Mock Draft 2.0: Bucs Stand Pat, Draft Offensive Line Help

In our previous mock draft, we looked at the potential that the four best offensive tackles would be off the board by the time the Bucs selected at 14th overall. In that case, it seems like a trade back in the first may be the best option. However, this time around, one of those tackles does land with the Buccaneers.

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Round 1, Pick 14 – Tristan Wirfs OT, Iowa

Much like the first mock draft we published, offensive line is priority number one. In this case, they hold on to pick 14 and select Tristan Wirfs out of Iowa. At 6-foot-5, 322 pounds Wirfs will start the moment he hits the NFL field. A versatile player with a unique blend of strength and athleticism, Wirfs should start at right tackle for the Bucs with newly signed Joe Haeg as depth.

Round 2, Pick 45 – Clyde Edwards-Helaire RB, LSU

Once again, Clyde Edwards-Helaire falls to the Bucs at pick 45. Edwards-Helaire fills a position of need for Tampa. In addition to his ability on the ground, he is a skilled pass catcher. A required trait in a Tom Brady-led offense. In 15 games in 2019, Edwards-Helaire racked up 1,414 yards on the ground with 16 touchdowns, averaging 6.6 yards per carry. In addition, he had 55 receptions for an additional 453 yards.

Round 3, Pick 76 – Ashtyn Davis S, California

Not the most effective in the box however, the Bucs aren’t necessarily in need of that. Ashtyn Davis has solid coverage skills and projects primarily as a free safety. He should infuse the Bucs secondary with some talent.

Round 4, Pick 117 – K.J. Hill WR, Ohio State

An intriguing prospect, K.J. Hill thrives from the slot with elite route running ability and high I.Q. He has a knack for finding the soft spot in the zone and uses leverage against defenders to become an easy target for the quarterback. And, with a quarterback such as Brady, he has all the opportunity to thrive behind the likes of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Round 4, Pick 139 – James Morgan QB, Florida International

Last mock draft, the Bucs snagged Jacob Eason after picking up an additional second-round pick from the Dolphins. In this scenario, the Bucs will take a flyer on one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects in the entire draft. The 6-foot-3, 213 pound Florida International product has a big arm and tendency to read the field well and make the “it” throw. However, Morgan has a tendency to hold onto the ball too long and take sacks, however, sitting and developing behind Tom Brady will only help him see the field better. During his Junior and Senior year at Florida International, Morgan threw 5,312 yards, 40 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions.

Round 5, Pick 161 – Justin Herron OT, Wake Forest

A better pass protector than a run blocker, Justin Herron would offer solid depth for the Bucs who, despite taking a tackle with the first pick, could use more of. Herron’s biggest weakness is his lack of strength which can obviously improve which would help his run blocking. He missed the 2018 season with a torn ACL.

Round 6, Pick 194 – Raequan Williams IDL, Michigan State

The re-signing of Ndamukong Suh put less of an emphasis on finding a close-to-ready starting defensive lineman in the draft. In this case, the Bucs spend their last pick in the draft on Raequan Williams. Appearing in 53 games over four seasons at Michigan State, Williams, although limited in the athleticism department, projects as a solid depth piece for a team with a solid group up front such as the Bucs. His versatility is appealing and could give him more opportunities.

– Ian Glendon is the Editor-In-Chief of Full Press Coverage and the Managing Editor of FPC Buccaneers. Like and follow on Twitter @iglen31 FPC_Buccaneers and FullPressNFL