NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mock Draft National Outlets Roundup 5.0
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have started bringing their own free agents back this week. The team has recently agreed to terms with Mike Evans on a two-year contract extension. Tampa Bay also announced that they have franchise-tagged Antoine Winfield Jr. as well. Having these two guys back should change the media's projections in their mock drafts, but we'll see. Who could the Bucs target? Let's dive into the possibilities.
With Evans back, the team doesn't necessarily have a big need for wide receiver this season. But with Chris Godwin headed into a contract year and Evans' age, wide receiver could still be a target in the draft.
Winfield Jr. received the franchise tag this week, but the team will reportedly continue talks for an extension. There is still a pretty big hole at strong safety. The Bucs front office could potentially look for a safety to pair with Winfield Jr. in the draft. Todd Bowles mentioned they could possibly turn to nickel corner Christian Izien or safety Kaevon Merriweather to fill the void.
The Bucs reportedly had a good amount of formal meetings with offensive linemen at the combine. It is no secret the front office has a plan to draft either a guard or center in the upcoming draft. Matt Feiler was a bit of a letdown as a cheap left guard signing last off-season. Robert Hainsey held his own at center the past two seasons in Ryan Jensen's absence, but they could definitely upgrade that spot through the draft.
Shaquil Barrett was released by the team during combine week, as expected. Yaya Diaby stepped up huge last year as a third-round pick with plenty of upside. He will likely be the starter next season. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka hasn't been the productive pass rusher that the Bucs had hoped for as a first-round pick in 2021, so an edge defender could be on the Bucs' radar early.
Could Jason Licht and the front office move on from Carlton Davis as a cap casualty? Maybe. The team may like corner Zyon McCollum, but moving on from Carlton Davis would make cornerback a pretty decent need when you factor in Jamel Dean's injury history.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could just select the best player available in the first round. Let's check on what the rest of the media projects.
Pro Football Focus
"A tackle for the past three years in college, Barton is expected to move back to center — a position he played as a freshman — when he gets to the NFL. Barton earned run-blocking and pass-blocking grades above 70.0 in each of the past two seasons, so he can solidify the center of the Buccaneers' offensive line for years to come."
USA Today
"Tampa Bay goes defense in both mock drafts but in different areas. Verse has the tools and track record of development to play well in the NFL. Rakestraw Jr. has some medical concerns but is a standout corner in press-man coverage.
Middlehurst-Schwartz:
"A spot much earlier in the first round is entirely within reach for Verse, one of this class' most stable producers and a pass rusher whose well-rounded game should translate well to the next level. In this scenario, however, the Buccaneers would be overjoyed to scoop him up as they look to upgrade their talent on the edge."
Davis:
26. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
"Carlton Davis III’s recent play and $14 million salary in 2024 could make him a financial target if the Bucs can slot in a comparable replacement."
Football Guys
26. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
"McKinstry has been a faller during this cycle, mostly because of the "out-of-sight, out-of-mind" principle. He's a high-level athlete who can take away an entire side of the field. Teams will question his effort to make tackles, but Tampa Bay gets a young player to learn behind Carlton Davis (if he remains on the roster) and Jamel Dean"
Walter Football
"The Buccaneers cut Shaq Barrett. They’ll need to replenish their defensive line, which was so instrumental during their Super Bowl run in 2020.
Jared Verse has nice athleticism and a steady motor."
Pro Football Network
"Despite signing Mike Evans to a two-year contract, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could still target one of the talented wide receivers at the top of the 2024 NFL Draft, ensuring continuity of pass-catching performance for years to come.
While they take the speedy Oregon WR Troy Franklin in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, there is potential for the selection of an offensive lineman or defensive back with this pick if one they like falls into their lap."
The Draft Network
"Brian Thomas Jr. proved that he is an explosive guy vertically both on the field and at the NFL Combine. He should be a guy who can immediately positively impact this Buccaneers offense with explosive plays."
The Athletic
"Like Fautanu, Barton is another prospect with a near-universal approval rating among NFL teams. He is athletic, strong and a charged-up competitor — and would be getting more buzz had he not been sidelined by an injury. Teams project him as an interior offensive lineman, an area Tampa Bay could be looking to upgrade."
Sports Illustrated Fan Nation
26. Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL, Oregon
The 33rd Team
58. Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama
Tankathon
Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the offseason.
