I start off this Buccaneers 7- round mock draft with the intent to address as many needs as possible for the Buccaneers.
The draft started out as most people expected with the Arizona Cardinals selecting QB Kyler Murray 1st overall. The San Francisco 49ers then take DE Nick Bosa off the board. The New York Jets take DE Clelin Ferrell at #3 and then the Oakland Raiders in somewhat of a shocker take DT Ed Oliver with their 4th overall pick.
The Buccaneers are on the clock and staring them in the face are three players that could make an immediate impact. With Josh Allen (EDGE), Devin White (LB) and Montez Sweat (EDGE). Great situation to be in for a team with so many needs.
1st round:
Josh Allen, EDGE, University of Kentucky
HT: 6’5 WT: 260 lbs
Accolades:
– Unanimous All-American (2018)
– Chuck Bednarik Award (2018) [1]
– Lott Trophy (2018)
– Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2018)[2]
– SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2018)
– Unanimous First Team All-SEC (2018)
– Second Team All-SEC (2017)
Video credit: RSHighlights
Josh Allen’s ability to rush the passer will have an instant impact on the Buccaneers’ defense. Allen, the 2018 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, had an exceptional season with the Wildcats, posting 88 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 17 sack and 5 forced fumbles.
2nd round:
Taylor Rapp, SS, Washington
HT: 6’0
WT: 212 lbs.
Accolades:
– Pac-12 Championship Game MVP (2016)
– Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year (2016)
– Freshman All-American (2016; FWAA, USA Today, ESPN, PFF)
– 2x First-team All-Pac-12 (2017, 2018
Video credit: Seattle Native
Taylor Rapp’s ability to play in the box is what will benefit the Buccaneers the most. Rapp, while not great on the back-end of coverage, does well against TE’s and routes across the middle. Taylor finished his 3-year career at Washington with 168 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks and 7 INT’s
3rd round:
Chris Lindstrom, G, Boston College
HT: 6’4 WT: 310lbs
Accolades:
– Outland Trophy Watch List
– Athlon Sports Preseason All-American
– All-ACC First Team
Video credit: Christian
Chris Lindstrom could possibly contend for the RG starting spot immediately. He has all the intangibles you’d want from an NFL offensive lineman. While this isn’t a sexy pick for the Buccaneers it is a solid one. One that at the very least will add quality depth to the offensive line.
4th round:
Beau Benzschawel, IOL, Wisconsin
HT: 6’6 WT: 315 lbs
Accolades:
– 2× All-American (2017, 2018)
– 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2017, 2018)
– Second-team All-Big Ten (2016)
Video credit: Wuintin Lash
Beau Benzschawel in the 4th round is a solid pick. Benzschawel has great power as the ability to play guard or center. He may not push for a starting spot but will provide depth and position flexibility.
5th round:
Myles Gaskin, RB, University of Washington
HT: 5’9 WT: 191 lbs
Accolades:
– Washington Offensive MVP (2015)
– First-team All-Pac-12 (2016)
– 2x Second-team All-Pac-12 (2017, 2018)
Video credit: Seattle Native
Myles Gaskin very well may be a hidden gem in this draft class. Myles is solid through the hole and possesses excellent vision. A workhorse in college speaks to his toughness. Solid pick with the ability to be coached up.
6th round:
Saivion Smith, CB, Alabama
HT: 6’0 WT: 200 lbs
Accolades:
– Defensive player of the week
Video credit: Casey Abashian
Saivion Smith in the 6th round was a bit of a shock. He has been graded as high as a 2nd rounder. He is a ballhawk and likes to hit. It appears his stock dropped because of him only playing in Division 1 college ball for one year, that and his propensity to be over aggressive.
Smith needs some fine tuning but the tools are all there. Look for him on special teams while he works out the kinks.
7th round:
Hunter Renfrow,Wide Receiver, Clemson
HT: 5’10 WT: 185 lbs
Accolades:
– 2x CFP national champion (2016, 2018)
– Third team All-ACC (2018)
Video credit: ClemsoNation
Hunter Renfrow looks to be a clone of Buccaneers fan favorite Adam Humphries. Great route runner with exceptional hands. Does all the little things and does them well.
This mock addresses several team needs on both sides of the ball. It brings instant help to the pass rush with Josh Allen and provides an “in the box” Safety that this defense desperately needs.
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