The latest edition of our 3-round mock had a run on defensive linemen/EDGE rushers early in the first round. With Josh Allen, Devin White and Quinnen Williams off the board the Buccaneers decided to go in a different direction with their 5th overall pick.
The Buccaneers are on the clock.
Round 1:
Jawaan Taylor, OT, University of Florida
HT: 6’5 WT: 328 lbs
Accolades:
– Freshman All-America honors by ESPN.com
– SEC Academic Honor Roll
– Second Team All-SEC honors from Athlon
Video credit: SZ Highlights
Jawaan Taylor is a great addition to a much beleaguered Buccaneers offensive line unit. Taylor can push if not replace one of the Buccaneers current offensive tackles.
Round 2:
Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
HT: 6’4 WT: 340 lbs
Accolades:
– First team All-ACC (2018)
– 2× CFP national champion (2016, 2018)
– ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year (2016)
– USA Today All-American (2015)
Video credit: ACC Digital Network
You might be wondering why the Buccaneers would select an interior defensive linemen in the 2nd round. With Vita Vea showing his potential in the later half of last season and Gerald McCoy still on the roster it seems like an odd pick. Then you watch Dexter’s film and realize his upside. That factored in with the Buccaneers apparently wanting to move on from McCoy makes this a solid pick to keep the middle of the defensive line secured for several years.
Round 3:
Jaylon Ferguson, DE/EDGE, La. Tech.
HT: 6’5 WT: 271 lbs
Accolades:
– C-USA Defensive Player of the Year (2018)
– 2x First Team All C-USA (2017, 2018)
– NCAA Career Sack Leader (45)
Video credit: RSHighlights
Jaylon Ferguson in the 3rd round is a solid value pick. He has great hands and uses his length to be disruptive in the backfield. Jaylon isn’t going to be a plug and play guy from day one, but will make an impact by adding depth to the pass rush.
This mock draft is void of the big recognizable names but look a little deeper and you’ll see each of these picks address a need. This mock drafts value will prove itself as a great draft for years to come.