With the combine set to kick-off it’s time for a second Bucs mock draft. How will the Bucs attack the upcoming draft? Here’s a blueprint.
The 2019 NFL Draft is just under two months away. For the Bucs, this draft may be the most important one in recent memory as under new coach Bruce Arians expectations are higher than ever.
Tampa Bay’s roster is full of needs. The defense needs upgrades at all positions and the offense needs help up front and in the backfield.
The Bucs don’t have too much cap space heading into 2019. In fact, they have the fourth-least to spend in the NFL this summer. Thus, using the draft will be crucial to help the team’s rebuild.
A little less than a month after releasing a first mock draft here’s an updated look at what the Bucs may do with their six 2019 draft selections.
Round 1: Jawaan Taylor, OT Florida
The Bucs biggest need is likely for a corner. However, Greddy Williams who has been seen as the draft’s top corner has seen a slight stock dip and no other corner appears worthy of a top five overall selection. Thus, the Bucs should find protection for Jameis Winston by selecting Jawaan Taylor out of Florida.
The 6’5 offensive tackle from Florida has surged up draft boards establishing himself as the top lineman in the draft.
In order to become a playoff contender having a strong offensive line is crucial. The Bucs haven’t had that; thus, drafting Taylor can help begin to beef up the line and get closer to contention.
Round 2: Amani Oruwariye, CB Penn State
As touched on the Bucs biggest need is at cornerback. With this year’s draft being full of defensive talent waiting until the second round is not the end of the world.
Amani Oruwariye from Penn State is a lengthy corner at 6’1 who is coming off a senior season that saw him defend 11 passes and grab three interceptions.
The Bucs lacked any ability to stop opposing team’s top receivers last season. Over time Oruwariye has the potential to develop into a number one corner.
Round 3: Mike Bell, S Fresno State
The Bucs hardly have any depth at safety heading into 2019, and the depth they do have isn’t reliable. By drafting Mike Bell in the third round, Tampa may find their starter at the position for year’s to come.
Bell helped Fresno State to a 12-2 in 2018 record thanks to defending eight passes, intercepting three and recording 87 total tackles in a strong Junior season.
At 6’3 Bell has excellent size that will help him be effective in pass coverage as well as at stopping the run.
Round 4: Renell Wren, DT Arizona State
The Bucs need to add another defensive tackle this off-season with Gerald McCoy aging, and Vinny Curry released.
Renell Wren from Arizona State would bring a big body to the Bucs front at 6’6 and just under 300 pounds.
In 2018 Wren recorded 43 total tackles with 4.5 being tackles for a loss. Though his numbers don’t stand out too much, the size provides him with a lot of upside and potential to develop into a solid NFL defensive tackle.
Round 5: Benny Snell Jr, RB Kentucky
The Bucs second-round selection from 2018 Ronald Jones had an awful rookie season, and Peyton Barber hasn’t proved to be a reliable running back.
Thus, the Bucs need to select a young running back again this year. Benny Snell Jr. from Kentucky is a perfect choice. Snell become the University of Kentucky’s all-time leading rusher and all-time rushing touchdown leader in just three seasons as he ran for 3,873 yards and 48 touchdowns in his college carer.
Snell has a whole lot of potential and could potentially be the Bucs next star running back.
Round 6: Kendall Joseph, LB Clemson
The final draft selection for the Bucs will take place in the sixth round as they do not have a seventh-rounder in 2019.
Tampa should look to add another linebacker here as it is unclear which linebackers from 2018 will return next season.
Kendall Joseph from Clemson recorded 285 total tackles in four years with the Tigers and is battle-tested as he won two national championships.
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