The big wave of free agency is over at this point. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were very active in re-signing their own guys, but also did a nice job at addressing a few needs across the roster. At this point, we pretty much know what the team looks like.
The best way to add talent now is through the NFL Draft. With a few glaring needs left on the roster, we basically know where the Bucs will be looking. However, the when and the who are yet to be determined.
One thing is sure and that is that the Buccaneers will be looking to improve an offense that sputtered at times last year. With that in mind, here is my post free agency Buccaneers mock draft.
26) AD Mitchell, WR, Texas
Ideally, the Bucs will pick a premier edge rusher or interior offensive lineman with this pick. However, there is a chance that the top players at these positions are already off the board. So it is the question of taking a lesser player to address a bigger need or choosing the best player available.
I went with the latter in this draft. AD Mitchell is a supreme athlete who brings size and speed to the NFL. He has great body control to be able to get his hands on everything, and the ability to separate. In terms of pure talent, he would be a steal at this point for the Bucs.
It’s true that wide receiver isn’t the Buccaneers biggest need. However, keep in mind that Chris Godwin is going into the final year of his deal and Mike Evans is on a two year deal and in his early 30s. It’s important that the Buccaneers have a transition plan in place out wide. This is something that Jason Licht has always been very good at and it would shock me if he went in that directing early in the draft.
57) Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
Kneeland brings a lot of size to the edge. At 6’3 and nearly 270 lbs he has the ability to win with power or quickness. He has to polish his game up a bit, but I might have said the same thing last year about another big body edge rusher named Yaya Diaby.
There is no doubt that edge is something the Bucs have to address. And with a very top heavy class at this position, it makes sense to wait on a guy until the second or even third round.
89) Christian Mahogany, OL, Boston College
In terms of big mauling guards, Mahogany is towards the top of the list. He is big (6’3 and 315 lbs) and very powerful. For teams who want to get more push at the point of attack, this will be a popular name come draft day.
Mahogany tested like an elite athlete and he applies every bit of the on the field. He works well on pulls and getting into space to seal off defenders. This makes him a versatile lineman who can run both power and zone based systems.
92) Mason McCormick, OL, South Dakota State
It wouldn’t be a Buccaneers draft without a small school offensive lineman. Jason Licht has made a career out of drafting the likes of Ali Marpet, Alex Cappa and Cody Mauch from colleges that are the size of my high school.
McCormick could easily be the next man in line of this trend. He had an excellent combine workout and has proven he is plenty athletic enough for the next level. He is a draft and develop guy with serious upside.
125) Marshawn Lloyd, RB, USC
There is thunder, there is lightning, and then there is Marshawn Lloyd who is a bit of both. At 5’8 and 220 lbs he is a stoutly built ball carrier who is a thorn in the side of would be tacklers. An ideal mold for a between the tackles compliment to Rachaad White.
Lloyd also brings an element of explosiveness with 4.4 speed. He changes directions well and can be somewhat elusive in the open field. The Trojans ran a style of offense that did him no favors in terms of showing off his skill set, which means his best football could still be ahead of him.
220) Erick All, TE, Iowa
Tight end depth is something that can be improved in terms of pass catching. Cade Otton is a solid first option, but after that it’s guys like Payne Durham and Ko Kieft who are more in the blocking mold. Adding a guy who can separate, similar to a profile like Cameron Brate, would add a lot of value to that room.
Enter Erick All. The Michigan transfer spent last season with the Iowa Hawkeyes and it was a year mostly highlighted by injuries. However, there is no denying that All has the ability to be a weapon as a depth tight end.
246) Beanie Bishop, CB, West Virginia
The Buccaneers need more options with their nickel position. Chris Izien played well last year as an undrafted rookie, but he could be moving to more of a part time nickel and part time safety role next year. If nothing else, the Bucs need to add depth here. Bishop provides someone who can fill that role.
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