Because of COVID-19 shutting down coach and player interactions, here is a continuation of the 30 players the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would have invited in for visits. NFL front offices may need to adjust their draft strategies. Up next, players 11-20.
11. Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Perhaps the best option at left tackle in this draft class, Tampa Bay would love to see Thomas fall to 14. Thomas is a 6’5″ 320 pounder with strong hands and long reach. The Buccaneers may also trade up into the draft to select Thomas if they don’t see themselves securing one of the four top offensive tackles.
12. Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn
Tampa Bay loves versatility along their defensive line, and Davidson has shown the ability to play both the tackle and end positions upfront. Davidson still needs work in run-defense, but his pass-rushing ability has helped turn him into a top 50 prospect in this draft.
13. Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Jones has tremendous strength and does a nice job of moving up into the second level while run-blocking. However, his overall technique is not as established as that of Becton, Thomas, Wirfs, or Wills. If Tampa Bay is dead-set on drafting a tackle at 14, and those big four are gone, Jones may very well be the other option.
14. K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
Hamler has the size and hands of the prototypical NFL slot receiver. Though he is only 5’9″ 175 pounds, he is very tough and hangs on to the ball in traffic. He reminds me a bit of Adam Humphries with his ability to take big hits and still make the catch. Brady would love throwing the ball to a player like this.
15. Grant Delpit, S, LSU
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Buccaneers take a safety early in the draft. If Delpit is still available at pick number 45, where Tampa makes their second-round pick, they could pull the trigger. Just last season, he won the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in college football. Delpit is a potential steal if he falls into the second round.
16. Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
Hurts registered a 32 touchdown and eight interception season in 2019. Good for a player who still has a lot of improving to do fundamentally. By taking Hurts in the second or third round, Tampa Bay could have a new potential Brady replacement once he retires.
17. Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
Not that the Buccaneers were lacking any red-zone threats, but Johnson is a playmaker inside the 20. He is 6’1″, wins most jump-balls thrown his way, and is sure-handed. A nice mid-round prospect for any team who drafts him.
18. Matt Peart, OT, Connecticut
Peart’s 6’7″ frame makes him an automatic attraction at either tackle position. Though I don’t see him coming and starting right away as a rookie, he has the potential to be a nice mid-round project that can develop as an eventual starter. Mid-risk, high-reward type of player in case the Buccaneers don’t get a tackle in one of the first two rounds.
19. Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA
The NFL has shown the importance of having a solid slot cornerback on your team. The slot is Holmes’s specialty. Though Sean Murphy-Bunting looks to be the locked in Day one starter at slot for Tampa Bay, Holmes could come in and contribute in coverage and as a special team player. An eventual Ryan Smith replacement.
20. A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
If Tampa Bay ends up trading down out of the 14 spot in the draft, say into the mid-20s, Epenesa is a potential late first-rounder. Tampa Bay needs one more rotational edge rusher, as they lost Carl Nassib in free agency. Epenesa is one of the best true edge rushers in this class and showed that with his 11.5 sack season last year at Iowa.
Make sure to check out Part 1 of this list, and also be sure to stick around to see the final part (players 21-30) coming out soon. Day 1 of the NFL draft is this Thursday, April 23 at 8 PM.
