Here is a final Buccaneers prospect list, round by round, for this weekend’s NFL draft.
Good morning Buccaneers fans and happy draft day. It’s finally here. The speculation is done and we finally find out where the potential stars of tomorrow are going to end up. Weeks and weeks of speculation have finally come to a head. Where are the Bucs going to go with the 19th pick? Are they even going to keep the pick? We will find out soon enough.
In the final hours before Roger Goodell opens things up in Philadelphia, the speculation continues. There are a lot of mock drafts around the landscape for you to read. Mike Mayock even put out his mock draft, so that’s available if you are an ESPN insider. However, we have something a little different for you.
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Today we have our own round by round breakdown, courtesy of your draft gurus, David Harrison and Zach Sauers. They went back and forth, round by round, selecting two players to watch out for in each round. David selected two on offense, Zach chose two on defense.
These are players that are on the Bucs radar, to give us all a primer of players to keep our eyes out for as the draft progresses.
Enjoy the final workup from Zach and David. We get things started with round one.
Round One: Offense
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RB, Dalvin Cook – Florida State
The Buccaneers haven’t fully tip their hand yet on what they’re going to be doing with running back Doug Martin.
However, even if Doug Martin stays on the roster this does not mean the team is necessarily out of the running back market on day one.
Cook is an elite talent and has the potential to be a three down back in the NFL. Since early on in the process he has been one of the favorites for Tampa.
There’s no reason to believe he won’t be near the top of Bucs rumors this Thursday night, and many fans would be excited to see him join the squad.
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TE, David Njoku – Miami
O.J. Howard was an early target in mock drafts to the Bucs and a lot of people kind of laughed it off.
Now as we near the big day David Njoku out of the University of Miami is becoming more and more of a mainstay in recent mocks.
The Bucs certainly don’t have a desperate need at tight end with Cameron Brate coming on last season showing that he could be more than effective at the position.
Njoku however, is a more well-rounded player than Brate looks to be and will provide them with an upgrade in blocking as well as provide a nice receiving option for Jameis Winston.
Round One: Defense
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Derek Barnett – Defensive End – Tennessee
If there is any defensive player that I believe you should keep an eye on in the first round of the draft for your Tampa Bay Bucs it is Derek Barnett, defensive end out of Tennessee. Barnett fits the mold as exactly what Tampa would be looking for in replacing the aging Robert Ayers Jr. at the right defensive end position. Not only is Barnett a force in the run game but he is an absolute sack master. Known most for passing Reggie White in total sacks at Tennessee, if this guy drops to 19 it would be hard to pass. Barnett visited the Buc’s facility this offseason.
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Budda Baker – Safety – Washington
Budda Baker is a name that has been floating around the Bucs draft board for quite some time. The undersized free safety out of Washington looks like The Honey Badger Lite out on the field. Baker has been seen as a guy who has had his draft stock increase over the past few weeks, but whether or not it is enough to have him slip into the first round is up in the air. If Tampa trusts the scouting of secondary coach Jon Hoke, seeing Baker in a Bucs uniform come fall is not out of the question.
Round Two: Offense
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WR, Chris Godwin – Penn State
Every time I watch Chris Godwin on film I just like him more and more, especially when I think about him going to the Bucs in the NFL Draft.
The team can’t be done adding to the wide receiver corps even though they signed DeSean Jackson during the off-season.
An early round pick spent on a wide receiver would be an early round pick spent wisely.
Godwin has the speed to get down the field even if he doesn’t have Jackson’s wheels.
Good hands and solid film lead me to believe he should be able to execute successfully against NFL defenses pretty early.
Two years from now Godwin is the team’s number two to Mike Evans, and the Buccaneers have a solid receiving duo for the next decade or so.
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RB, Kareem Hunt – Toledo
If the Bucs don’t draft a running back in the first round they’ll definitely be in the market for one here.
Kareem Hunt has a second-round grade and has had a very steady rise during the draft process.
I believe he’s working his way into the tail end of the second round, right where the Bucs will be picking.
If they want a running back he’s definitely the kind which can make an impact as a rookie whether they keep Doug Martin or not.
Charles Sims proved last year that he’s not going to be a complete back and he’s never going to be fully what the Bucs need him to be.
Hunt could be though.
Round Two: Defense
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Jordan Willis – Defensive End – Kansas State
Jordan Willis is another name that Bucs fans should keep an eye. Willis is one of the many players that the Bucs brought in for a pre-draft visit, and it is no question why. The sack-artist out of Kansas State has been terrorizing quarterbacks since he entered the college playing field. As mentioned with Derek Barnett, here is another defensive end that could replace the bridge free agent Robert Ayers Jr. If Willis sticks around to the top half of the second round, expect a trade up scenario where Tampa grabs their guy. Willis visited the Bucs facility this offseason.
