism
Jacob Eason, Washington
Projected Round: 1-2
6’6″/ 227lbs, 4.89 forty
26 games, 60% comp, 5,590 yards, 39 TDs, 16 INTs
Rocket launcher arm, good pocket awareness, very poised, ability to extend plays with his legs, great size
Nate Stanley, Iowa
Projected Round: 4-6
6’4″/ 243lbs, 4.81 forty
39 games, 58% comp, 8,297 yards, 68 TDs, 23 INTs
Traditional pocket passer ran a pro-style offense in college
RB
Ronald Jones seems poised to take over the primary role in the Bucs backfield, but they could still stand to add some more talent back there. They need a dual-threat runner/receiver that they can use as a third-down back, so here’s a list of backs in this draft that fit the bill.
D’Andre Swift, Georgia
Projected Round: 1
5’9″/ 215lbs, 4.48 forty
43 games, 440 att, 2,885 rush yards, 6.6 ypc, 73 rec, 666 rec yards, 25 TDs
Rare athleticism, a game-breaking playmaker, excellent feet and vision, explosive speed, Christian McCaffrey type skillset
Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
Projected Round: 1-2
5’11″/ 220lbs, 4.39 forty
41 games, 926 att, 6,174 rush yards, 6.7 ypc, 42 rec, 407 rec yards, 55 TDs
Size, power, and speed, smooth runner, elusive, patient and decisive as a runner, good vision
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU
Projected Round: 2-3
5’8″/ 210lbs, 4.60 forty
28 games, 361 att, 2,103 rush yards, 5.7 ypc, 66 rec, 549 rec yards, 24 TDs
Natural runner, good vision and balance, compact and powerful frame, shifty and quick, solid route runner
JK Dobbins, Ohio State
Projected Round: 2-3
5’10″/ 217lbs
42 games, 725 att, 4,459 rush yards, 6.2 ypc, 71 rec, 645 rec yards, 43 TDs
Wonderful vision and decision making ability, a smooth runner with attacking style, solid pass protector and pass-catcher out of the backfield
Cam Akers, Florida State
Projected Round: 2-3
5’11″/ 212lbs, 4.47 forty
36 games, 586 att, 2,875 rush yards, 4.9 ypc, 69 rec, 486 rec yards, 34 TDs
Tough downhill runner, solid ability and instincts in pass protection, good long speed
Zack Moss, Utah
Projected Round: 2-3
5’10″/ 222lbs, 4.65 forty
45 games, 712 att, 4,067 rush yards, 5.7 ypc, 66 rec, 685 rec yards, 41 TDs
Strong lower body, good instincts, proactive athleticism, solid body control, and balance, decisive runner
Antonio Gibson, Memphis
Projected Round: 4-5
6’2″/ 220lbs, 4.39 forty
19 games, 33 att, 369 rush yards, 11.2 ypc, 44 rec, 1,203 rec yards, 19.6 ypc, 14 TDs
Tremendous open-field athlete, elite returner vision, explosive, slasher-type runner, homerun hitter with second-level speed, versatility, wide receiver ability out of the backfield
Jonathan Ward, Central Michigan
Projected Round: 5-6
6’/ 202lbs
42 games, 473 att, 2,544 rush yards, 5.4 ypc, 98 rec, 909 rec yards, 32 TDs
A natural receiver, good size, explosive playmaking ability, plays with good pad level and balance, accelerates up to speed quickly
Anthony McFarland, Maryland
Projected Round: 5-6
5’9″/ 200lbs, 4.4 forty
23 games, 245 att, 1,648 rush yards, 6.7 ypc, 24 rec, 199 rec yards, 13 TDs
Speedy and elusive, slippery runner, elite acceleration, big play waiting to happen, dynamic cutter, thrives in space, lightning in a bottle
Javon Leake, Maryland
Projected Round: 5-6
6’/ 215lbs, 4.65 forty
30 games, 145 att, 1,144 rush yards, 7.9 ypc, 17 TDs
Good vision, short-range burst with long-range speed, patient runner, outstanding kick returner
DeeJay Dallas, Miami
Projected Round: 5-6
5’10″/ 215lbs, 4.58 forty
33 games, 265 att, 1,527 rush yards, 5.8 ypc, 28 rec, 317 rec yards, 19 TDs
Stout strong build, balanced and powerful at the point of attack, willing physical blocker in pass pro
JaMycal Hasty, Baylor
Projected Round: 5-6
5’9″/ 205lbs, 4.55 forty
45 games, 386 att, 1,998 rush yards, 5.2 ypc, 79 rec, 485 rec yards, 16 TDs
Sprinter background, physical no-nonsense runner, good decisiveness and vision, highly active as a pass catcher and an effective blocker
OT
This might be the biggest position of need on the team. Last year’s starting right tackle Demar Dotson is a free agent and if they do re-sign him, it will be as a reserve, not the starter. They need to get younger and stronger at that position so look for them to use an early-round pick to grab one. Here’s a list of some of the best in the draft, as well as some others that the Bucs have shown interest in.
