The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a surprise run into the playoffs last year. Led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round before falling to Detroit in the divisional round. Now, who will they add to make it back into the postseason? Let’s find out.
Picks
- Round 1, Pick 26: C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
- Round 2, Pick 57: ED Jonah Elliss, Utah
- Round 3, Pick 89: G Mason McCormick, South Dakota State
- Round 3, Pick 92: RB Trey Benson, Florida State
- Round 4, Pick 125: G Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
- Round 6, Pick 220: LB Jaylan Ford, Texas
- Round 7, Pick 246: TE Trey Knox, South Carolina
Explanation of Picks
With Ryan Jensen having to retire due to lingering injuries, the Buccaneers needed a center to replace him. Power-Johnson is the best center in the draft, with at least an 84 grade in the past two seasons at Oregon. His power and finesse traits stand out, and he just doesn’t have many flaws. It helps he can also play guard too, but is most dominant when snapping the ball. Add in the fact that he is light on his feet along with great balance, and they have found their center of the future.
Elliss recorded 13 sacks for the Utes in 2023, displaying his ability to be a difference-maker thanks to his fast hand usage and effective pass rush moves. With the departure of Shaq Barrett, someone needs to rush the passer opposite of Joe Tryon-Shoyinka.
I did go with two guards in McCormick and Beebe for two of the remaining five picks in the draft. Even though both can play left guard, I would move one of them to the right side. The former showed off his athleticism at the combine and overall has solid upper-body strength to redirect the opposing edge rusher. He was also durable in college, playing in 57 games straight.
As for Beebe, his high IQ will help him have a long career in the NFL. Though he is versatile and has effective hands, he is not the most athletic and is slow off of the ball.
Benson was the other pick in round three, as his track speed and acceleration stand out the most. Though he isn’t the most patient, working on that shouldn’t be an issue at the NFL level. He will likely form a solid 1-2 duo with Rashaad White and can develop into an RB1 one day for the Buccaneers as he develops.
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