The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jason Licht need to hit this draft out of the park. The team is all in now and needs to be smart with their draft selections. The later rounds have the talent to be had. Here are three late-round picks worthy of consideration for the Buccaneers.
Quintez Cephus, Wide Reciever
In what could be one of the deepest positions in the draft, a team should be able to find impactful wide receivers throughout. Enter Quintez Cephus out of Wisconsin. Standing at only 6’1″ and weighing 202 pounds, Cephus plays bigger than he measures.
Quintez Cephus possesses traits NFL coaches covet in wide receivers. He positions himself well against the defender while running his route. While in contested space, he is good with his hands and can fight with the best cornerbacks. Cephus will go up and high point the ball and has some good leaping ability with a 38.5 inch vertical.
This became evident in the 2019 season with 59 receptions and 901 yards. Furthermore, this production added seven touchdowns to his stats. He played well in games against some tough teams like Ohio State and Oregon. Now he will not blow you away with his speed, 4.73 seconds 40-yard dash, but he will find space and is active in understanding where he is on the field.
Cephus could be a good addition as a number three receiver. Tom Brady likes his short to intermediate routes and Cephus could play well into the slot at times. Projections have Cephus as a fifth-round pick.
Lamical Perine, Running Back
A complimentary running back for Ronald Jones II is necessary for the Buccaneers offense to take the next step. That running back needs to have sure hands, grind through contact and short-yardage plays, and of course, have some pass protection skills. This list of abilities almost perfectly describes Lamical Perine.
A consistent running back who has been in a running back by committee in Florida for the past four years., averaging 5.1 yards a carry last season. Perine churned out 676 yards and six touchdowns. He also hauled in 40 receptions for 262 yards with five more touchdowns. He’s an all-around back who would complement Jones II well.
Like Cephus, Perine won’t dazzle with speed or cuts. He does, however, have a good vision to find his running lane and then hits it hard. He’s also a bruising back who plays his role well. What may work well for NFL teams is his growing ability to pass protect. He has shown some games where he has done his job and kept the quarterback upright.
If the Buccaneers prioritize other positions in the draft they can have Perine somewhere in the fourth or fifth round.
Justin Herron, Offensive Tackle
Sometimes finding someone in the seventh round or as a priority free agent can be a good thing. Your camp and sometimes your roster has some hidden gems. Subsequently, the Buccaneers can find some competition late or after the draft and Justin Herron could be one of those players who stick on the 53 man roster.
The tackle comes in at 308 pounds and 6’4” inches tall. A senior from Wake Forest, Herron has experience as a starting right and left tackle. Ultimately, a torn ACL sidelined him in 2018. He did bounce back his senior year earning a Senior Bowl invite. During the Senior Bowl, he was moved inside to guard where I suspect he will play in the NFL.
If selected, the Buccaneers may find a developmental project to add as depth on the interior of the offensive line. Additionally, Herron could end up in the sixth round depending on team needs.
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