The Pewter Plank Editors Make the Bucs’ First Three Picks
Oct 26, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) passes against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014 NFL Draft is only hours away and it’s time for the Pewter Plank editors to submit our projections for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers first three picks.
Below, you will find Nick and Matt’s picks for the Buccaneers selections at No.7, No.38 and No.69 overall, with a small rationale as to why we would make these picks.
So without further ado, here are our choices:
No. 7 Overall
Matt – Johnny Manziel, Quarterback, Texas A&M
A few months ago I would have hated this pick but as I sit here today this is the pick that makes the most sense for the Bucs. They need a franchise quarterback because Lovie Smith has already decided that Mike Glennon is not the answer and Josh McCown is only a stopgap QB. Johnny Football will excite Bucs fans with his exciting brand of football and drafting him will make for a popular move for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, both on and off the field.
Nick – Johnny Manziel, Quarterback, Texas A&M
I like him, the Bucs love him, and every recent rumor has the Buccaneers landing Johnny Football. I am one of the few that believes his playing style translates and will lead to years of success in the NFL. He completely changes the Bucs’ franchise before he even takes a step onto the football field. And once he finally does, I think he becomes the leader Tampa has been so desperate for on offense.
No.38 Overall
Matt – Jordan Matthews, Wide Receiver, Vanderbilt
The Bucs are in desperate need of a wide receiver with Vincent Jackson the only credible wideout on the roster after the Mike Williams trade and they fill that void with Jordan Matthews. Matthews has a chiselled frame, good speed, makes spectacular catches and runs his routes well. He’ll make for a great No.2 receiver on the depth chart and the Bucs should be enamoured with his playmaking ability.
Nick – Xavier Su’a-Filo, Offensive Line, UCLA
It’s a bit of wishful thinking that he would fall this far, but the Bucs need a guard in the worst way, and he’s one of the best in this draft. He would do wonders solidifying Tampa Bay’s offensive line.
No.69 Overall
Matt – Gabe Jackson, Offensive Lineman, Mississippi State
The Bucs’ offensive line is decent, but it needs an upgrade at right guard and so Tampa takes Gabe Jackson to push Jamon Meredith and maybe unseat him as the starter when the season starts. He’s a powerful man, has nimble feet and he is excellent in pass protection. That alone should perk the Bucs interest to add Jackson to their already revamped offensive line.
Nick – Donte Moncrief, Wide receiver, Mississippi
The Bucs will double up on wide receiver in this draft because there is too much talent to choose from. It’s hard to tell who will be available in the third round, but Moncrief is a guy with size, 4.40 speed, and solid hands that can be had around this spot in the draft. He can instantly become a team’s #2 wideout, and has the potential to become a #1 when called upon.
What do you think of our picks? Let us know in the comments or tweet us @ThePewterPlank