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Adoree Jackson – Cornerback – USC
First and foremost, if Adoree Jackson slides into the second round, general manager Jason Licht will be drooling at the opportunity to trade up in the first round to select him. Jackson proved himself to be an absolute weapon in his time in Southern California and with emerging talent at the cornerback position, could be exactly what Tampa needs to replace Brent Grimes. The selection of Jackson would give Tampa a plug and play player at the slot cornerback position, a successful return man, and an heir to the throne at cornerback. Jackson was on a pre-draft visit in Tampa this offseason.
Round Three: Offense
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QB, Nathan Peterman – Pittsburgh
Fans of the Bucs might not be too happy to see the team investing a third round pick in a new quarterback, but if the rumors are true and the team is looking to trade back in the first round, they may be able to stockpile a third round pick.
Drafting a backup quarterback who could be a long-term solution behind Winston would be a smart investment as we all know NFL players don’t have the best track record with staying healthy long-term. So far, Winston has been lucky with his health. A viable backup if that changes is a smart idea.
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WR, Carlos Henderson – Louisiana Tech
Carlos Henderson is another speed guy that could add some flash and big-play ability to the Bucs offense behind Evans and Jackson.
Playing behind the faster veteran will help him develop into a full-time pro who could eventually play across from Evans.
In the meantime he’ll be able to provide some instant spark when he’s on the field in key situations. Imagine being able to split this guy out with Evans, Jackson, Adam Humphries, and Cameron Brate. Winston will have more weapons than he will know what to do with.
Round Three: Defense
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Tedric Thompson – Safety – Colorado
Tedric Thompson is a free safety product out of Colorado who has not received the attention he deserves. I for one have been one of Thompson’s biggest supporters, and would love him to see in the Bay. Thompson’s ball-hawking ability at the back end of the stacked Colorado defense really stood out on tape. If Tampa is unable to grab the safety they want in the first two rounds of this year’s draft, then grabbing Thompson in the third round could fill the obvious hole at the safety position. Thompson has been in contact with Tampa this offseason.
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Ryan Anderson – Linebacker – Alabama
As a player on the stacked 2016 defensive at Alabama, Anderson has not received the attention he deserves. Anderson has been one of the most consistent and versatile players for Alabama, and would be an absolute steal here in the third round. Anderson is an outside linebacker prospect that could fill the hole left by veteran Daryl Smith. Here is a player that can play the run successfully and rush the passer when needed. Anderson has also been able to put his hand in the dirt with success. Anderson has had dinner with Bucs representatives.
Round Four: Offense
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RB, Brian Hill – Wyoming
It’s no surprise yet another running back is on this list for potential Bucs targets.
Running back is obviously a position of need for the Bucs. The question is: where will they find a player they want to add to the roster?
Brian Hill may not be a mainstream name fans of Tampa have been hearing about this entire process, but he’s a talented young man who can come in to be a solid back up immediately, and eventually develop into a three down back the Buccaneers could learn to rely on.
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OT, Roderick Johnson – Florida State
I’m not sure whether Johnson is going to make it far enough in the fourth round for the Bucs to have a stab at him.
If they do then I would love to see this lineman join the roster. A lot of people are underwhelmed with Johnson’s talent.
What I see is a young man who’s hungry and has the ability to bring valuable depth behind the starting five.
Eventually, Johnson could take over right tackle duties, and until then he’d provide a nice rotational piece in case of injury or poor play.
Round Four: Defense
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Damontae Kazee – Cornerback – San Diego State
Damontae Kazee out of San Diego State is the perfect example of what defensive coordinator Mike Smith wants in his cornerbacks. Kazee is an undersized but productive corner that could thrive in the right system. It is no secret that Tampa will need to fill an eventual void left by the aging Brent Grimes, so it may be ideal to look in this year’s draft class. A selection of Kazee in the fourth gives Tampa a player they can groom through the playbook/system so that stepping in this next season will come without bumps.
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Carroll Phillips – Defensive End – Illinois
Carroll Phillips out of Illinois is a player that the Bucs have met with throughout this pre-draft process. Phillips is a defensive end that would be seen as more of situational pass rusher than an every down player. The prospect’s relentless motor has drawn Tampa’s attention and to grab a defensive line depth player would be a smart move. I am sure general manager Jason Licht would love to call his former head coach Lovie Smith to thank him for this edge rusher. You can never have too much depth on the defensive line when trying to close a game in the fourth quarter.
Round Five: Offense
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WR, KD Cannon – Baylor
As we covered already, there’s no way the Bucs can sit with their current wide receiver group.
Adding one and maybe even two new receivers is a good idea, and KD Cannon is an underrated player who can come in and make the final 52 immediately.
My prediction is he’d compete for the fourth receiver spot immediately, and should definitely hold his own against the NFC South secondaries.
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TE, Michael Roberts – Toledo
If I had it my way, Michael Roberts will be a member of the Buccaneers by the end of this draft.
He may not be considered one of the top at his position in this year’s class but I believe he’s grossly underrated for his talents.
Buc fans everywhere will be extremely excited to see what he brings of the field playing behind Brate, and while he will certainly see some limited snaps, the ones he gets will be fun to watch.
With defenses having to guard Brate and Roberts, the wide receivers will have more room to operate and Winston will be able to take advantage of his weapons overload.
