Mock Draft season is officially here! I have spent much of the offseason already going over prospects, watching film, and looking at players that would be a good fit in pewter and red. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a roster this talented, and this deep.
There really is no obvious choice in terms of position, but that all assumes that the majority of the team can come back in 2021. As usual, I used thedraftnetwork.com‘s mock draft machine to make my selections. Without further ado, lets get to it.
Round One
Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
HT: 6’6
WT: 302 lbs
Liam Eichenberg is a plug and play left tackle, and you rarely find these types of players at the end of the first round. Donovan Smith had a stellar post-season, but he’s coming up on the final year of his contract. While an extension is possible, the Buccaneers need a backup plan should he walk in free agency.
Eichenberg is a three year starter at left tackle. His massive frame of 6’6″, 302 lbs make him a monster in the run game, but he admittedly has a few issues as a pass blocker.
He is a bit slow in his first step and slide, but his ability to counter opposing edge rushers is one of his best strengths. Still, the first team ACC product will be afforded a year to learn under offensive line coach Harold Goodwin. Hopefully by then, he can iron out some deficits in his game.
Round Two
OLB, Dayo Odeyingbo, Vanderbilt
HT: 6’6
WT: 275
Injuries are a tricky thing to project in the NFL. Unfortunately, Dayo Odeyingbo suffered a a torn achilles right before the senior bowl. While it may be a risk the Buccaneers aren’t willing to take, Odeyingbo could become a steal in the second round if he can come back healthy.
The SEC all conference product is incredibly versatile, and can line up across a three or four man front. His ability to rush the passer from the inside is something you don’t see often with tradition edge rushers, but it’s a testament to Odeyingbo’s counter moves, size, and speed.
Still, Odeyingbo missed more than his fare share of tackles in the backfield last season. While this did improve as the season progressed, he struggles with play recognition, especially when met with an RPO or other similar scheme. At pick 64, Odeyingbo is a risk, but one I’d be willing to take.
Round Three
Quincy Roach, EDGE, Miami
HT: 6’3
WT: 245 lbs
In round three, we go with another trench player. I fully adhere to the philosophy that a Super Bowl contenders needs to consistently build depth in this area of the field, and that’s what we’re doing here.
Quincy Roach is a prototypical 3-4 outside linebacker. In 2019, he earned AAC Defensive Player of the Year honors after recording 13 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. His 2020 campaign wasn’t as lucrative stat wise, which thrust him down many draft boards this year.
Roach has refined his technique for a top college prospect, which means that he won’t need much molding in that area. But this unfortunately caps his upside given his physical traits. He measures in at 6’3″, 245 lbs, with average quickness. But we’ve all seen what Shaq Barrett can do with limited physical traits.
In round three, you can’t go wrong with another edge player. He will likely rotate along the line at first, but should eventually carve himself a role in 2022 and beyond.
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