Fansided 2014 NFL Mock Draft Review: A Curious Pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Nov 23, 2013; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) carries the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Citadel Bulldogs at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

It’s the unfortunate time of year when Buccaneers’ fans must turn their eyes to mock drafts and prospect rankings as they await the offseason and hope for a better year in 2014.

Fansided.com’s latest mock draft is up as we approach Week 14 of the NFL season. So who are the Buccaneers taking in the Fansided mock?

With Marcus Mariota, Derek Carr, and Khalil Mack all on the board, the mock draft has Sammy Watkins, WR from Clemson, heading to the Buccaneers.

Here’s the explanation from Josh Sanchez:

"The Buccaneers have to be thrilled with the performance of rookie quarterback Mike Glennon, so they can continue their rebuilding process by adding around him. One way to add a spark to their offense would be to add the best wide receiver in the 2014 NFL Draft class. Watkins has game-breaking speed and reliable hands, which would allow him to give Glennon another wide receiver capable of stretching the field and allowing him to show off his strong arm. Pairing Watkins with Vincent Jackson gives the team two impressive weapons on the outside, which will help open up the offense for when they get a healthy Doug Martin back for next season."

The Buccaneers already have another “impressive weapon” on the outside in Mike Williams, who was signed to a big contract extension before the 2013 season. Selecting Watkins just to be a third receiver at the fifth pick in the draft is incredibly wasteful and would be a misuse of a high draft choice.

Mariota would be a much better pick as a potential franchise quarterback to usurp Mike Glennon’s limited skillset, as would Carr. Khalil Mack would be a solid pick on defense, as he could provide a spark as an edge pass rusher while also playing linebacker in the base 4-3 defense.

Frankly, any position other than wide receiver makes sense, as the Buccaneers have already invested an average of about $19 million per year to pay for Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams. There is incredible depth at wide receiver in this draft, and waiting until the middle rounds to snag a third receiver is a better use of the resources the Buccaneers have.

I would have to assume that if this mock included trades, the Buccaneers would have moved down to not spend quite as high of a pick on a luxury position. Picking up extra picks later in this draft would benefit the Bucs greatly, as they could continue to build depth while still getting impact players.

Let us know what you think of the Sammy Watkins pick in the poll below, and sound off in the comments as to who you would have picked in this situation.