Tampa Bay Buccaneers Seven Round Mock Draft: Owners’ Meetings Edition

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November 26, 2011; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Cornellius Carradine (91) defends Florida Gators quarterback Jacoby Brissett (17) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Florida Gators 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday we released our latest NFL Mock Draft, and had Sharrif Floyd heading to Tampa Bay. I picked him for the Buccaneers because I believe he’s the versatile and dynamic defensive tackle the Buccaneers need next to Gerald McCoy. There are obvious questions about positional fit, as he seems like more of the same kind of tackle as Gerald. He has experience playing in a few different defensive line roles, including outside as an end in a five technique. But the more tape I watched with my own eyes, rather than relying on the breakdowns of draft experts, I feel like he’s going to be best as a three technique player. Therefore, I’m going to change my first round pick for this seven round mock draft. I believe the Buccaneers would put Floyd to perfectly good use, but I feel he’d be better suited with another team more in need of a three technique tackle.

So here is the new breakdown, based on how I see things playing out. Know that things can and will change quite drastically if and when the Buccaneers acquire Darrelle Revis. This is a prediction of what would happen should the Buccaneers go into draft day looking as they do today.

Round 1: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

I don’t think there’s any way the Buccaneers can pass on Trufant at this point. If Revis is brought into town, so be it. That changes everything. But as it stands, the corner that Tampa Bay showed the most interest in over the offseason would be an obvious pick, despite any smokescreens reporting that the Buccaneers don’t view him as a first round corner.

Round 2: Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State

Tank suffered a torn ACL late in the season, and has seen his draft stock suffer as a result. He should be on the board when the Buccaneers second selection comes around. And he could turn out to be the best pass rusher in this draft, or at least one of the best. He works hard, he’s strong, he’s quick, and he knows what he’s doing as a pass rusher. He would be a steal in the second round.

Round 3: Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU

I have resisted this for a while, but the Buccaneers have done their homework, and if draft day rolls around, and the Honey Badger is someone they want, don’t be surprised if they make it happen. With most of the free agent corners remaining older in age, the Bucs would need two corners in the draft, and Mathieu provides the most potential to play like a first round pick despite being a mid round selection.

Round 4: Chase Thomas, OLB, Wisconsin

A guy I’ve had the Buccaneers selecting in past mock drafts, I think Thomas would bring real competition at strongside linebacker, as the sturdy and strong Thomas could fill in for Quincy Black admirably.

Round 4: Bennie Logan, DT, LSU

LSU’s rock in the middle of the defense, Logan can play anywhere on the line, but has the strength and size to be an anchor for a defense. In the NFL, he’ll be able to play a few downs as a run stopper and compete for a full time gig if he can get after the passer in appropriate situations.

Round 5: Jawan Jamison, RB, Rutgers

Greg Schiano and Mark Dominik know Doug Martin needs help, and Greg Schiano knows Jawan Jamison. He’s similar to Martin in terms of size and strength, but lacks to elite skills in any area. He would be a great backup to spell Martin without changing the offense.

Round 6: Chris Gragg, TE, Arkansas

A very quick tight end who specializes in the passing game. He would bring a unique skillset the Buccaneers don’t currently have in their stable of tight ends.

Round 6: Ace Sanders, WR, South Carolina

Ace would give the Buccaneers an option at receiver and returner at a very cheap price. He isn’t big or strong, but he’s quick and elusive. Could be solid value for a late pick.