The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers Seven Round Mock Draft: Special Edition

By Alan Schechter

Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 21, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; West Team tight end Michael Roberts (82) runs with the ball as East Team safety Dymonte Thomas (23) and safety Fish Smithson (21) tackle during the first quarter of the East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; West Team tight end Michael Roberts (82) runs with the ball as East Team safety Dymonte Thomas (23) and safety Fish Smithson (21) tackle during the first quarter of the East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

In the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft the Bucs once again dip into the talented tight end class of 2017. The 6’4″ 270 pound Michael Roberts is one of the safest selections that a team can make in this year’s upcoming draft.

Before beginning, the question is… why would Tampa draft two tight ends with Cameron Brate and Luke Stocker still remaining on the roster? As fans may know, Koetter has implemented two tight end sets since his time began as an offensive coordinator here under then Head Coach Lovie Smith.

After the unexpected injuries and eventual derailment of the highly touted Seferian-Jenkins, Koetter was unable to use the sets and schemes he wanted in his diverse and complex offense. Koetter was forced to use veterans Brandon Myers and Stocker, which unfortunately was not up to par with the talent needed for the schemes to produce.

Koetter’s offense lacked talent, especially from his tight end group, and without the resigning/rise of Brate there could have been quite the issue brewing in the Bay. With including both Njoku and Roberts to this offense, it gives Koetter two weapons he has been lacking.

Roberts would see his rise through replacing the aging injury prone Stocker, and unlike Stocker, Roberts provides a possible catching threat down the field.

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