The Buccaneers have drafted University of Washington’s OLB Joe Tryon with the No. 32 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Who is Joe Tryon?
Tryon is a quick and powerful defensive lineman from the University of Washington. At 6’5 and 260 lbs, he tested as one of the best athletes at his position in the draft. Tryon projects as an outside linebacker for the Buccaneers as a high upside pass rusher.
Due to the pandemic, Tryon sat out the 2020 season. In his most recent year on the field (2019) he recorded 12.5 tackles for a loss and 8.0 sacks. He is a high effort player who will certainly win fans over in Tampa Bay with his blue collar approach and his sky high potential.
It’s worth noting that Tryon was pegged as one of the best fits for the Bucs in a recent article by fellow Bucs Report writer Joshua Cole-Allen. He was also mocked to Tampa by several staff writers in their final mock drafts. Clearly this was perceived as a great fit long before the card was turned in.
How does this help or hurt the Buccaneers?
Tryon is the edge rusher of the future that this team needed. Jason Pierre-Paul will turn 33 this season and is in the last year of his contract. And while Tryon could not replace the Bucs lone pro bowl representative in 2019, he might be able to fill those shoes with a year of development.
This is a pick that will also provide great depth for the Bucs. Should either Pierre-Paul of Shaq Barrett miss time due to injury this year, it’s a huge benefit to have an elite athlete waiting in the wings. At the very least the Buccaneers will be able to keep these two veterans fresh for the playoffs with more of a pass rushing rotation in 2021.
Who else was available at No. 32?
We all knew coming into the draft that the Bucs could go a number of different ways. One name that was tied to Tampa consistently was Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore. The Crimson Tide pass rusher was there if the Buccaneers had wanted him, but obviously felt that Tryon was a better fit for the team at this point in the draft.
Another notable name on the board was Georgia edge rusher Azeez Ojulari. Many, including myself, believed that Ojulari was one of the best two edge rushers in the draft. However, it was recently revealed that there were some concerns with his long term health as he had a knee issue flagged in his medical checks.
Other intriguing names that may have been considered among the best players avalible were Notre Dame Linebacker Jerimiah Owosu-Koramoah, Oklahoma State offensive tackle Teven Jenkins and TCU safety Trevon Moehrig. Each of these players were considered first round talents and would have made sense for the Buccaneers in their own way.
Final Thought(s)
Tryon is a high upside athlete who could turn out to be a great pick in the long run. My perception of this pick will inevitably be determined by how much he can develop over the next year. If he can become a more polished and consistent player, then this would be a home run pick.
Worst case scenario, Tryon is an elite athlete who works really hard. He should be a great culture fit with the Buccaneers and can be a quality third pass rusher in year one. This is the type of high ceiling, high floor edge rusher that always warrants a high pick in the draft.
How do you feel about the Buccaneers and their decision to draft Joe Tryon? Let us know in the comment section below!
