The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not repeat as Super Bowl champions, but they had an otherwise exciting 2021 season. They lost in the divisional round of the playoffs, ending with the No. 27 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. In the offseason, Tom Brady retired then un-retired. Ali Marpet retired and stayed retired. The Buccaneers re-signed several key pieces including Chris Godwin and Ryan Jensen before trading for Shaq Mason and signing Russell Gage. With these moves, the Buccaneers will once again be focused on deepening their roster through the draft.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 1, Pick 27: Kenyon Green, iOL, Texas A&M
Green is a lineman’s lineman. He plays with a tremendous mean streak, but he also has a sturdy frame and impeccable footwork. He is polished in his pass sets while being an angry run blocker. Green also has experience playing both tackle spots and guard spots at Texas A&M. For the Buccaneers, Green would be the day one left guard, solidifying one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Green has slid slightly because of an underwhelming NFL combine, but expect him to find a way into the first round based on his stellar tape.
For more on Green, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 2, Pick 60: Jalen Pitre, DB, Baylor
Pitre played nearly exclusively in the slot with Baylor, but he could also fit as a safety in the NFL. He is an aggressive tackler despite not possessing elite size. Per PFF, Pitre notched 47 defensive stops to lead all defensive backs in 2021. He had a 92.7 run-defense grade in 2021, and he held up well in coverage. Pitre is a fluid athlete with solid straight-line speed. For the Buccaneers, he could be the primary slot corner or play as a box safety alongside Antoine Winfield Jr.
For more on Pitre, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 3, Pick 91: Cade Otton, TE, Washington
The Buccaneers could re-sign Rob Gronkowski and make this pick irrelevant, but the Buccaneers currently have a need at tight end in their offense. Otton is not a physical freak like some other tight ends in this class, but he is a good blocker and has functional yards after the catch ability as a tight end. He is not a burner, but he can create space in the short to intermediate range. The Buccaneers would be drafting an all-around tight end with the upside of being one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL.
Round 4, Pick 133: Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
Bryant had quite an interesting college career as the Robin to Ahmad Gardner’s Batman. While Gardner dominated in one-on-one situations, Bryant was often relegated to the three-receiver side in 11 personnel sets. Bryant has developed excellent zone skills, and he has good ball skills. He is also a willing tackler. He plays with great intellect. Bryant is not going to be a No. 1 corner in the NFL, but he can play smart team defense. As an athlete, Bryant is nothing special, but he has a sturdy frame.
For more on Bryant, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 7, Pick 248: Zonovan Knight, RB, North Carolina State
Knight plays up to his nickname – Bam – with his shiftiness and his burst. Knight has good zone instincts, and he can use his speed to hit the holes. He also has a kick-return upside, so he should find a home. His receiving experience is not as polished as other members of the draft class, but his athletic profile shows potential in that regard. He is unlikely to be a No. 1 option, but he would be an effective change-of-pace back for Tampa Bay.
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