JC Allen's Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2024 Mock NFL Draft 2.0

JC Allen takes another crack at predicting what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will do during the 2024 NFL Draft

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JC Allen
Apr 12, 2024

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Free agency has dwindled and the attention for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has shifted to the NFL Draft at the end of April. The Bucs have seven picks in this year's draft, including two in the third round. The extra third came from a trade with the Detroit Lions that saw the Buccaneers ship out Carlton Davis and a sixth-round pick this year and next for number 92 overall. The team is also without a fifth-round selection after sending it to the Eagles during last year’s draft for a sixth-round pick used to select wide receiver Trey Palmer.

General Manager Jason Licht and Co have been busy this offseason starting with re-signing their own players and building depth and competition across the roster. Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Lavonte David, and Chase McLaughlin were all brought back into the fold as well as important depth signings in John Wolford, Greg Gaines, Chase Edmonds, and Justin Skule. Antoine Winfield Jr. was given the Franchise tag with promise and hope of a long-term extension for the All-Pro coming down the line.

Then came the influx of outside free agents. The first to sign was safety Jordan Whitehead, who returns to the team after three seasons with the Jets. Competition was brought in the secondary with the signings of Bryce Hall who will push Zyon McCollum on the outside and Taviere Thomas who will compete with Christian Izien in the slot.

Licht wasn’t done, and with holes along the interior offensive line the team went out and brought in Sua Opeta to compete for the starting left guard position while Ben Bredeson will push Robert Hainsey at center while also vying for the starting spot at guard. With a need at edge rusher looming large over the draft, the Bucs called up veteran Randy Gregory and inked him to a one-year deal that gives the team depth at the positions and a candidate to start.

All these moves left the team with roster flexibility to pick and choose their spots to address further needs and depth on the roster. While this shouldn’t exclude the Bucs from making upgrades at certain positions, it doesn’t lock them into any one position, especially in the first round. The Bucs could still use a premier pass rusher, a quality prospect to compete for the starting left guard position, and depth at corner, wide receiver, linebacker, running back, defensive tackle, and tight end. With that in mind here is my second crack at what the Bucs could potentially do come draft night.

JC Allen's Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mock Draft 1.0

2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mock Draft 2.0

Round 1:26 - TRADE

The Bucs trade out of the first round with the Washington Commanders for picks 36, 78, and 152. The Commanders were active in free agency filling a majority of their holes and with six picks in the top 100 get aggressive and move up into the first round. Meanwhile, the Bucs bridge the gap from 125 to 220 with a fifth-round pick and pick up an early third to further address team needs in a deep part of the draft.

Round 2:36(WAS) G Jordan Morgan, Arizona [6'5, 311, 5.04-40, 5SR]

undefined — Nov 25, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats offensive lineman Jordan Morgan (77) against the

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Licht has a propensity for drafting tackles and kicking them inside to guard — see Ali Marpet, Alex Cappa, and Cody Mauch. The Bucs brought in Opeta and Bredeson to compete for the starting left guard spot but it was always suspected a rookie would be thrown into the mix as well. Morgan has all the necessary tools to succeed with a move inside. He's big, strong, can anchor, has good movement and reactionary skills, and can be a day-one starter at guard for the Buccaneers.

A team captain, Morgan started every game over his final four seasons at left tackle for Arizona, culminating in 35 starts. He has been called a "role model" on the team and in the weight room and would fit in perfectly with the current group on the roster. Morgan allowed just three sacks and three quarterback hits over his final two seasons. He had a formal interview with the Bucs at the Combine and met with the team during the Senior Bowl.

Overall, Morgan struggles to anchor mid-slide versus power, but he is a balanced mover who is well-schooled and physical in all phases. Though he can survive at tackle in the NFL, his skill set projects much better inside at guard, similar to Matthew Bergeron. - Dane Brugler, The Beast 2024

Round 2:57 EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan [6'3, 267, 4.75-40, 5SR]

There's no denying the Bucs need a premiere edge rusher, and in a draft with so few, nabbing one in the first round will be a tough task unless someone falls. That's not saying one cannot be found, just that the team shouldn't reach for one if none are there. In the second round, Western Michigan's Marshawn Kneeland fits the bill of a guy who has the traits to develop into a productive edge for the Bucs.

Kneeland has the ideal size for an edge defender and possesses excellent explosiveness for the position. His bullrush is something to behold and he comes at the opposition with a violent rip move to break free. Although he played against weaker competition in the MAC conference he was dominant and has all the tools to develop as a force in the NFL. He finished his senior year with 4.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. The Bucs had a formal visit with Kneeland at the Combine and hosted him for an official 30 visit.

