NFL Analyst Has Buccaneers Taking Versatile Defensive Lineman in Latest First Round Mock Draft
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are quietly putting together one of the best offseasons in the NFL. They might not have made a ton of splash moves, but they have done the important part in retaining their star players while adding in important pieces around them.
Free agency is an important part of the NFL offseason, but the other aspect that is almost of equal importance is the NFL Draft.
The Buccaneers have done a tremendous job thus far in filling in gaps of their roster that needed added depth, but they will look to get younger and more athletic at certain positions to improve and according to NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah the Bucs will look to improve their defensive line in the first-round of April's 2024 draft - selecting Missouri DL/EDGE Darius Robinson with the 26th overall pick.
"Robinson offers versatility, physicality and athleticism to the Bucs’ front. He would be a great complement to one of the best sleeper picks in last year’s draft, third-rounder YaYa Diaby."
Robinson is a versatile lineman who can play both inside and outside due to his pure athleticism. He has a twitchy upper body and uses his arm length to his advantage when engaging with offensive linemen. Occasionally, it appears that Robinson lacks awareness and his pass rush is predictable at times — however, his motor, effort and overall strength should be enough for him to become a starter eventually in the NFL.
During his final collegiate season with the Missouri Tigers, Robinson finished tied for fourth in the South Eastern Conference in tackles for loss (14) and sacks (8.5). Over the course of his five-year collegiate career with the Tigers, Robinson compiled 112 tackles (21 tackles for loss), 13 sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
The Buccaneers could look elsewhere with the 26th overall pick in the draft, but improving a pass rush that struggled to get pressure on the QB while rushing just four defenders in 2023 should definitely be high on the franchise's list of things to take care of.
Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 offseason.
