It’s that time of year again Buccaneers fans! The NFL offseason, or silly-season as some would call it is here. That can only mean it’s time for some mock drafts.
Obviously we are very early in the process here with the Super Bowl yet to be played and not knowing who is or isn’t leaving via free agency. So we’ll fire up the crystal ball and say the Buccaneers re-sign, Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Antoine Winfield Jr, Lavonte David, and Tristan Wirfs. That would mean Devin White leaves via free agency. So without further ado…
Round – 1, Pick 26
Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
HT: 6’4
WT: 274 lbs
Accolades:
2x First-team All-Pac-12 (2022, 2023)
2022 Alamo Bowl Defensive MVP
Video:
Pros:
Impressive size and build, paired with outstanding mobility for his frame.
Strong at the point of attack, adept at recognizing blocks and sealing the edge against offensive tackles.
Efficient at disengaging from blocks, employing strength and a refined cross-chop to neutralize opponents.
Converts speed to power effectively during rushes, maintaining drive and pressure through contact.
Proficient in countering offensive lineman techniques, coupled with relentless drive and hustle, contributing to coverage sacks.
Displays agility and finesse in the initial steps, setting up tackles and swiftly countering with a repertoire of inside moves, power, or surface reduction.
Excels in block deconstruction and maintaining a robust anchor, benefiting from a solid center of gravity to withstand late challenges from blockers.
Cons:
Lacks elite quick-twitch capabilities, which narrows his pass-rush techniques beyond hand-play and power-driven strategies.
Average in directional changes, allowing well-footed offensive tackles to maintain blocks against finesse moves.
Displays some stiffness in ankles and hips, restricting his bend and agility at the rush’s apex.
Tendency to aim low in tackles, especially in open space, leading to missed opportunities.
While showing potential as a stand-up linebacker, his optimal fit might be as a hand-in-the-ground defensive end, leveraging a three-point stance for better leverage and attack initiation.
Despite his size/speed combination and overall athletic ability his tackling is inconsistent and isn’t great in run defense
Summary:
As a sophomore for the Huskies in 2022 Trice played in 12 games and took part in 557 snaps for the Huskies. He recorded 13 tackles, 12 assists, while adding 14 stops. As a pass rusher, he chalked up
67 total pressures, and 44 QB hurries, 15 QB hits, and 8 sacks during the year.
In 2023 as a junior Trice played in 13 games and contributed on 797 snaps. He recorded 28 tackles, 13 assists while making 23 stops. As a pass rusher, he produced a huge 70 total pressures, which included 49 QB hurries, 15 QB hits, and 6 sacks on the year. Trice would be an instant impact player off the edge for the Buccaneers.
Round – 2, Pick 57
Will Shipley, RB, Clemson
HT: 5’11
WT: 210 lbs
Accolades:
First-team All-American (2022)
First-team All-ACC (2022)
Video:
Pros:
His passing game skills are strong. He’s a natural hands catcher who turns upfield quickly in the screen game, and Shipley shows a great feel for setting up wheel routes.
Possesses quick feet and straight-line speed but doesn’t have the elite burst to be a constant big-play threat. Improving patience as a runner, following pulling guards and makes good decisions on his cut.
His stop-start ability in traffic, exceptional balance, lateral agility and body control allow him to squeeze out chunks of yardage when it appears that nothing is there.
He’s at his best working in space, showing the quickness and vision of a return specialist. His stop-start ability allows him to create initial separation.
Shipley shows good vision and good explosion upfield once he plants his foot. Shipley has lateral movement skills and enough speed to threaten big plays. He’s excellent in the passing game, capable of flexing out as a receiver and creating mismatches against linebackers, and he’s a solid back in the screen game.
An instinctive runner, he has a knack for setting up defenders and making people miss in space. He’s at his best in space and on the perimeter, where he shows the balance and acceleration, plus pure speed, to make a move and then take off.
Once he plants his foot, he’s explosive moving upfield, and his 0-to-60 acceleration is enough to catch defenses off-guard.
Cons:
Shipley isn’t going to overwhelm opposing defensive backs with speed and athleticism.
He does most of his work on the perimeter — and ran a lot of fly sweeps
Shipley has a slight build, especially for a running back, and Shipley isn’t going to grind out yardage between the tackles, as he lacks power and runs with a fairly high pad level.
Summary:
In 2021 as a freshman Shipley saw action in 10 games for the Tigers as he ran for 740 yards on 148 attempts for 5.0 yards per carry, with 11 TDs, with one fumble. As a receiver he made 16 receptions for 116 yards.
As a sophomore in 2022 he played 13 games. and rushed for an outstanding 1099 yards on 194 carries for an excellent 5.7 ypc, with 15 TDs, with 4 fumbles. In the passing game he pulled in 33 receptions for 216 yards.
In 2023 as a junior Shipley saw action in 11 games for the Tigers. He ran for 811 yards on 156 attempts for an excellent 5.2 ypc, with 5 TDs, with 3 fumbles. As a receiver he made 29 receptions for 222 yards. Shipley would be a great compliment to Buccaneers running back Rachaad White.
Round – 3, Pick 89
Sedrick Van Pran, Center, Georgia
HT: 6’4
WT: 310 lbs
Accolades:
2× CFP National Champion (2021, 2022)
First-team All-SEC (2023)
Second-Team All-SEC (2022)
Jacobs Blocking Trophy (2023)
Video:
Pros:
Though he might fit better in a zone-blocking approach, Van Pran has the scheme versatility, football IQ, and instincts to serve as a reliable starter in any team.
His stout build, combined with a strong, flexible core, serves him well, especially when dealing with larger defensive tackles.
Prides himself in the run game, displaying tremendous physicality and playing through the whistle.
As a cerebral player, he’s quick to react to twists and stunts up front, displaying an excellent understanding of angles when moving out as a run blocker.
He’s a coordinated athlete who can win at the point of attack in the run game.
A mauler in the run game, Van Pran plays with a nasty disposition and shows excellent snap and punch quickness.
Cons:
While he is adept as a pass protector, he could improve his performance as a run blocker. Van Pran’s short arms could pose a problem when fending off bigger interior defenders who manage to get into his body.
His pass protection skills could use refinement. He often appears choppy and unnatural when moving back into his set, and tends to play too upright.
Van Pran’s range as a blocker is somewhat limited. This limitation also affects his performance as a pass protector, especially when it comes to mirroring against quickness.
Summary:
As a sophomore in 2021 he played in 15 games and a total of 881 snaps. He conceded 8 QB hurries, no QB hits, and one sack while playing at center.
In 2022 as a junior Van Pran saw action in 13 games and totaled 852 snaps. He gave up 8 QB hurries, no QB hits, and no sacks while playing at center.
In 2023 as a senior Van Pran saw action in 13 games and played a total of 821 snaps for the Bulldogs. He allowed 8 QB hurries, no QB hits, and no sacks while playing at center. Van Pran would instantly improve the Buccaneers interior offensive line. This move puts a natural center at the position for the Buccaneers, allowing Robert Hainsey to move to left guard.
Information in this article first appeared on NFL Draft Buzz and is used with permission. Find the latest coverage, analysis, and player rankings for the 2024 NFL Draft at nfldraftbuzz.com
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