Kevin’s Bucs Mock Draft 1.0: As the Bucs look to improve on their 9-7 season.

March 27, 2017

The Draft will be important in that process to find more young firepower. Here is my first ever mock draft.

First Round Selection-19th pick:

TE David Njoku from Miami. The main priority during the off-season has been acquiring weapons for QB Jameis Winston. This guy would be just that. Despite the little play time he received in college. The talented tight end prospect still produced 43 receptions, 698 yards, and 8 touchdowns last season.

Second Round Selection-50th pick:

DE Jordan Willis from Kansas State. You can never have enough pass rushers. Coming off a 52 tackle, 17.5 for loss and 11.5 sacks (conference leading) campaign. He may need creativity with his motions as an effective NFL rusher, but the talent is there.

Third Round Selection-84th pick:

RB Marlon Mack from USF. The running game lacked production last season. Mack can come in a be a part-time player. Apparently, the team is intrigued by him too by all the interviews with the Bull prospect. His explosiveness will bring another element to the offensive. Just look at his college career stats: Over 1000 rushing yards each year and coming off a career-high 15 touchdowns.

Fourth Round Selection-126th pick:

Safety Eddie Jackson from Alabama. Safety is still a need and Jackson would just add another playmaker in the secondary. Has experience at cornerback, too, so that’s a plus. Instincts are decent, ball skills are sound. Sat behind others like Landon Collins so took advantage of his playing time. 10 interceptions and 126 total tackles in his 4-year career should be enough to convince he can play a little.

5th round selection- 162nd pick:

QB Joshua Dobbs from Tennessee. GM Jason Licht and Coach Dirk Koetter may want a developmental quarterback prospect as a new potential backup. Dobbs would be the guy here. He’s got talent and play-making ability to work with. Accuracy is a bit of an issue, but arm strength is there. I say his steady progression and talent is enough to take a chance. QB coach Mike Bajakian had also been the Volunteers coach in the same position. That may be an intrigue as his development slowed when Bajakian left.

6th Round Selection- 204th pick:

Tackle Brad Seaton from Villanova. As a rising small school prospect, he has potential to be a starting right tackle in year two, or even sooner if need be. The Bucs offensive line could benefit from some added size on the line and Seaton will bring that and then some with his 6’9″, 311 lbs frame. He only played three seasons but is impressive enough with his consistency and durability having played both defensive line and offensive line.

7th Round Selection- 237th pick:

WR Artavis Scott, from Clemson. As a developmental prospect, he could become another potential weapon for Jameis Winston. His size and physical attributes are my only primary gripes, but his special team ability as a returner could earn him a roster spot. While not overly fast, his 4.62/40 time at combine proves that he does have some wheels. At 5’10 190 lbs, he isn’t the biggest target however, during his three seasons with Clemson he recorded 165 receptions for 2,480 yards and 19 TDs. That’s not overly impressive either but adequate enough to be worth developing.

The Bucs will look to improve on their 9-7 season under second-year head coach Dirk Koetter and in this draft class, there are more weapons for their quarterback Jameis Winston and a potential talented backup behind him. Adding depth at defensive line, linebacker, and safety, the team sure would be heading down the path to becoming a perennial playoff contender.