The 2019 NFL draft ended yesterday. There were some teams that did well and others that left us scratching our heads. The ones that made us scratch our heads will go into the season with answering why they made those choices. The ones who did well got the guys they need or filled the holes they had. One of the teams that did well was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. General manager Jason Licht needed to get this draft right. He is on the hot seat by the measure of most of Buccaneer nation. Here is my draft analysis for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2019 NFL draft.
The NFL draft has become a TV spectacle. Most fans consider it more popular than the Super Bowl. The draft started on Thursday and just one round. The Buccaneers had the fifth overall pick. All week the pick was thrown up in the air with who they were going to draft. Most people had them picking Josh Allen the edge rusher from Kentucky or Devin White the linebacker from LSU.
The Buccaneers decided on Devin White. This was a pick that came with some questioning. At the time of their pick, Josh Allen was available. Many fans saw the Buccaneers taking an edge rusher because of Todd Bowles 3-4 defensive-based scheme. Instead, they decided to get LB Lavonte David some help. White has been called a team leader and may become that for the Buccaneers. My grade for this pick is an “A”. As this pick should help a woeful defense.
On the second day, rounds 2-3 occurred. The Buccaneers came into the draft focusing on defense. Day 2 was not too different from day 1, as they continued to focus on defense. With their second pick the 39th overall, they took CB Sean Bunting out of Central Michigan. The Buccaneers needed help in their secondary, and they got some in Bunting who considers himself a ball hawk.
Their next pick in round 3 was 94th overall. With that pick, they took another CB in Jamel Dean from Auburn. The biggest concern here is his ability to stay healthy. Both gentlemen should help the secondary. My grade on both picks is A-.
The Buccaneers also picked S Mike Edwards out of Kentucky. The grade on this pick is a B.
The final four rounds took place on Saturday. The Buccaneers took one pick in each of the final four rounds. In round 4 they drafted DE Anthony Nelson out of Iowa. This was what many thought would have been done in the first round.
Their pick in round 5 though might be the one that everyone asks, “why”. They chose Matt Gay, a kicker out of Utah. Why though when they already have a kicker in Cairo Santos who performed well last season?
The Buccaneers pick in round 6 was aimed at offense as they choose Scott Miller a WR out of Bowling Green.
Their final pick in round 7 was DT Terry Buckner Jr. Another player with upside, but has struggled to stay healthy. These final picks will have an opportunity to help the team. These picks ultimately grade out as a B.
Overall the Buccaneers made good picks. They have some decisions to make, as they are in cap trouble. The Buccaneers will need to make some cuts. Most say that Gerald McCoy will be one of them. Others may include players like Cameron Brate and Cairo Santos. Santos now because of their 5th round pick.
For now we will have to sit back and wait.
