We are officially less than three weeks from the NFL Draft. The league has confirmed that it will go on, obviously not as planned, but still with the basic mechanics any draft needs.
Player stock has changed a significant amount since my last mock;
Nick Sitro’s 7-Round Mock Draft 2.0 (With Trade)
Instead of formatting this mock as a “dream draft” it will simply be a realistic version of what I think will happen starting April 23rd. Lets jump right in.
Round 1, Pick 14
Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
HT: 6’5″ WT: 320 lbs
I have been mocking offensive tackle Andrew Thomas to the Buccaneers in many of my previous articles. Recently though, left tackles such as Thomas have been rising, given the importance of the position.
This works into the Buccaneers favor, as Wills is my number one offensive lineman in this draft. He is a plug and play right tackle who can make a significant impact this season.
Round 2, Pick 45
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
HT: 5’8″ WT: 209 lbs
A fan favorite for many, I think Clyde Edwards-Helaire is high on the Buccaneers big board. He makes sense for a Tom Brady led team, as his pass catching ability is top tier in this class.
One trait that Bruce Arians covets is pass blocking, and Edwards-Helaire has the ability to get the job done. He isn’t the biggest or the strongest, but his technique and effort really shine on tape.
Round 3, Pick 76
Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
HT: 6’6″ WT: 227 lbs
A lot of other analysts have Eason going to the Buccaneers, and it makes sense given his skill set. He has a strong arm and underrated pocket mobility, a perfect project for Bruce Arians.
He needs to work on his progressions and processing speed, but spending a few years learning under Tom Brady should be a dream situation.
Round 4, Pick 117
Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
HT: 6’2″ WT: 197 lbs
The Buccaneers need a third wide receiver, Van Jefferson is that guy. If he falls to the fourth round, Jason Licht better spring to the podium.
Many receivers in this range are slot/possession type of players. But the Buccaneers don’t need that type of player with Chris Godwin dominating in the slot. Jefferson is a prototypical X-receiver, who has exceptional route running ability.
While his production wasn’t the greatest at Florida, I always let talent and film trump simple counting stats.
Round 4, Pick 139
Leki Fotu, IDL, Utah
HT: 6’5″ WT: 337 lbs
With the awarded compensatory pick, the Buccaneers select Leki Fotu out of Utah. A one technique tackle, Fotu would be nothing more than a depth piece in 2020.
If Ndamukong Suh or Vita Vea were to go down, Fotu could step up and be that stop gap lineman in a 3-4 scheme. His power will translate well to this role, but I wouldn’t expect Fotu to rack up any sack numbers
Round 5, Pick 161
Hakeem Adeniji, OT, Kansas
HT: 6’4″ WT: 302 lbs
A double dip at offensive tackle, Hakeem Adeniji can be a solid depth piece along the offensive line. His length will allow him to slow down edge rushers with power moves, but his footwork needs some fine tuning.
Don’t get me wrong, Adeniji is very much a development project, but his four years as a starter at Kansas give him valuable experience and endurance.
Round 6, Pick 194
D.J. Wonnum, EDGE, South Carolina
HT: 6’5″ WT: 254 lbs
Another developmental player in the later rounds, D.J. Wonnum can provide depth across the defensive line. See any trends here? Build up the trenches.
In regards to Wonnum, his hand technique needs plenty of work, but his interior pass rush is his strongest trait. Wonnum needs to develop more counter moves if he wants to carve out a larger role.
