The Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2021 draft breakdown often shows players that have potential early in their careers. Jason Licht and Bruce Arians have built consistent, strong rosters since joining forces three years ago. They continued this trend with their 2021 draft class which includes several players with strong college pedigrees. The duo looks to supplement an already strong roster to keep the team depth strong and firing on all cylinders. Here is a breakdown of the Buccaneers 2021 draft.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2021 Draft: How They Supplemented a Strong Roster
Round 1 – Pick 32 | Joe Tyron (LB) Washington, 6’5″ 262
Joe Tryon opted out of the 2020 season but had a fantastic career for the Huskies. In 2019, he amassed eight sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss at linebacker, which earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors. The Bucs were impressed with the overall versatility of Tyron and Licht noted “He’s a very fluid athlete, he’s got very good feet. He’s got good lateral quickness. He plays with tremendous effort, which raises his game speed in my opinion because he never gives up.” Tryon will also get opportunities to show this versatility by also lining up at edge rusher throughout the season.
Round 2 – Pick 64 | Kyle Trask (QB) Florida, 6’5″ 240
Kyle Trask is an intriguing prospect and a possible successor to Tom Brady down the road. Trask completed 68% of his passes and threw for 7,386 yards in 27 games for the Gators in his career. The rookie quarterback boasts great size and arm talent and is coming into an ideal situation with the Bucs where he will get to learn behind Brady.
Round 3 – Pick 95 | Robert Hainsey (OL) Notre Dame, 6’4″ 302
Robert Hainsey was a three-year starter at Notre Dame at right tackle. He then showed versatility at the three interior line spots in the Senior Bowl, impressing the Bucs staff. The team does think he has potential at the tackle position but they currently view him with upside at guard or center.
Round 4 – Pick 129 | Jaleon Darden (WR) North Texas, 5’8″ 173
Jaleon Darden started his playing career as a quarterback but changed positions and shined as a three-year starter at wide receiver. In Darden’s breakout senior season he showed tremendous promise with 1,190 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns in nine games. The Mean Green standout is a burner and smooth route runner who comes back to the ball. He also has the added dimension of a return specialist to help the Bucs on special teams.
Round 5 – Pick 176 | K.J. Britt (ILB) Auburn, 6’0″ 239
K.J. Britt played all four years at Auburn and had his best season in 2020 where he was named team captain. The former Tigers linebacker had 119 tackles in his career and 13 tackles for loss. Britt fills a need at the inside backer spot with veteran Kevin Minter the only other player at that spot.
Round 7 – Pick 251 | Chris Wilcox (CB) BYU, 6’2″ 193
Chris Wilcox was also a standout track athlete before committing to BYU. Wilcox ran a blazing 4.31 40-yard dash at BYU’s pro day and had 88 tackles and eight pass breakups in 41 games for the Cougars. He has solid ball skills and will try to find a role in a very crowded defensive back room.
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Round 7 – Pick 259 | Grant Stuard (ILB) Houston, 5’11” 230
Grant Stuard played four years at Houston and was also a team captain in 2020. He led the Cougars with 61 tackles (35 solo). The NFL’s Mr. Irrelevant will look to become relevant for the Bucs, most likely in a special teams role to begin his career.
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