NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mock Draft National Outlets Roundup 6.0
The first wave of free agency has passed and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been proactive in bringing their own guys back. Big names like Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Lavonte David have been secured with contract extensions. Additionally, the team was able to re-sign several depth players. Jason Licht and the front office are winning the off-season once again and they are not finished, as the Bucs still have a few holes to fill either in free agency or the draft.
At outside linebacker, Shaquil Barrett's signing with the Miami Dolphins has left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers relying on promising second-year player Yaya Diaby and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka as the current starters. This vacancy elevates the need for an outside linebacker, potentially making it a priority, even a first-round consideration, in the upcoming draft.
Licht has been diligently reconstructing the secondary following the trade of Carlton Davis last week. He secured the return of former Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead, a significant addition to fill the safety position opposite Antoine Winfield Jr. Additionally, the team acquired Bryce Hall, Whitehead's former teammate from the Jets, who has shown promise as a cornerback when given the opportunity. Hall is expected to compete with Zyon McCollum for the CB2 role. Tavierre Thomas, formerly a starting nickel corner for the Texans, has agreed to join Tampa Bay to compete with Christian Izien in the slot. Despite these moves, the Buccaneers may still opt to target a cornerback in the early rounds of the draft.
The Buccaneers experienced losses at the guard position in free agency, as Nick Leverett joined the Patriots and Aaron Stinnie signed with the Giants. However, Licht quickly bolstered depth by acquiring former Eagles guard Sua Opeta and former Giants guard/center Ben Bredeson. Both players have the potential to compete for starting roles, pending the outcome of the draft. The Buccaneers may prioritize the center and/or guard positions early in the draft. Regarding tackle, the re-signings of Justin Skule and Brandon Walton provide sufficient depth. Tackle shouldn't be a priority in the draft.
Having Evans back for two additional seasons is a sigh of relief for every Buccaneers fan. While there was speculation about his potential departure in free agency, he chose to remain in Tampa Bay. However, Chris Godwin's contract expires after this season, and behind them two, the depth consists of Trey Palmer, Deven Thompkins, and Rakim Jarrett. Although this is a solid group, the uncertainty surrounding Evans and Godwin's long-term futures suggests that wide receiver could be a need in the upcoming draft.
Selecting the best player available is always a good strategy, but the Buccaneers might pursue a player flying under the radar, similar to their approach with Calijah Kancey in the last draft. While the team's needs are becoming clearer, it's worth exploring what the national media projections are. Let's get into it.
Pro Football Focus
"There aren’t many better scenarios for the Buccaneers than somehow coming away with Jared Verse at Pick 26. The Florida State product is talented enough to go much higher than this, but after free agency, I can now see him and Laiatu Latu falling a bit. That doesn’t make them any worse as players, though. Verse would be an immediate starter in Tampa Bay."
57. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
87. Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College
92. Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
USA Today
"The Pac-12’s defensive player of the year in 2023, when he also earned the Lombardi Award and Ted Hendricks Award for being the country’s best collegiate defensive end after posting an FBS-best 1.8 tackles for loss per game, he racked up 35 TFLs, 23½ sacks, five forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions in two seasons with the Bruins. Latu would love to reunite with Bucs OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, previously his teammate at the University of Washington, and could fill the breach left by departed Shaq Barrett."
Walter Football
"The Buccaneers have some problems on their offensive line. They could draft a tackle and move Luke Goedeke inside, or they could put this prospect at guard.
Amarius Mims has gotten lots of positive feedback from the scouting community. He has a tremendous skill set and lots of upside."
Pro Football Network
26. Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State
"Having re-signed some of their top players, the Buccaneers can turn their sights to adding an edge rusher. Chop Robinson‘s talent is easy to see, but the production wasn’t what it probably should have been at the college level. If he can turn potential into production, he’s going to be a steal this late in the first round."
The Draft Network
"Laiatu Latu may not be everyone's perfect prospect, but for me, he's just a flat-out stud of a football player. One of the most nuanced pass rushers to enter the league in some time, Latu's hands, flexibility, and twitch will give opposing tackles nightmares for years. I wouldn't be surprised if he teases with 10-plus sacks a year for a decade. This is a little lower than I expect Latu to go, but team needs moved the board around a tad up top."
57. Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
The Athletic
32. Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon (Trade with KC)
"Ryan Jensen’s retirement makes center an immediate need for Tampa Bay. Powers-Johnson has a great anchor and quick feet, and the power in his hands is evident. There are nuances in his pass-protection technique that can get him in trouble, but he projects out as a good starter."
57. Payton Wilson, LB, NC State
The Ringer
"With Mike Evans agreeing on Monday to a new contract to stay with the team, Tampa Bay’s focus shifts here to bolstering the offensive line. Barton played tackle at Duke but has the skill set, feet, and strength to man any of the interior spots. Whether he lands at center or guard, the former Blue Devils standout gives the team a much-needed boost up front and will help whoever ends up playing quarterback for the team in 2024."
Sports Illustrated Fan Nation
The 33rd Team
Tankathon
Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the offseason.