Round Five: Defense
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Eric Wilson – Linebacker – Cincinnati
Eric Wilson out of Cincinnati has been a prospect Tampa has seemed to be very interested in. After meeting him a couple of times throughout this offseason, it makes it clear Tampa knows they need depth at linebacker. Wilson is a prospect that could immediately provide depth at both the middle and weak side linebacker positions. Based upon his tape, Wilson is a guy who has a sideline to sideline ability that many teams will want to pounce on. Do not be surprised if Tampa looks to solidify their linebacker depth by selecting Wilson before others can.
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Trey Hendrickson – Defensive End – Florida Atlantic
The Senior Bowl hero gets to continue his shine in Florida. Hendrickson, who has had talks with Tampa, is a player that general manager Jason Licht may look to on day three. A pass rush specialist who has the ability to grow in the run game may be too much to pass on if he ends up here in the fifth round. Fans saw last season that by losing Robert Ayers to injury, Tampa has little answer to the run game at the right defensive end position. They need to end this problem now.
Round Six: Offense
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WR, Malachi Dupre – Louisiana State
Malachi Dupree is the last of the speed receivers that I want the Bucs to look at before undrafted free agency.
The Louisiana State product would probably be much higher on draft boards if he had a decent quarterback throwing to him. If selected by the Bucs, clearly he won’t have that problem. Winston has the gun to get him the football.
Playing for the Tigers may have helped lower his draft stock, but he could be a gem the team snags in the late rounds.
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C, Jon Toth – Kentucky
Depending on who you talk to you the Bucs’ need on the offensive line could be severe or could be minimal at best.
However, most agree with the fact the team needs to add some depth up front.
John Toth out of Kentucky could be just the guy to bring some of that as an interior lineman who specializes as a center, but could work at guard in a pinch.
If the team can make Ali Marpet into a center, then they can find a place to use Toth. Versatility is important, especially long the offensive line. If Licht believes this young man could be an effective swing player, look for his name to be called on day three.
Round Six: Defense
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Samson Ebukam – Linebacker – Eastern Washington
Samson Ebukam out of Eastern Washington has one of the best potentials of any late draft selections in this upcoming draft. Ebukam is an outside linebacker prospect who has proven to be capable rushing the passer. Tampa needs more competition at their SAM linebacker spot. Devante Bond and Adarius Glanton both are capable players, but may not be the answer to the question left by Daryl Smith. Ebukam is an athletic freak who could also put his hand in the dirt. Ebukam has met with Tampa this offseason. Here is hoping that they will see him again.
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Josh Tupou – Defensive Tackle – Colorado
Another Colorado specimen makes the list. Josh Tupou out of Colorado may be the answer Tampa needs in the later rounds of this upcoming draft. The young defensive tackle has made his mark as a capable inside force for the Buffaloes. Now although Tampa was able to add Chris Baker to their aging defensive tackle room, it would be wise of Tampa to add a young gun to the mix. Here is a player that can produce when is time is called upon, and depth is important along the defensive line. Tupou has met with Tampa this offseason.
Round Seven: Offense
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RB, Elijah Hood – North Carolina
As much as people talk about the Buccaneers moving on from Martin, a lot of people seem to have forgotten Charles Sims looks like a good candidate to be moving along from Tampa as well.
Whether he moves on during this off-season or in the next, Sims does not look like a part of the Bucs’ future plans. The team needs to plan for life after Sims as well. Here is a guy that would help.
Grabbing a late round running back may not have an immediate impact on this season, but storing a guy like Elijah Hood to develop could have an impact next year when the team has another hole in their depth chart.
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QB, Cooper Rush – Central Michigan
I have to admit I’m a closet fan of quarterback Cooper Rush from Central Michigan, and I wouldn’t be too disappointed if the Buccaneers added him in the seventh round.
The backup quarterback position needs to see competition even if Ryan Griffin is the future.
Cooper Rush has enough arm to compete, and some decent intangibles. With some solid coaching and some time to mature he will develop into a decent back up in the NFL.
Hopefully for the Buccaneers.
Round Seven: Defense
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Javancy Jones – Linebacker – Jackson State
Javancy Jones out of the small school of Jackson State is just the player to bring in on the final day of the draft. Jones who has seen a great deal of product playing at the linebacker position in college, could transition well to a SAM linebacker for your Tampa Bay Bucs. As mentioned in previous potential picks, the Bucs need more competition at the SAM linebacker spot. Jones is a late round prospect that has the potential to provide that competition and depth in the long run. Jones has talked to Tampa scouts.
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Jack Tocho – Cornerback – North Carolina State
The last and final prospect to watch in this year’s draft class on the defensive side of the ball is cornerback Jack Tocho. Tocho, who has been shown interest by Tampa, is another player whose career success may depend on the system he is drafted into. On a professional level Tocho will need to see success early in camp to win himself the final spot in a cornerback room, but none the less he has the ability. Special teams. Special teams. Specials teams. This kid will make his mark if given the chance.
Next: Bucs Trade Back Partners and Scenarios
Do you agree with this list? Let us know…