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
Keon Coleman, WR, FSU
HT: 6’4
WT: 215 lbs
Accolades:
First-team All-ACC (2023)
Third-team All-Big Ten (2022)
Video:
Pros:
Prototype physicality: boasts elite size, frame density, and compact mass; prime athletic build for an NFL WR.
Outstanding acceleration combined with exceptional foot speed and lateral twitch, especially considering his build.
Superb at manipulating DB blind spots; employs efficient diamond releases and robust hand techniques to separate.
Impressive ball skills: pairs elite timing and body control with remarkable strength at the catch point.
Transcendent aerial adjustments: showcases gravity-defying contortions and consistently extends beyond his frame to secure catches.
Threat after the catch: blends explosive agility, contact balance, and physicality to elude and overpower defensive backs.
Distinguished for his proactive alpha mentality; adept at contested catches thanks to a combination of instincts and sheer hand strength.
Multifaceted athlete: showcased his versatility playing basketball under Tom Izzo; brings that multi-sport dynamism to the gridiron.
Cons:
Limited sharpness in routes: occasionally lacks the burst and crispness on angled route breaks, affecting his separation from defenders.
Inconsistent run-blocking intensity: despite his physical prowess, needs to bring more aggression and tenacity to his blocking assignments.
Acceleration concerns: might struggle with elite long speed, making it challenging to consistently outpace boundary DBs in deep ball situations.
Technique refinements needed: can improve on his footwork, hip flexibility, and contact balance for more consistent and effective playmaking.
Summary:
Given his blend of raw talent and exhibited skills, many scouts see him as a valuable pick, he’s currently projected to be taken in the 1st round. This positioning might reflect the few areas he needs to polish, but it also speaks to the depth of talent in the draft. Coleman is a receiver the Buccaneers can move up the depth chart to WR3 on day one.
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
Copper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
HT: 6’4
WT: 335 lbs
Accolades:
Unanimous All-American (2023)
First-team All-American (2022)
2× Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year (2022, 2023)
3× first-team All-Big 12 (2021–2023)
Video:
Pros:
Along with his strong grip, Beebe is virtually unmovable once he gets his hands on a pass rusher. He is capable of holding his ground, especially when he effectively utilizes his feet.
Exhibits potential in developing his patience in pass protection, currently has some issues with leaning and lunging.
Displays good awareness when it comes to reading moving bodies, effectively reacting and adjusting. He also shows a good feel for combo blocks.
Shows potential in pass protection, could work on balance and resilience against the bull rush. His hands are strong and when he’s at his best, he does a nice job gripping and latching on once he has his hands on the pass rusher.
Effective grappling in the phone booth, with the upper-body strength and strong hands to outbattle defenders. Beebe also shows a good understanding of angles when moving out to the second level
At his best mauling in the run game, playing with a nasty demeanor and consistently keeping it going through the whistle.
Cons:
Despite showing capability, Beebe often struggles with maintaining balance and avoiding lunging when facing quick opponents.
Though he has the traits to improve, Beebe needs to work on his patience and balance during his set. Inconsistencies with his kick slide need to be addressed.
While he shows potential in pass protection, Beebe currently seems more comfortable moving forward than sliding back as a protector.
Summary:
In 2023 as a fifth year senior Beebe saw action in 12 games and played a total of 870 snaps for the Wildcats. He allowed 8 QB hurries, no QB hits, and one sack while playing most of his snaps at left guard. The Buccaneers get a plug and play guard to shore up the interior offensive line. Beebe is a monster in the trenches. He will instantly improve the Buccaneers interior offensive line.
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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