Two Targets the Buccaneers Should Consider Trading Up for in the 2024 NFL Draft

When it comes to the NFL draft, the possibilities are endless. Move up, move down, stay pat — there are options available to every general manager in the league, regardless of where they're positioned, when it begins, or what their final objective is.

To add further intrigue for the fans and general public is the fact that NFL teams are, for the most part, extremely good at keeping their cards close to the vest. As much as NFL insiders and networks capitalize on fans' desire to get a glimpse behind the scenes leading up to the draft, the reality is that these information leaks are just as often smokescreens as they are credible intel.

The unpredictability of the NFL draft is a big part of what makes it one of the most unique and widely consumed spectacles in all of sports.

As of this moment, most fans in Tampa Bay appear to be preparing themselves for Jason Licht to either stay pat with his first pick at 26 or trade back to acquire more draft capital. The idea of the Buccaneers trading up in the first seems like more of an afterthought than a real consideration — at least that seems to be the public perception.

This is partly due to the fact that the Buccaneers have plenty of needs on the roster as it's currently constructed and would therefore benefit more from draft capital than they would from a premium pick. Furthermore, if history tells us anything, it's that Bucs GM Jason Licht prefers moving back in the first round more so than he does moving up.

Look no further than 2022, when Licht traded out of the first round altogether, moving back from 27 to 33 (the first pick in the second round) which he used to select Logan Hall. Or back in 2018, when Licht traded the seventh overall selection to Buffalo (who went on to select Josh Allen) in exchange for the 12th pick, which he then used to select Vita Vea, in addition to two second-rounders, the latter of which was used to draft Carlton Davis. In fact, Jason LIcht has only traded up in the first round one time, and that was in 2020, when he moved up one spot to 13 and wisely selected future All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs.

So if history tells us anything, it's unlikely that Jason Licht will move up in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. But that certainly doesn't mean it won't happen this year. And if the Bucs did feel compelled to move up, there are two players in particular that I believe would be worth the gamble.

Laiatu Latu, Edge Rusher, UCLA

Latu is the most naturally gifted pass rusher in the entire draft and he has the college production to prove it. Latu's arsenal of pass-rush moves is extremely advanced compared to most draft prospects his age, and he has a natural feel for the position. He's also got a relentless motor and the ability to continue to improve as a run defender. Although he isn't as physically imposing on paper as some of the other edge rushers in his class, Latu's innate ability to outwit, outwork, and evade whoever is lined up against him using his speed, power and elusiveness is something I expect to translate to the NFL.

Even with the addition of Randy Gregory, the Buccaneers are still missing a stud edge rusher to bring their defensive line to the next level. Latu would immediately improve the team's ability to generate an effective four-man pass rush, which would in turn open up more options for Todd Bowles to explore in the second and third levels of his defense.

Laiatu Latu is expected to be drafted somewhere in the 10-25 range of the first round. But the further he falls within that range of picks, the more appealing (and realistic) a trade-up scenario for his services becomes for the Bucs.

Brock Bowers, Tight End, Georgia

Brock Bowers is one of the most accomplished tight ends in the history of College football. From the moment he first stepped on the field for Georgia, Bowers established himself as the alpha dog. In 2021, the 6'4", 240-pound freshman hauled in 56 passes for 882 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns for the Bulldogs — truly absurd production for a freshman playing in the SEC. Despite missing several games to injury over the next two seasons, Bowers still put up 17 total touchdowns while proving to be one of the nation's most complete offensive players.

Bowers is incredibly versatile. It doesn't matter whether it's a go route up the seam or a jet sweep around the edge, he has the potential to generate explosive plays when they don't appear to be available. Bowers is a matchup nightmare, as he can evade defensive linemen or linebackers in the trenches and he can power through or jump over defensive backs in space. Whether it's making a play on the ball in the air, showing off his incredible YAC ability or sealing a defensive end to pave the way in the run game, Brock Bowers can really do it all.

After the disappointing career of O.J. Howard in Tampa, or more recently the underwhelming usage of Kyle Pitts in Atlanta, many Bucs fans are likely terrified at the thought of using a premium draft pick on a tight end, let alone moving valuable draft assets to do so. But in the case of Brock Bowers, if the price was right, I believe it would be worth it. He's a game-changing talent with the speed, athleticism, and physicality needed to become a star at the NFL level. Although it isn't a popular talking point at the moment, the Buccaneers tight end room is lacking both quality and depth. Adding one of the best all-around tight end prospects in the history of the sport would immediately put an end to that.

Sacrificing draft capital to move up for a TE seems a little far fetched, sure. But Brock Bowers is an outlier, and he would bring an entirely new dimension to this offense for years to come. #Bucs #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/pN6FKwxRlC
— Collin Haalboom (@SI_Buccaneers) April 5, 2024

Brock Bowers is expected to be drafted somewhere within the first 15 picks. If he were to slide into the early teens, I think moving up to draft him would pay both immediate and long-term dividends for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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