The first wave of free agency is officially in the book, which means the NFL Draft is the next big event on the offseason calendar. In just over one month, the Cincinnati Bengals will officially be on the clock, and the dreams of 100’s of collegiate athletes will finally come true. Trying to predict what will happen during the draft requires a lot of luck, as there are so many variables to account for. However, this Tampa Bay Buccaneers mock draft takes a look at the players the Buccaneers could go after when April rolls around.
Note that this Buccaneers mock draft does not include any 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 Tampa Bay is on the clock.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Seven-Round Mock Draft
1st Round (14th Overall) – Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers seemed destined to take one of the top four tackles in the class. Whether it’s Jedrick Wills, Tristian Wirfs, Andrew Thomas, or Mekhi Becton, the Bucs should be able to get one of these blindside protectors. Wills fell to Tampa Bay in this mock, and he should be able to step in and start right out of the gate. Tom Brady only needs adequate protection to set the world on fire with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Jedrick Wills NFL Draft Profile
2nd Round (45th Overall) – Jonah Jackson, IOL, Ohio State
The Buccaneers continue to solidify their offensive line with the selection of Jonah Jackson. The Ohio State product is one of the best pass-blocking linemen in the NFL Draft and should make life that much easier for Tom Brady. While he leaves something to be desired in the running game, the Buccaneers can live with that. Today’s NFL is all about the passing game, and Jackson is a genuine difference-maker as a pass blocker.
Jonah Jackson NFL Draft Profile
3rd Round (76th Overall) – Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne
Kyle Dugger is one of the most hotly contested safeties in the class. Dugger spent his entire career with Lenoir-Rhyne and never had to face much in terms of actual competition. He’s an athletic freak that never had to learn the subtle nuances of the position because he was so much more talented than everyone he faced. He’ll need a year or so to develop but has a chance to be one of the best safeties in the league if he improves his instincts and ability to diagnose plays.
4th Round (117th Overall) – K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State
Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are amazing, but the depth behind those two leaves something to be desired. K.J. Hill is a great fit for Tampa Bay and a classic throwback to the type of player Tom Brady loves to target. This isn’t to say Hill is as good as Julian Edelman or Wes Welker, but he could develop into a reliable security blanket and third receiver in the passing attack.
4th Round (139th Overall) – A.J. Dillon, RB, Boston College
A.J. Dillon offers next to nothing in the passing game but is a solid early-down, physical type of running back. While he’s no Derrick Henry, he should be able to take the ball in running situations, read his blocks, and drag defenders for extra yards after contact. Combining him with Ronald Jones should gie the Buccaneers a solid enough backfield heading into 2020.
Of course, Tampa Bay could also trade this pick for someone like James White.
5th Round (161st Overall) – Jordan Elliott, IDL, Missouri
Jordan Elliott isn’t a superstar, but he’s the type of player you dream about taking in the fifth round. The Missouri product knows how to use his hands, has a good first step, and can play all over the defensive interior. However, he still has work to do as a pass-rusher and needs to add another move or two to his game. He’s a solid rotational piece in the short-term with the potential to develop into a league-average starter.
6th Round (194th Overall) – Michael Divinity Jr., EDGE, LSU
Michael Divinity is something of a steal in the sixth round, as he probably should be a mid-round pick based on pure talent alone. However, the LSU product missed some time after violating team rules in 2019, and this will affect his draft stock. From the outside looking in, he’s worth taking in the sixth round. If he’s grown as a person since the suspension then the Buccaneers get a solid depth piece late in the draft. If he’s not worth the headache, then Tampa Bay can just move on with no harm done
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