Following losing in the divisional round last year, general manager, Jason Licht looked to find players to help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers get over the hump and make it back to the Super Bowl. Based on this notion, the Buccaneers did a great job this weekend fortifying their roster to make one more run with Tom Brady and new head coach, Todd Bowles. The 2022 NFL draft class for Tampa Bay had a good mix of both skill players and defensive contributors that should play quickly in their first season. These players can fill the gaps that were prevalent in the Buccaneers quick exit last year in the playoffs.
The Buccaneers drafted the following players this weekend:
- Round 2, Pick 33: Logan Hall, defensive end, Houston
- Round 2: Pick 57: Luke Goedeke, offensive tackle, Central Michigan
- Round 3, Pick 91: Rachaad White, running back, Arizona State
- Round 4, Pick 106: Cade Otton, tight end, Washington
- Round 4, Pick 133: Jake Camarda, punter, Georgia
- Round 5, Pick 157: Zyon McCollum, defensive back, Sam Houston State
- Round 6, Pick 218: Ko Kleft, tight end, Minnesota
- Round 7, Pick 248: Andre Anthony, defensive end, Lousiana State
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2022 NFL Draft Grade: 7/10
READ MORE: Raiders NFL Draft Review
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2022 NFL Draft Review
The Best Player: Logan Hall
Logan Hall was a force along the defensive line for the Houston Cougars in 2021. Hall’s blend of speed and agility will allow him to be a factor on third downs to begin his NFL career. Also boasts great size at 6’6″ and 283 pounds with an 80-inch wingspan that helps to disrupt the balance of smaller offensive tackles. The best football for Hall seems yet to come and he’s an ascending player that will join a formidable defense in Tampa led by the mastermind in Bowles.
The Head-Scratcher: Drafting Punter Jake Camarda in the Fourth Round
The Buccaneers made a bold move when they drafted punter, Jake Camarda with their second, fourth-round pick at 133 overall. Camarda did have an excellent career at Georgia but this move certainly is a risk considering how deep this draft was. The team must believe Camarda can flip the field consistently to pin opposing offenses deep to potentially alter the outcomes of games.
The Surprise: Rachaad White
One of the deepest positions the Buccaneers boast is at running back. The trio of Kenjon Barner, Leonard Fournette, and third-down back, Giovani Bernard is one of the best groups in the NFL. The team adds to this impressive group and adds Rachaad White from Arizona State. White has the lateral quickness and breakaway speed that elevated his draft stock in this year’s draft. Pairs these qualities with excellent vision and the size at 6’2″ and 210 pounds to create issues for opposing defenses to game plan against.
The Steal: Cade Otton
Cade Otton had a stellar career for the Washington Huskies and was a four-year starter. He can change speed and direction quickly coupled with excellent hands. Also displayed the ability to block well which will be required at the next level to be successful. Even though Otton went in the fourth round, he could have easily been drafted a round or two earlier based on his potential to help elevate an offense. A sneaky good pick by the Buccaneers that should pay immediate dividends.
Most Likely to Turn Heads in Training Camp: Logan Hall
Hall’s ability to be disruptive and take up space in the run game will be immediately noticed by fans and the Buccaneers coaching staff. What also stands out about Hall when watching him play, is his relentless motor and drive. He just doesn’t take plays off. This trend continues for an entire game which wears on the offensive lineman he goes up against.
The Rest
On Offense
Luke Goedeke is a powerful offensive tackle that is best suited in pass protection. Still has some work to do in the run game but will get the opportunity to play in his rookie year. Ko Kleft might be in a battle to see playing time early on in training camp. This pick seems like a depth signing in an already stacked room with fellow draftee Otton, Codey McElroy, and veteran Cam Brate. Kleft might be destined for the practice squad truth be told to begin his NFL career in Tampa Bay.
On Defense
Zyon McCollum showed flashes as a ballhawk at Sam Houston State and will need to show the ability to mix it up more when tackling larger NFL wide receivers. The final pick of the Buccaneers draft class, defensive end, Andre Anthony might also be another depth and practice squad player due to the loaded defensive line in Tampa Bay.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
