The Buccaneers are a franchise in need of a rebuild, but that may have to wait until next season. This may be Jameis Winston’s last chance to prove why the Bucs selected him first-overall years ago. He gets a chance with quarterback guru Bruce Arians. Arians was able to get the best out of Carson Palmer in Arizona.
This will be the first year Arians will get to build the Bucs and it will be interesting to see what his vision is for the team. The team has a lot of needs and still needs to decide what to do with Winston. The general team needs include quarterback, offensive tackle, defensive end, defensive tackle, linebacker, cornerback, and safety.
This was drafted using The Draft Network mock draft machine.
Pick 5: Devin White, LB, LSU
The Bucs play in a division with Saints and the Panthers who have running backs that are among the most versatile in the NFL. Both Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey can run the ball and make explosive plays out of the backfield. The Bucs need to find a middle linebacker who can stop the run and play sideline to sideline in coverage.
White is coming out of the SEC, where he was able to go against top competition and dominate. White is a complete linebacker who loves to stuff the run and tackle everyone in his sights. He has also shown the speed on tape and at the combine that he can cover the running back out of the backfield or even if he motions out to a slot position.
Pick 39: Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia
Earlier this offseason the Bucs locked up left tackle Donovan Smith to a three-year deal. Yet, they still have a big hole on the right side of the line. They need to get a push in the run game and also need to protect their quarterback, whoever ends up starting for them. The Bucs were 29th in rushing offense and gave up 41 sacks last season.
Cajuste is a monster in the run game and doesn’t stop blocking until after the whistle. He is not afraid to give a little push back and is a solid pass blocker who is able to stop power rushers. Once he gets into the NFL, he will need to improve on the outside speed rush.
Pick 70: Dre’Mont Jones. DT, Ohio State
There have been multiple reports out on whether the Bucs are going to keep Gerald McCoy or release him to save against the cap. Whether it is this season or next, it most likely will happen and create a hole along the defensive line.
Jones was a highly rated recruit coming out of high school and showed glimpses of his potential at Ohio State. He is a very athletic defensive lineman and is able to move side to side with ease. Jones has a good pass rush move set but will need to work on keeping his anchor in the run game.
Pick 107: Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
The Bucs have been trying to find cornerbacks for the past five seasons. They have tried drafting using high picks and going through free agency, and have had very little success. That is not good due to the fact that they play against the Saints and Falcons twice a year.
Ya-Sin is a physical corner who plays best man to man. He is best suited in the slot and can bump and get the receiver off his line.
Pick 145: Hunter Renfrow, WR, Clemson
The Bucs will have to replace Adam Humphries, who is signing with the Tennessee Titans. Renfrow is almost identical to Humphries skillset-wise. This could be a plug-and-play guy for the Bucs in the slot.
Pick 215: Ben Banogu, DE, TCU
It is not likely that Banogu will fall this far in the draft, but if he does, this will be a steal for the Bucs. Banogu is a very gifted pass rusher and is able to utilize all moves whether speed or power.
3 Responses