Taye’s Take: High Expectations for the Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans, it’s finally NFL Draft day!

With the excitement still looming around the signing of Tom Brady and unexpected acquisition of a familiar running mate in Rob Gronkowski, expectations are through the rough. The hype is real.

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The Bucs will be going into this draft with offensive tackle, running back and wide receiver needs. In the first round, offensive tackle should be the pick if available. Why? You have to protect Tom Brady at all cost and if the opportunity presents itself you take it.

With the Buccaneers second-round pick, look for the running back position to be addressed. The likes of Jonathan Taylor, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, & Cam Akers have been linked to the Bucs. Any one of them would be nice additions to the backfield to pair with Ronald Jones. In addition, keep an eye on Darrynton Evans from Appalachian State and Antonio Gibson from Memphis in the later rounds.

First Round Buccaneers Mock Draft	1. Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB
2. Washington Redskins – Chase Young, EDGE	3. Detroit Lions – Jeffrey Okudah, CB
4. New York Giants – Jedrick Wills, OT	5. Miami Dolphins – Tua Tagovailoa, QB
6. Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert, QB Oregon‬	7. Carolina Panthers – Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
8. Arizona Cardinals -Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn‬	9. Jacksonville Jaguars – C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida‬
10. Cleveland Browns –Mekhi Becton, OT Louisville ‬	11. New York Jets – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa‬
12. Las Vegas Raiders – Jerry Jeudy, WR	13. San Francisco 49ers – Henry Ruggs III, WR
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Andrew Thomas, OT For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, having Andrew Thomas on the board at 14 is ideal! They land a plugin player who will start right away to their offensive line without trading up. They have to protect Tom Brady and that’s exactly what they are going to do with this pick.

At the wide receiver position, the Buccaneers will be looking for an upgrade after the departure of Breshad Perriman. The names Michael Pittman Jr, K.J. Hamler, Gabriel Davis, Van Jefferson, and Tyler Johnson are names to keep your eye on for the Bucs.

The expectations are sky-high for the Bucs this season. And, over the course of just a few days at the NFL Draft, the Buccaneers can cement their championship foundation.