The NFL season is officially over. Now a long offseason of uncertainty lies ahead for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With free agency looming it appears that the Bucs will have a number of needs to address in the NFL draft. With those potential needs in mind here is my Bucs mock draft 1.0.
Measurables
27th overall – Sam Howell, Quarterback North Carolina
– Height: 6’0
– Weight: 221 lbs
College Career Stats
– Yds: 10,283
– TD: 92
– Int: 23
– QBR: 164.2
Accolades
– Second-team All-ACC (2020)
– Third-team All-ACC (2019)
– ACC Rookie of the Year (2019)
– ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year (2019)
– USA Today Freshman All-American (2019)[1]
– Military Bowl MVP (2019)
There has been a lot of talk about the Buccaneers trading for an established star at quarterback this offseason. However, to this point they have not done that yet. If the season started today then it would be Kyle Trask running the offense and I just don’t think he’s a real answer for this team.
Sam Howell is my top rated quarterback in the draft. He has above average physical tools for the NFL level, including an arm with big velocity and very good running ability. He’s typically accurate to all levels and has shown a high level of maturity and an ability to pick things up quickly.
With Howell leading the way, I see no reason why the Buccaneers couldn’t repeat as NFC South champions.
Measurables
60th overall – Travis Jones, Defensive Tackle, Connecticut
– Height: 6’4
– Weight: 326 lbs
College Career Stats
– TKL: 134
– TFL: 19
– SK: 8.5
Travis Jones checks all the boxes that this Buccaneers staff will like. At 6’4 and 326 lbs he brings the prerequisite size that head coach Bruce Arians and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles value in their defensive linemen. He uses his size and impressive power to shut down the run and control the point of attack.
However, Jones is more than just a big run stuffer in the middle. He shows fluidity and the mobility required to play the 3 technique as well as nose tackle. Jones displays quick hands and flashes different pass rush moves that leads me to believe that he can develop into a disruptive pass rusher down the line.
Measurables
91st overall – Jalen Wydermyer, Tight End, Texas A&M
– Height: 6′ 5″
– Weight: 256 lbs
College Career Stats
– Rec: 118
– Yds: 1468
– TDs: 16
Jalen Wydermyer isn’t a name that I still expected to be available at this point in the draft, so when he was still on the board I couldn’t let this type of talent pass by. At 6’5 and nearly 260 lbs, Wydermyer brings NFL size and combines it with the desired athletic ability to step right into the league and make a difference.
This is a very well rounded prospect who can run smooth routes, catch the ball and move all around the offense. With Rob Gronkowski likely retiring this offseason and OJ Howard hitting free agency, the Buccaneers need to think of who their tight end of the future will be. Wydermyer could be the answer that Tampa Bay is looking for.
Measurables
131st overall – Calvin Austin, Wide Receiver, Memphis
– Height: 5’7
– Weight: 173 lbs
College Career Stats
– Rec: 157
– Yds: 2541
– TDs: 22
There may have been no bigger winner at the Senior Bowl than the little receiver from Memphis. But don’t let his 5’7 height fool you, Calvin Austin is a big time playmaker.
Austin is one of the quickest, most agile wide receivers in the draft. His route running is very good and he can create separation against anyone he’s gone against. On top of that, Austin has very good hands and pulls in passes consistently.
Austin doesn’t fit the typical mold of what the Bucs like at receiver, but the way he plays certainly does. He’s reliable and scrappy. Even has a blocker, Austin gives a good effort on every play and constantly exceeds expectations.
Measurables
169th overall – Hassan Haskins, Running Back, Michigan
– Height: 6’1″
– Weight: 220 lbs
College Career Stats
– Att: 452
– Yds: 2324
– TDs: 30
Assuming that the Buccaneers don’t sign Leonard Fournette to a big contract, there’s a need on this roster for a bellcow running back. And while Ke’Shawn Vaughn has shown flashes, I’m not convinced he can be the focal point of a running rotation. Enter Hassan Haskins.
The Michigan star brings a physical presence at 6’1 and 220 lbs. He excels at getting the tough yards between the tackles and wearing down opposing defenses. Haskins also has shown the ability to pass protect, which has been lacking from the Buccaneers running backs in recent years. He’s a classic hard hat and lunch pale type of guy who brings value on all three downs.
Measurables
245th overall – Vederian Lowe, Offensive Tackle, Illinois
– Height: 6′ 6
– Weight: 320 lbs
Vederian Lowe has the potential to make the Bucs roster next year. He’s a big body left tackle (6’4 and 320 lbs) who moves well for his size. At this point in the draft I’ll take a gamble of physical tools, which is something Lowe brings to the table.
Obviously the Bucs are a situation where Lowe wouldn’t be in position to see much, if any, playing time. However, he could be a guy who challenges Josh Wells as the primary backup.
Measurables
260th overall – Ronnie Rivers, Running Back, Fresno State
– Height: 5’9
– Weight: 195 lbs
College Career Stats
– Att: 680
– Yds: 3417
– TDs: 40
– Rec: 150
– Yds: 1421
– TDs: 11
Ronnie Rivers is a bit of a jack of all trades and a master or none. His physical tools are fine, but not great. He brings some ability as a pass catcher and blocker. This is the type of versatility you want in a depth running back.
Rivers had a decorated college career at Fresno State where he set the school touchdown record. For a Buccaneers running back group that needs depth and talent, Rivers is someone who could come in an compete for touches as a rookie.
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