Overall, Kneeland is still taking classes in the art of the pass rush, but he is charged up into contact and displays twitch throughout his frame, which allows him to defeat blockers in different ways. He projects as a starting base end whose best football is yet to come. - Dane Brugler, The Beast 2024

Round 3:78(WAS) WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky [5'10, 207, 4.56-40, SR]

It's no secret the Bucs need depth at the wide receiver position. The experience behind Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Trey Palmer is limited and Palmer is heading into just his second season. While the Bucs would ideally find an outside receiver to pair with Evans with Godwin moving back to the slot and the offense featuring more three wide receiver sets, Corley is too good of value to pass up here. While he is primarily a slot receiver and that may feel redundant with Godwin on the roster, it is important to note the veteran heads into the final year of his contract. Godwin, while more effective in the slot, can also be used on the outside in tandem with Palmer and second-year receiver Rakim Jarrett.

Corley is one of the most productive players with the ball in his hands. Nicknamed the "YAC King", he piles up yards after the catch, leading the nation in 2023 with 9.2 yards after the catch. The former running back has excellent vision and contact balance and has some of the strongest hands in the draft class. He has excellent acceleration and is crisp with his cuts, often making defenders miss with 55 missed tackles over the last two seasons. Between his junior and senior years, he totaled 180 receptions for 2,277 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Bucs recently brought him in for an official Top 30 visit.

Overall, Corley needs to be more controlled in his breaks and tempo to consistently separate as a route runner, but he is dynamic with the ball in his hands. He has the speed, physicality, and contact balance ideal for a slot role that uses motions, jet sweeps, and quick screens. His NFL comparison is somewhere between Deebo Samuel and Amari Rodgers — which is a wide spectrum. - Dane Brugler, The Beast 2024

Round 3.89 RB Trey Benson, Florida State [6'0, 216, 4.39-40, 4JR]

Rachaad White has proved he can tote the rock as a starting running back in the league, but that doesn't mean the Bucs should rest on their laurels at the position. While they re-signed Chase Edmonds and Sean Tucker, Edmonds isn't a long-term answer and the jury is still out on Tucker. Tampa Bay desperately needs someone who can spell White without dropoff and someone who can pick up the tough yards.

Benson has the ability to take it to the house at any time. In addition to his long speed, he is also able to crank out the tough yards. In 2023 he forced 45 missed tackles with 551 yards after contact. He had three scores of over 80 yards over his career including a 93-yard kickoff return. He'll need to show better vision and anticipation at the next level as well as better recognition in pass protection but has improved drastically through college in that area. Benson would be the perfect complimentary back to White with the ability to spell him but also carry the rock if injuries occur. Over his two years at FSU, he compiled 1,885 yards on the ground with 23 touchdowns while reeling in 33 receptions for 371 yards and a score. While there haven't been reported meetings or visits with the Bucs, scouts have surely spoken with him throughout the season being in Florida.

Overall, Benson’s vision and run instincts tend to be spotty, but he runs hard off tackle with the burst and balance to stay afloat through contact. Cut in the Melvin Gordon mold, he projects best as part of an NFL committee, in which he’d have any-down and big-play potential. - Dane Brugler, The Beast 2024

Round 3:92(DET) LB Trevin Wallace, [Kentucky 6'1, 237, 4.51-40, JR]

The Bucs invested in the linebacker position last year in the fifth round with SirVocea Dennis but that hasn't kept them from meeting and bringing in high-end prospects in this year's draft. The Bucs re-signed Lavonte David but lost starting linebacker Devin White in free agency. The team is high on both K.J. Britt and Dennis but needs to plan for life after David while also upgrading the room if possible. In Wallace, they get a rangy linebacker who new offensive coordinator Liam Coen has first-hand knowledge and experience with.

Wallace has true sideline-to-sideline speed and can close in on ball carriers quickly. He's not afraid to get his nose dirty in run defense taking on bigger guards and tackles and can put pressure on the quarterback when called upon. He has the athleticism to stay with tight ends in coverage and was a playmaker in college with three interceptions. However, his instincts and reactionary skills need some polish. He was a captain in 2023 and finished his career with 19 starts. Wallace finished his collegiate career at Kentucky with 166 tackles, 18 for loss, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, and three interceptions. He is scheduled to meet with the Bucs on an official 30 visit.