Mekhi Becton, Louisville
Projected Round: Top 15
6’7″/ 364lbs, 5.1 forty, 23 bench reps
Devastating raw power, ridiculous reach, more foot speed and lateral mobility than expected for his size, maulers mentality, powerful anchor, good body control and balance for his size
Jedrick Wills, Alabama
Projected Round: Top 15
6’4″/ 312lbs, 5.05 forty, 34.5″ vert, 113″ broad, 4.84 shuttle
Dominant functional strength, heavy hands and stout anchor, unbreakable grip strength, punches with excellent timing and placement, polished footwork, finisher’s mentality, and a road grader
Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
Projected Round: Top 20
6’5″/ 320lbs, 4.85 forty, 24 bench reps, 36.5″ vert, 121″ broad, 7.65 3-cone, 4.68 shuttle
Highly impressive mobility, body control, and functional strength, good foot speed, explosive mover, game over grip strength
Andrew Thomas, Georgia
Projected Round: Top 15
6’5″/ 315lbs, 5.22 forty, 21 bench reps, 30.5 vert, 109″ broad, 7.58 3-cone, 4.66 shuttle
Good athleticism, physical and strong at the point of attack, powerful worker, true bruiser, an above-average athlete for his size
Prince Tega Wanogho, Auburn
Projected Round: 1-2
6’5″/ 310lbs
Explosive and fast for an offensive tackle, basketball background, impressive athleticism, excellent reach, dynamic booming power, terrific short-area movement skills
Josh Jones, Houston
Projected Round: 2-3
6’5″/ 320lbs, 5.27 forty, 24 bench reps, 28.5 vert, 109″ broad
Ideal physical traits, good mobility and athletic ability for size, still raw
Austin Jackson, USC
Projected Round: 2-3
6’6″/ 322lbs, 5.07 forty, 27 bench reps, 31″ vert, 115″ broad, 7.95 3-cone
An intriguing blend of length and mobility, good overall athleticism, very raw
Matt Peart, Connecticut
Projected Round: 2-3
6’7″/ 318lbs, 5.06 forty, 26 bench reps, 30″ vert, 113″ broad, 8.01 3-cone, 4.92 shuttle
Immense size, giant wingspan, light on his feet, has a nasty streak, basketball background athleticism, versatility as a guard and tackle
Lucas Niang, Texas Christian
Projected Round: 3-4
6’6″/ 315lbs
Big athletic powerful blocker, unexpected mobility for his size, violent hands, massive human being, long reach and stout anchor, explosive burst out of stance
G/C
The Bucs have two reserve guards hitting free agency this off-season, so adding some depth to the interior o-line could be on the Bucs agenda at some point during the draft. Here are a few options at guard and center.
