The Buccaneers have drafted some players who should make immediate impacts for the team this season. How will day three go?
Moving into day three, the Buccaneers have two draft picks; one in the fifth and one in the seventh.
To recap, here are the picks thus far:
1st Round – TE, O.J. Howard, Alabama
2nd Round – S, Justin Evans, Texas A&M
3rd Round – WR, Chris Godwin, Penn State
3rd Round – LB, Kendell Beckwith, LSU
More from The Pewter Plank
- Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
- ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
- Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
- Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
- The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
Now that we’re caught up. Let’s take a look at some team needs.
It hasn’t been talked about much, but a backup quarterback has to be decided on. If Ryan Griffin is the guy, then it’s a moot point in the draft I suppose.
So, safe to say, if Jason Licht takes one on this day then Griffin isn’t the hands down guy to understudy Jameis Winston in 2017.
Even if he is though, there’s some wisdom behind the mantra of drafting a quarterback every year, a la New England Patriots.
Don’t count this team out of the wide receiver picture either. Sure the team signed DeSean Jackson and drafted Godwin. Looking at the roster, there’s still room to improve, so if a guy the team really likes is available it wouldn’t be too shocking to see them grab him.
Finally, we’ve got the trenches. Both the offensive and defensive lines could use depth support so I’d expect the Bucs to be tied to some of these young prospects on the final day of selections.
Running back is the most glaring hole though. Until we know exactly what the Bucs plan to do with Doug Martin, this is still a need to fill.
So, we’ll start there.
I have to be honest and say I was a bit surprised to not see Marlon Mack taken in the third round; by the Bucs or anyone else.
With Doug Martin suspended and Charles Sims showing he’s not a long-term weapon for Tampa, I still believe the team will look for a running back with pick 162.
Wayne Gallman from Clemson is all effort all the time, and while he doesn’t have elite breakout speed, he isn’t the slowest either.
He’s got the size to make an impact and doesn’t shy away from contact. Given the proper coaching, Gallman could be a sturdy backup who can come in to relieve some injury concerns if they creep up this season.
If Martin can right the ship, the Clemson running back has the potential to be a good relief runner when called upon.
In 2017, he’ll look to battle with Peyton Barber for time on the active roster.
2018 should see him cement a regular spot, and by 2019 he could be looked at as one of the best second-string runners in the league.
So, we’re talking about a seventh-round draft pick for the Bucs here, so it’s not going to be too exciting no matter who it is at this point.
Looking at who might still be around when pick 237 comes around, and areas of need for the team, the pick should be center Deyshawn Bond from Cincinnati.
Why? Well, the interior line needs youth and they need depth. Bond provides both, and with four years of starting experience under his belt, he should be a good addition to the practice squad while he builds his game to the point he can move up.
Must Read: Kendell Beckwith Analysis
As day three gets under way, we’re one day closer to live action and seeing just how the 2017 Bucs will fare.
Much has been added, and there’s been a lot of hype building since February.
Training camp is around the corner, and “Hard Knocks” will help get you through the dull days of no football.
Who do you want to see added in day three, and what do you think of the class to this point? Let me know below or find me on Twitter.