After twelve consecutive picks, the 2020 NFL Draft finally has it’s first trade. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed in principle to trade both the 14th and 117th overall picks to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for picks 13 and 245. The Buccaneers proceeded to use their newly-acquired 13th overall selection to snag offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs out of Iowa to help provide new quarterback Tom Brady with some much-needed protection.
The trade was No.13 and No. 245 for No. 14 and No. 117. So, a fourth rounder to the Niners. https://t.co/FElzFJf3Zo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 24, 2020
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Trade up to Get Tristan Wirfs
On the flip side, the San Francisco 49ers used their newly-acquired 14th overall pick to select star defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw out of South Carolina. This move allows the 49ers to bolster their already-incredible defensive line. Kinlaw will replace veteran DeForest Buckner‘s spot on the defensive line after the team shipped him to the Colts in exchange for a first-round pick in this year’s draft.
Looking at it from the Buccaneers perspective, the Wirfs selection looks like a steal. Nearly every single mock draft had Wirfs being selected inside of the top-ten, so when the Bruce Arians and the Buccaneers heard they had the chance to select the star offensive tackle, they pulled the trigger.
Wirfs should shine in Tampa Bay, where he will likely become a instant starter. His power at the point of attack combined with his great length should allow him to be successful from the moment he takes the field to block for Tom Brady. With the Buccaneers looking to contend for a title this year, the organization felt that they needed to go a get some more protection for new quarterback Brady. And that’s exactly what they did.
Kinlaw shouldn’t fair too bad in the NFL either. With his great athleticism and solid pass-rushing techniques, Kinlaw should be able to make some noise early on in his career. His playing style fits perfectly with the scheme that the 49ers defense operates in and the organization should be very happy with this selection.
All in all, this trade seems like a win-win as both teams acquire quality players to fill positions of need for their respective squads.
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