Lloyd Cushenberry III, LSU (C)
Projected Round: 2-3
6’3″/ 312lbs, 5.23 forty, 25 bench reps
Rare length for a center, outstanding grip strength, unquestioned leadership, dynamic run blocker, polished technician, functional strength is plentiful, finisher’s mentality
Nick Harris, Washington (C)
Projected Round: 3-4
6’1″/ 302lbs, 5.1 forty, 20 bench reps, 29.5″ vert, 103″ broad
Excellent athleticism, sound technician, a solid understanding of defenses and a good communicator, squatty powerful build, active hands, and feet, explosive out of stance
John Simpson, Clemson (G)
Projected Round: 3-4
6’4″/ 320lbs, 5.24 forty, 34 bench reps, 30″ vert, 107″ broad, 8.03 3-cone, 4.87 shuttle
Violent heavy hands, nasty mean streak, natural strength with upper and lower body power, an absolute bulldozer, plays like a bully
Robert Hunt, La-LaFayette
Projected Round: 3-4
6’5″/ 323lbs
Big and powerful, a nasty run blocker, versatility at both guard and tackle, good mobility for size, outstanding grip strength, 4-year starter, massive size, plays with an edge
Ben Bartch, St. John’s (G)
Projected Round: 3-4
6’6″/ 310lbs
Very heavy hands, devastating finisher, great play awareness, high football IQ, good overall athleticism for size, small school prospect, dominant against D-III competition
Damien Lewis, LSU (G)
Projected Round: 4-5
6’2″/ 327lbs, 5.24 forty, 27 bench reps, 30″ vert, 108″ broad
Decent foot speed and power, functional strength with natural power
Darryl Williams, Mississippi State (G/C)
Projected Round: 4-5
6’2″/ 305lbs, 5.23 forty, 23 bench reps, 25.5″ vert, 102″ broad, 7.88 3-cone, 4.76 shuttle
Smart tough player, great grip strength, versatility at both guard and center, considered a developmental project
DT
This could end up being a big draft need depending on how free agency goes with Ndamukong Suh and Beau Allen. If they are both re-signed, then DT won’t be much of a priority. If they’re not, it will be a target in the first or second round. Here are a few players that would fit nicely in Todd Bowles scheme.
Derrick Brown, Auburn
Projected Round: Top 15
6’5″/ 326lbs, 5.16 forty, 28 bench reps, 27″ vert, 108″ broad, 8.22 3-cone, 4.79 shuttle
45 games, 170 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 8 passes defended, 5 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries
Very good athlete for his size, schematic versatility and true positional flexibility, serious power, virtually unmovable by single players, extremely disruptive, excellent bullrush, a dynamic defensive playmaker.
Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
Projected Round: Top 20
6’5″/ 324lbs
29 games, 82 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 8 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries
Explosive out of stance, one-gap penetrator, dominates with power and quickness, good reactive athleticism, a disruptive play wrecker, very good get off
Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma
Projected Round: 2-3
6’2″/ 305lbs, 4.79 forty, 23 bench reps, 7.97 3-cone, 5.01 shuttle
46 games, 147 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles
First step quickness, active hands, has a variety of pass rush moves, plays with great leverage, can be disruptive at times.
Ross Blacklock, TCU
Projected Round: 2-3
6’3″/ 290lbs, 4.9 forty, 29″ vert, 107″ broad, 7.77 3-cone, 4.67 shuttle
24 games, 67 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks
Power, size and motor, outstanding hand placement, and timing, plays like a bully, physically talented, very athletic, a violent finisher, light on his feet.
Raekwon Davis, Alabama
Projected Round: 2-3
6’6″/ 310lbs, 5.12 forty, 24 bench reps, 28″ vert, 111″ broad, 7.95 3-cone, 4.86 shuttle
43 games, 175 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks
Serious power and length, incredible wingspan, good movement skills, impressive initial explosiveness, outworks, and outhustles blockers, plenty of functional athleticism.
