With the NFL draft less than two weeks away it is time for the NFL Fan Blitz Tampa Bay Buccaneers mock draft.
The Buccaneers have many needs, most of them on the defensive side of the ball but also a few on the offensive side as well.
All in all the 2019 Draft will most likely be one that Is defensively focused for the Bucs. With that let’s dig in and predict each of the Bucs selections.
Round One (5th overall): Devin White, LB LSU
With the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Bucs will select linebacker Devin White from LSU.
The linebacker position was weakened considerably with the loss of Kwon Alexander who signed with San Francisco.
White is 6-0 240 runs a 4.64/40 would come in and be an immediate starter in Todd Bowles 3-4 defense. The former Tiger registered over 100 tackles his last two season at LSU. He has a good nose for the football stop can play the run and defend against the pass making him an every-down linebacker.
For more on why Devin White is the right choice for the Bucs at No. 5 check out my thoughts here.
Round Two (39th overall): Dre’Mont Jones, DT Ohio State
With the 39th selection overall, the Bucs should select defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones from Ohio State.
All you need to know about Jones as a football player is how he performed when he became the starter after projected early first-round pick Nick Bosa suffered his season-ending injury.
Jones emerged as an All-American and became one of the best defensive tackles in the Big 10 with 13 tackles for losses and 8.5 sacks.
His biggest strength is his pass rushing ability and durability as he played in 37 out of 39 possible games in his college carer.
With the selection of Jones, the defensive tackle position would be set for the foreseeable future with Vita Vea and Jones.
Round Three (70th overall): Micheal Jordan, OG Ohio State
With the 70th pick the Buccaneers will select guard Michael Jordan of Ohio State. 6-6 310.
With much of the focus on defense and in this defense, one may ask why an offensive lineman here.
Michael Jordan happens to be one of the best run blocking guards in the draft, and that is what held the Bucs back offensively in 2018.
Tampa’s current offensive line has a lot of good pass blockers but they are at the bottom of the NFL when it comes to run blocking. Jordan would come in and help the Bucs running game get to the next level.
Round Four (101st overall): David Montgomery, RB Iowa State
With the 101st pick, the Bucs will again go offense and select running back David Montgomery from Iowa State.
With the jury still out on Ronald Jones and Peyton Barber, the Bucs need to add another running back.
David Montgomery would be a perfect fit.
Montgomery is the complete package who can run and catch. The former Cyclone is an excellent change of direction back who can pick up tough yards.
The knock on Montgomery is his lack of elite speed for his position, but he does possess very quick feet that should translate to high production at the NFL level.
Round Five (135th overall): P.J Locke, S Texas
With the 135th pick in the draft, the Bucs will select defensive back P.J.Locke out of Texas.
Locke is an under the radar player that could surprise some folks when he gets a chance to play.
The former Longhorns defensive back has had a lot of success playing nickel and safety which is a perfect fit in a Todd Bowles defense as he likes players that are versatile and can play more than one position.
Locke is a hard worker and is very good against the run. He is a solid tackler that will keep the play in front of him.
Round Six (193rd overall): Jahlani Tavai, LB Hawaii
With the 193rd pick in the draft the Bucs will select linebacker Jahlani Tavai from Hawaii. Tavai will be the first Hawaii defensive player taken in the draft since 2012.
Tavai was a four year starter at Hawaii notching 391 tackles and 17.5 sacks.
The Bucs would be wise to take a flyer on this linebacker as with some time learning under Lavonte David and Bush he could become a decent NFL linebacker.
