2013 NFL Draft: Mock Draft Rapid Reactions

Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Internet is full of NFL Mock Drafts, with most major publications putting out a version, and specialty sites made just for breaking down the NFL’s biggest Spring event. This week The Pewter Plank will bring you a sample of some of the picks out there and give our take on the mock GM’s thoughts on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ first round intentions.

Rob Rang and Dane Brugler (and hundreds of other mock drafts) – Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

This has to be the most frequent pick for the Bucs on Internet mock drafts. The tall, strong, quick corner from the Seminoles seems to fit a need for Tampa Bay, and has seen his draft stock skyrocket this winter. But as we reported yesterday, a source has revealed the Buccaneers do not grade Rhodes as a first round prospect. If they do select a corner, Rhodes is certainly an option. But I am beginning to doubt if that’s the Bucs’ intention.

Josh Norris – Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

Werner has slid from the top of the draft to the early teens, and that has all happened since the season ended. The pass rusher from FSU is quick and knows how to get after the QB, but has not impressed in workouts. Still, there’s plenty of good tape on Werner that shows he’d be a help to the Buccaneers’ basement dwelling pass rush.

Bucky Brooks – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

Star was once the star of the draft, considered by most to be the top prospect. A recent revelation about a heart condition has sent his stock plummeting, but there’s no doubt that Star can play. The Bucs doctors would need to make sure he’s healthy enough to play NFL ball, but if he’s cleared, he’d be an absolute steal at 13.

Gil Brandt – D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

Brandt is the first person I have seen with Fluker this high. I’d like to think that the Bucs would only reach for a corner, and wouldn’t reach for a right tackle who has failed to impress this offseason. I’d be more comfortable with Demar Dotson playing right tackle in 2012 than I am with the thought of Myron Lewis playing corner.

Charlie Campbell – Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

Despite the report that the Buccaneers would not take a corner in the first unless it’s Dee Milliner, Trufant seems like the most logical choice should that report be a part of a smoke screen. Trufant is the kind of guy Mark Dominik and Greg Schiano want to bring in, and fits the system the Buccaneers have in place as well.

There are a million more mock drafts out there, and we’ll take a look at more as the offseason wears on. But what do you think of these picks? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!