Overall, Wallace has an attractive collection of traits for today’s NFL, however, the parts are better than the whole at this point and pro coaching will need to get him across the finish line. With more seasoning, he has the talent to compete for starting reps. - Dane Brugler, The Beast 2024

Round 4:125 CB Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn [6'1, 190, 4.36-40, 5SR]

After trading Carlton Davis, the Bucs have faith that Zyon McCollum is ready to man the vacant starting spot on defense. However, they also added former Jets corner Bryce Hall as an insurance policy. The Buccaneers have solid depth in the room but in a deep draft could stand to add another body at the position. Funny enough, they replace one former Auburn cornerback with another with Pritchett.

Pritchett ran a blazing 4.36, 40-time at the combine and can play in any coverage scheme. Pritchett has starter upside at the position but needs to be more consistent in run support and tackling. Having three different defensive coordinators in three years didn't help his cause, but the tools are all there to develop. Pritchett got his hands on the ball a ton at Auburn, finishing his collegiate career with 24 pass deflections and three interceptions. He also had 5.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, and 115 total tackles.

Overall, Pritchett needs to improve his tackling and downfield judgment skills, but his length, speed, and football character are traits NFL teams want to bring into the building. He projects as a rotational cornerback for an NFL secondary. - Dane Brugler, The Beast 2024

Round 5:152(WAS) TE Tip Rieman, Illinois [6'4, 271, 4.64-40, SR]

Last season, the Bucs had the youngest tight end room in the league. That will carry on to this year as free agency has all but dried up in terms of veteran talent available. Cade Otton played a staggering 98% of the snaps in 2023 and the Bucs will surely want to lower that number. They have high hopes for Payne Durham in year two as he came on strong late last season. Enter Tip Rieman.

Rieman is a high-upside player the Bucs can develop into a Y or F tight end in their scheme. He is more polished as a blocker than a receiver at this point but wasn't used as much in the passing game as he would've liked. Yet he never complained, put his nose in the ground and continued to work. He is a team-first guy dedicated to being the best he can be. He has surprising athleticism for his size but won't beat anyone deep down the seam. Core special teamer with the ability to carve out a role on offense, especially in blocking situations. He had 14 of his 19 receptions go for first downs or touchdowns his senior year. Rieman finished his collegiate career with 41 receptions for 420 yards and five touchdowns. The Bucs recently brought him in for an official 30 visit.

Overall, Reiman’s inexperience as a pass catcher and blocker is apparent, but he shows promise in both areas and should continue to improve with additional coaching. He will be targeted by “11” personnel offenses looking for a developmental Y/F tight end and special teamer. - Dane Brugler, The Beast 2024

Round 6:220(COMP) DL Justin Eboigbe, Alabama [6'4, 297, 5.18-40, 5SR]

The Bucs have their starters locked in place with Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and Logan Hall but are lacking depth behind them. The team re-signed Greg Gaines and has Mike Greene on the roster but needs more depth at the position. They could use a versatile do-it-all lineman who can spell Vea in a pinch or line up next to him in certain fronts.

Eboigbe has the ability and experience to play all over the line. He possesses a strong anchor and is able to take on double teams while also showing prowess as a pass rusher totaling 30 pressures his last season at Alabama. Only one year as a starter, his lack of production and medicals (he suffered a herniated disc that was pushed against his spinal cord in 2022) could push him down the draft board. However, if his medicals check out he could be a tremendous pick-up this late in the draft. He had 63 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and 7sacks his final year with the Crimson Tide. Eboigbe had an informal visit with the Bucs at the Combine.

Overall, Eboigbe plays with the mentality and fundamental ability to control the point of attack. If he receives clean medical checks from team doctors, he can provide scheme-versatile depth on the defensive line. - Dane Brugler, The Beast 2024

Round 7:246 S Trey Taylor, Air Force [6'0, 206, 4.59-40, 5SR]

The Bucs brought back veteran safety Jordan Whitehead to man the starting spot next to Antoine Winfield Jr. but could still stand to add depth to the position. Last year, Kaevon Merriweather made the team as an undrafted free agent and while the team is high on him they don't have much on the roster behind him.

Taylor is capable of playing deep, in the box, or in the slot but will sometimes struggle in true-man coverage. He'll do his best work in the box or coming up in run support, but has a knack for understanding route concepts and finding the ball. He won the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in college football in 2023 and draws rave reviews about the kind of teammate he is. He finished his collegiate career with 205 tackles, 11 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 19 pass deflections, and six interceptions. Taylor was recently brought in for an official 30 visit with the Bucs.

Overall, Taylor is quicker than fast and might have a tough time covering NFL receivers from the post, but his instinctive ball skills and feel for route concepts can help him overcome average range. He reminds me a lot of Damar Hamlin when he was coming out of Pittsburgh. - Dane Brugler, The Beast 2024

You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.

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