Marlon Davidson, Auburn
Projected Round: 2-3
6’3″/ 303lbs, 5.04 forty, 21 bench reps
50 games, 174 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 9 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles
Sledgehammers for hands, relentless motor, 4-year starter, quick first step, a nearly immovable object, great size, strength and athleticism, short-area explosiveness, schematic and positional versatility.
Rashard Lawrence, LSU
Projected Round: 3-4
6’2″/ 302lbs, 5.07 forty, 22 bench reps, 8.03 3-cone
39 games, 120 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 7 passes defended
Good athlete, schematic versatility, can be an absolute play wrecker.
DE
Again, the priority for this position will be determined by what happens in free agency with Shaq Barrett, Carl Nassib and Jason Pierre-Paul. It looks like the team will be placing the franchise tag on Barrett, so if they can also re-sign JPP and maybe Nassib too, this would just be a luxury pick for added depth. Here are some guys that could work.
K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU
Projected Round: Top 20
6’3″/ 254lbs
24 games, 92 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 4 passes defended
Thickly built frame, great size, and length, excellent mobility, smooth and explosive out of stance, exceptional first step and closing burst, long arms and heavy hands, has a freaky bend, a nonstop motor, dynamic edge defender, incredibly high ceiling.
AJ Epenesa, Iowa
Projected Round: Top 20
6’5″/ 275lbs, 5.04 forty, 17 bench reps, 32.5″ vert, 117″ broad, 7.34 3-cone, 4.46 shuttle
37 games, 101 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 26.5 sacks, 7 passes defended, 9 forced fumbles
Exceptional length and overwhelming power, heavy hands, a devastating bullrush, great speed to power, dynamic defensive playmaker, very sound technician, super effective at defending the run, a strong anchor.
Jason Strowbridge, North Carolina
Projected Round: 4-5
6’4″/ 275lbs, 4.89 forty, 26 bench reps, 31″ vert, 113″ broad, 7.45 3-cone, 4.37 shuttle
42 games, 123 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 3 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries
Swift mover, versatile player, flashy quickness, very good length, more of a high-upside developmental player.
DJ Wonnum, South Carolina
Projected Round: 4-5
6’5″/ 260lbs, 4.73 forty, 20 bench reps, 34.5″ vert, 123″ broad, 7.25 3-cone, 4.44 shuttle
41 games, 137 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, 5 passes defended
Named team captain as a sophomore, relentless worker, powerful player with active hands and arms, has a natural feel as a rusher.
ILB
The Bucs have one of the better starting inside linebacker duos in the league. Reserve LB Kevin Minter is a free agent and Jack Cichy has an extensive injury history, so this could end up being a focus for them in the middle rounds. Here are a few possible targets.
Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech
Projected Round: 2-3
6’/ 240lbs, 4.54 forty
46 games, 360 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 6 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles
Top shelf range as a tackler, a high motor defender, sideline to sideline abilities, fluid athlete and natural mover.
Krys Barnes, UCLA
Projected Round: 4-5
6’2″/ 235lbs
34 games, 210 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 13 passes defended
Plays fast with good instincts, has a good nose for the football, an efficient tackler, good in coverage, consistent player who doesn’t make many mistakes.
Joe Bachie Jr, Michigan State
Projected Round: 4-5
6’1″/ 230lbs, 4.67 forty, 26 bench reps, 33.5″ vert, 119″ broad, 6.93 3-cone, 4.34 shuttle
36 games, 285 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 5 interceptions, 11 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles
Downhill stopping power, a good communicator, excellent diagnostic ability and mental quickness, good instincts and high football IQ doesn’t miss many tackles, plays disciplined, blue-collar player and team leader.
Antoine Brooks Jr, Maryland
Projected Round: 5-6
5’11″/ 220lbs, 4.64 forty, 18 bench reps, 34.5″ vert
40 games, 237 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 4 interceptions, 9 passes defended
More of a hybrid LB/S, good anticipation in coverage, plays with a revved-up motor, displays team leadership, good short-area quickness, a stout tackler, potential special teams “ace”.
