Like all other teams, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been interviewing players in the morning before they take the field in the afternoon
While interviewing a particular player doesn’t necessarily indicate heavy interest, it can tell you what positions a team may be looking to fill come draft day.
Here is who head coach Bruce Arians and company have focused on interviewing at the 2020 NFL combine.
Reports of meetings were found from the following publications: Pewter Report, Walter Football, and NFL Trade Rumors.
Quarterbacks
Jordan Love, Utah State
Kevin Davidson, Princeton
Nate Stanley, Iowa
The quarterback has generated the most discussion this offseason for the Buccaneers, and for obvious reasons. All signs point to the team locking in a veteran signal-caller for the 2020 season whether it be incumbent Jameis Winston, ageless wonder Tom Brady, or another starting-caliber veteran.
That said, the team has been linked to both Jordan Love and Washington’s Jacob Eason. Both of whom are likely to come off the board in the first round. With uncertainly still in the air, the team is doing their due diligence and preparing for all potential scenarios.
However, general manager Jason Licht is far more likely to target a developmental prospect on day three of the draft such as Davidson or Stanley.
Running Backs
Cam Akers, FSU
Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
D’Andre Swift, Georgia
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU
Antonio Gibson, Memphis
Zack Moss, Utah
Anthony McFarland Jr., Maryland
DeeJay Dallas, Miami
JaMychal Hasty, Baylor
There has been no shortage of buzz regarding Arians’ desire to upgrade his running back group this offseason. With prospects such as Akers, Taylor, Swift, Moss, and Edwards-Helaire on the list it’s clear the team is considering using their second-round pick (45th overall) to upgrade their backfield.
Arians evoked suck names as Edgerrin James and Marshall Faulk when he spoke a the combine this week expressing his preference for well-rounded guys that can stay on the field for every down. Probably not a coincidence that many of the above names are believed to be effective pass-catchers.
Offensive Line
Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
Austin Jackson, OT, USC
Matt Peart, OT, Connecticut
Tyre Phillips, OT, Mississippi State
Robert Hunt, OT, La.-Lafayette
Nick Harris, C, Washington
Darryl Williams, G/C, Mississippi State
Ben Bartch, G, St. John’s
Lloyd Cushenberry, C, LSU
Damien Lewis, G, LSU
John Simpson, G, Clemson
Another group of players the Buccaneers have shown plenty of attention is the offensive line. Particularly, the offensive tackles. Hardly surprising considering Arians’ comments from his combine press conference:
“I probably watched more offensive line than I have in years because, again, there’s a lot of good, quality guys up and down [the line] – centers, guards, tackles,” said the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ head coach. “I usually like watching skill players more but I spent a lot of time this year on the offensive line.”
Meetings with Thomas and Becton (as well as Houston’s Josh Jones at the Senior Bowl) tell us the team could address offensive tackle as early as the first round (14th overall).
However, if the draft doesn’t fall their way early they will still be looking at tackle throughout the draft. An interior offensive lineman with swing potential at center also appears to be on their day-three shopping list.
Other Notes
• Thus far, I’ve yet to find any reports on the team meeting with any wide receivers or tight ends. That certainly doesn’t mean they won’t draft either, but it doesn’t appear those positions will be targetted early on.
• As the combine is still underway, teams have yet to meet with the defensive backs which will take place on Sunday. Stay tuned for our defensive prospect meetings breakdown Monday.
• For a complete list NFL team’s offseason prospect meetings check out Walter Football’s tracker here.
