The college football season is still a few weeks away. However, today we get a little taste of that good old college football feeling. This morning the Feldman Freaks list came out.
For those of you who are unfamiliar, this is a yearly article published by Bruce Feldman of the Athletic. It goes through all of the best athletes in college football and what they can do in the weight room, timed runs, etc. It’s a must read piece for college football fans and NFL draft geeks alike.
Seeing as I fall into both those categories, it’s one of my favorite articles of the year. And seeing as I have already watched some of these players in depth, it tells me who might be a promising draft target for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While it will be the tape that defines these players, there is no denying that the Bucs are known for targeting high end athletes. It speaks to high well they can translate to a bigger, faster, stronger league. It also speaks to how great their potential could be.
Based on what we know about the roster now and upcoming free agents, we can do some projecting as to what draft needs could be. With that said, here are five freaks that the Buccaneers could target.
A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon (3rd ranked freak)
If there was a replacement for Vita Vea in the draft, then it would be Washington. The big 330 lbs nose tackle is one of the elite athletes in college football. He is currently projected as a mid first round pick.
Washington has so much power and mobility. He squats over 765 lbs and that translates to holding the point of attack and shocking get off at the snap. If this was the Bucs 2027 first round pick then I would be ecstatic.
Kade Pieper, OG, Iowa (8th ranked freak)
Pieper is an interior offensive line prospect out of Iowa. This is a school that is famous for their offensive line development. Don’t believe me? Just ask Iowa alumni and star left tackle Tristan Wirfs.
Their latest model of super star blocker is Pieper. He is incredibly mobile as a sub 300 lbs guard, but he’s also setting school lifting records for the position. I’m not sure where Pieper will go in the draft, but don’t be shocked if he’s the best offensive lineman to come out of this class.
Sammy Brown, LB, Clemson (20th ranked freak)
The Bucs are retooling their linebacker position. And while I like Alex Anzalone who came in as a free agent, he’s also in his early 30s. It would be wise to continue bringing in young talent at the position.
Brown squats 600 lbs, bench presses 385 lbs and runs a 4.41 40 yard dash. These traits absolutely translate to the field with sideline to sideline speed and the ability to blow up blocks. With a strong year then he can be a first round pick come April.
Anthonie Knapp, OT, Notre Dame(63rd ranked freak)
The Buccaneers could lose both their starting guards next offseason. Fortunately, this looks like a pretty good class of interior offensive linemen. Knapp would be an ideal fit in this current Zac Robinson offense.
The Notre Dame left tackle is transitioning to guard this year (his projected NFL position). He is known as more of a technician, so seeing that he can bench press over 400 lbs and squat 585 lbs is very encouraging. Look for him to be a day two option for the Bucs.
Evan Tengesdahl, OG, Cincinnati (87th ranked freak)
While Knapp wins with positioning and technique, Tengesdahl is a very different type of guard. The big Bearcat is a mauling bully who wants to win with power and nastiness. After seeing how strong he is, it’s easy to understand why that would be his style.
The Cincinnati guard can bench press 425 lbs and squat 615 lbs. Feldman describes him as “one of the most powerful players in college football”. On top of that, he is surprisingly mobile for 323 lbs.
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