2017 NFL Mock Draft: Buccaneers at 19 and 31 Others

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku (86) reacts after a touchdown in the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku (86) reacts after a touchdown in the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

The loss of Steve Smith will hurt the Baltimore offense, and there’s just not a wide receiver worthy of a Top-20 pick as we sit today left on this mock board.

Tight end David Njoku is the next best thing as he represents a receiving threat over the middle and down the seams which Joe Flacco should find early and often against Ravens opponents.

He’s not much of a blocker, which is why he falls in behind O.J. Howard from Alabama, but his athleticism from the tight end position is still top-shelf and he has the tools to help any offense he joins here.

I want to see if his blocking technique has gotten any better since last seeing him lay down some film, but unfortunately blocking pads won’t be enough to really close the gap between him and the other first-round tight end prospect.

Schedule