The NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, which means it’s time for mock draft season to come to a close. Thanks to COVID-19, there are no Pro Days to observe as pre-draft process wraps itself up. While some players are performing their own isolated workouts, by and large, there will be no new information about these prospects between now and the NFL Draft. Based on everything the scouting community knows, let’s take a look at a seven-round mock draft for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Note that this Buccaneers mock draft does not include trades due to the obvious issues with trying to simultaneously make decisions for two separate teams. Also note that this exercise was performed using the Draft Network’s Mock Draft Simulator, so all of these players have a decent chance of being on the board when Miami is on the clock.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Seven-Round Mock Draft
First Round (14th Overall) – Andrew Thomas, OT [NFL Draft Profile]
When your quarterback is about to enter his age-43 season, you have to keep him as healthy as possible. Andrew Thomas is a consensus top-four tackle in this class, and he could very well end up being the best of the bunch when all is said and done. Truthfully, the Buccaneers should be happy with any of Thomas, Tristan Wirfs, Jedrick Wills, or Mekhi Beckton.
Second Round (45th Overall) – Jaylon Johnson, CB [NFL Draft Profile]
Tampa Bay has a promising young trio of cornerbacks in Sean Murphy-Bunting, Carlton Davis, and Jamel Dean. However, there is no such thing as too many cornerbacks, especially when you’re playing in a stacked NFC South. Jaylon Johnson has the ideal height and size for the position and can follow just about any receiver in tight coverage. He’s not that great against the run, but that’s a secondary concern in today’s NFL. He can help slow down opposing passing attacks and should only further bolster the cornerback depth chart.
Third Round (76th Overall) – Cam Akers, RB
Ronald Jones showed some notable growth in Year 2, but he shouldn’t be the only guy in town. While he lacks the home-run threat of some of the runners in this class, he has good vision and, most importantly, can make plays in the passing game. Tom Brady isn’t afraid to stretch the field, but he also knows when to check it down and live to see another play. Akers should play a decent role in the passing game and could contribute right out of the gate.
Fourth Round (139th Overall) – Tyler Johnson, WR
The Buccaneers have two fantastic starting receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. However, the rest of the depth chart leaves something to be desired. Tyler Johnson is another physical freak capable of outmuscling cornerbacks and catching just about everything thrown his way. While he lacks speed and explosiveness after the catch, he’s a great depth receiver to have, especially when the guys ahead of him are so good.
Fifth Round (161st Overall) – J.R. Reed, S [NFL Draft Profile]
This part of the draft is all about taking the best player available rather than worrying about team needs. Fortunately for Tampa Bay, those two align with the selection of J.R. Reed. While Reed isn’t the best athlete, he possesses great football instincts and the high intelligence required to know where the ball is going before it’s thrown. He probably won’t ever be a starter, but he should be a nice depth piece that can make a home on special teams.
Sixth Round (194th Overall) – Jauan Jennings, WR [NFL Draft Profile]
Like Tyler Johnson, Jauan Jennings is another contested-catch specialist that doesn’t do too much after the catch. He doesn’t have great speed but does have the ability to break tackles when he gains a head of steam. His biggest role would be as yet another red zone threat in an offense full of them.
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