S
This is a frustrating position for Tampa. They could be in really good shape or they could end up needing to draft one or even two safeties in April. It all depends on how Justin Evans returns from his injuries and if they sign one in free agency.
Grant Delpit, LSU
Projected Round: Top 20
6’2″/ 213lbs
40 games, 199 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 8 interceptions, 24 passes defended
Incredible range, long lean build, a true ballhawk, constantly around the football, tremendous foot speed, fluid natural mover, high blitz productivity, high football IQ, a dynamic defensive playmaker.
Kyle Dugger, Lenoire-Rhyne
Projected Round: 1-2
6’1″/ 217lbs, 4.49 forty, 17 bench reps, 42″ vert, 134″ broad
42 games, 237 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 10 interceptions, 36 passes defended, 6 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries
Explosive athlete with good size attacks downhill with excellent hitting power, showcases good ball skills, a sure tackler, terrific athleticism, a D-II sensation, should be an elite special teamer.
Antoine Winfield Jr, Minnesota
Projected Round: 1-2
5’9″/ 203lbs, 4.45 forty, 36″ vert, 124″ broad
30 games, 172 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 9 interceptions, 6 passes defended
An instinctive defender, explosive and powerful hitter, physical and aggressive at point of attack, excellent ball skills, a dynamic blitzer, exceptional play processing ability, an elite competitor, fearless in the box as a run defender.
Jaylinn Hawkins, California
Projected Round: 4-5
6’1″/ 208lbs, 35.5″ vert, 117″ broad
48 games, 156 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 10 interceptions, 7 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles
Prototypical size for a box safety, high energy player, doesn’t shy away from contact, a true ballhawk with excellent ball skills.
Reggie Floyd, Virginia Tech
Projected Round: 5-6
6’/ 222lbs
39 games, 222 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions, 10 passes defended
A booming hitter, high motor player and plays with effort, good size and build.
CB
This isn’t much of a priority as far as the draft is concerned, but it could be something that they look at in later rounds or with the undrafted free agents. So here are some options for the Bucs in this year’s cornerback class.
Reggie Robinson II, Tulsa
Projected Round: 3-4
6’1″/ 205lbs, 4.44 forty, 22 bench reps, 36″ vert, 132″ broad, 7.09 3-cone, 4.18 shuttle
41 games, 132 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 34 passes defended
Great size, very athletic, highly productive in college, aggressive tackler.
Stanford Samuels III, Florida State
Projected Round: 3-4
6’1″/ 190lbs, 4.65 forty
34 games, 145 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 8 interceptions, 16 passes defended
A tall player with excellent ball skills, long with a big wingspan.
Javaris Davis, Auburn
Projected Round: 5-6
5’8″/ 183lbs, 4.39 forty, 11 bench reps, 35.5″ vert, 124″ broad
44 games, 150 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 8 interceptions, 27 passes defended
Speed for days, very productive college career, played against SEC competition.
James Pierre, Florida Atlantic
Projected Round: 5-6
6’2″/ 185lbs, 4.59 forty, 33.5″ vert, 123″ broad, 7.02 3-cone
37 games, 119 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 15 passes defended.
Thakarius Keyes, Tulane
Projected Round: 5-6
6’1″/ 200lbs
28 games, 95 tackles, 2 interceptions, 15 passes defended
Patrice Rene, North Carolina
Projected Round: 6-7
6’2″/ 208lbs
26 games, 75 tackles, 2 interceptions, 8 passes defended
Until free agency plays out a little bit, nobody (including the “experts”) has a clue what any team will do in the draft. Well, besides the Bengals with Joe Burrow. Other than that, it’s way too early. What the Bucs do with their 14th pick will likely be determined by what happens over the next month or so. In any case, these are just a few options at each position that the Buccaneers could be considering. We’ll find out their decisions soon enough!
Until then, as always, GO BUCS!!!