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. 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.
Round- 3, Pick 92
Jeremiah Trotter Jr, LB, Clemson
HT: 6’0
WT: 230 lbs
Accolades:
Second-team All-American (2022)
First-team All-ACC (2023)
Video:
Pros:
Trotter is competitive and plays energetically, often overcoming bigger blockers with his motor.
He shows good speed and closing burst when blitzing.
Has the combination of size and athleticism worthy of development.
He has enough speed to chase and run in pursuit. He has the overall athleticism to hold up in space when dropping into coverage.
Trotter chases well in pursuit, and Trotter has the athleticism to play in space if asked to drop into coverage.
Quick to read run, showing good agility and speed to get past blockers and finish. Experienced in coverage and gets a strong jam on outside receivers.
Cons:
Trotter could improve his ability to anchor against the run, as he sometimes struggles at the point of attack.
He’s not a guy who can be put on the edge every down and be expected to consistently create pressure.
While he shows persistence in the pass rush, he could benefit from increased functional strength to effectively disengage and avoid being pushed past the pocket.
Summary:
In 2023 as a junior Trotter Jr. played in 12 games and contributed on 689 snaps. He recorded decent 54 tackles, 24 assists while making 37 stops. In coverage Trotter Jr. chalked up 2 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and QB rating when targetted of 82.7. As a pass rusher, he produced 27 total pressures, which included 13 QB hurries, 7 QB hits, and 7 sacks on the year. This would be a plug and play type guy for the Buccaneers.
Round- 4, Pick 125
Cole Bishop, S, Utah
HT: 6’1
WT: 209 lbs
Accolades:
Second-team All-Pac-12 (2023)
Video:
Pros:
Has the fluid athleticism and speed to cover tight ends and maybe even some big slot receivers. Bishop has the ball skills to create turnovers. He also has value as a blitzer.
He has the ability to move down and cover tight ends, with the fluid hips to turn and the speed to run with anyone down the middle of the field.
His ball skills are very good. He tracks the ball well downfield and has the hands and coordination to come away with interceptions even when Bishop isn’t targeted often.
Has the change-of-direction ability to mirror underneath but did solid work out of press and off coverage.
Shows good instincts when facing the action in zone coverage, and he has solid ball skills.
Tracks the ball well downfield and has the innate feel for high-point passes. He’s willing to come up and fill against the run and seems to take pride in delivering violent hits in run support.
Bishop has good size and is a fluid mover, capable of mirroring quickness underneath
Cons:
Despite his size, he’s not an overly physical tackler. Bishop might have to add some weight at the next level in order to become more physical.
Has a lean, narrow frame and needs to get stronger.
Lowers his shoulder for the big hit rather than wrapping up securely.
Summary:
As a sophomore in 2022 he played in 13 games and logged 685 snaps for the Utes. He made decent 55 tackles, 21 assists, and had 31 stops. In coverage he totaled 2 pass breakups, one interception, and QB rating when targetted of 104.2. He forced 21 total pressures, and 2 sacks during the year.
In 2023 as a junior Bishop played in 11 games and contributed on 587 snaps. He chalked up 47 tackles, 13 assists, and added 22 stops. In the secondary Bishop forced one pass breakup, 2 interceptions, and gave up QB rating when targetted of 66.0. He also logged 12 total pressures, and 3 sacks on the year. The Buccaneers get a quality defensive back at a position of need. Solid depth for a position the Buccaneers have struggled with recently.
Round – 6, Pick 220
Kingsley Eguakun, IOL, Florida
HT: 6’3
WT: 300 lbs
Accolades:
Earned his master’s degree in Tourism & Hospitality Management (Fall 2023)
NFF Hampshire Honor Society (2023)
Earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminology (Fall 2022)
Three-time SEC Fall Academic Honor (2020-22)
Video:
Pros:
Eguakun flashes power and nastiness in the run game, able to win at the point of attack and athletic enough to get out as a pulling blocker before landing blocks on the move at the second level.
At his best mauling in the run game, playing with a nasty demeanor and consistently keeping it going through the whistle.
He’s a coordinated athlete who can win at the point of attack in the run game, and Eguakun can also move to consistently land blocks at the second level.
Takes much more pride in the run game, where he plays through the whistle with tremendous physicality.
Cerebral player, quick to react to twists and stunts up front, and he shows an excellent understanding of angles when moving out as a run blocker.
Eguakun moves much better than his relatively squat, square frame would suggest. Fluid and flexible, he’s capable of moving in space and latching on to moving targets at the second level.
Cons:
Sometimes Eguakun simply gets too impatient to sit back in his set, reaching and lunging and generally playing with poor balance.
Needs to work on his technique in pass protection, using more consistent leverage and continuing to move his feet.
Anticipates speed rushers attacking the edge and will over-set to the outside, leaving inside rushing lanes wide open for defenders to jab-step outside and re-direct through the gap.
Summary:
In 2021 as a junior Eguakun saw action in 13 games and totaled 870 snaps. He gave up 11 QB hurries, 2 QB hits, and no sacks while playing at center.
In 2022 as a senior Eguakun saw action in 12 games and played a total of 773 snaps for the Gators. He allowed 13 QB hurries, one QB hit, and no sacks while playing at center.
In 2023 as a fifth year senior Eguakun saw action in 4 games and played a total of 246 snaps for the Gators. He allowed just 2 QB hurries, 3 QB hits, and one sack while playing at center. The Buccaneers continue addressing strengthening their offensive line. Eguakun could end up being a starter for the Buccaneers in the near future.
Round – 7, Pick 246
Charles Turner III, IOL, LSU
HT: 6’3
WT: 300 lbs
Accolades:
Senior Bowl Participant, 2024
Outland Trophy National Player of the Week vs. Auburn, 2023
SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week vs. Florida, 2023
Video:
Pros:
He’ll appeal to man-blocking teams, and he’s a fairly high-upside developmental pick when considering his value in the run game.
Exhibits good patience in pass protection, sitting back in his set rather than leaning and lunging.
Plays with natural leverage and has the strength to anchor against the bull rush. Turner also packs a violent initial punch that can stand up pass rushers.
Shows a good feel for combo blocks, and Turner displays good quickness and flexibility when moving to the second level, capable of sealing the back side on reach blocks
In the run game, he explodes off the line of scrimmage and consistently gets out to the second level to do damage.
Finds defenders with his hands immediately and gets feet moving to engage and sustain.
Cons:
Could be a liability against speed-to-power pass rushers early in his career.
His size and athleticism are both limited. Orlosky is not a great blocker in space, often struggling with quickness on the second level, and Turner lacks the range to be used as a puller.
Lacks the pure power to knock people back at the point of attack. In pass protection, he’s going to have trouble with top-end quickness, as he often struggles with leverage and balance when trying to mirror.
Summary:
In 2022 as a senior Turner saw action in 11 games and played a total of 775 snaps for the Tigers. He allowed 11 QB hurries, 2 QB hits, and 3 sacks while playing at center.
In 2023 as a fifth year senior Turner saw action in 13 games and played a total of 763 snaps for the Tigers. He allowed 7 QB hurries, one QB hit, and one sack while playing at center. The Buccaneers add more much needed depth to their interior offensive line.
These draft picks for the Buccaneers address several issues of depth and adds quality starting candidates. For a team looking to compete while still shedding dead cap money, the Buccaneers would do well to have a draft with this many impact players.
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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