Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Final 2018 NFL mock draft
Isaiah Wynn. 25. player. 35. . Guard. Georgia
The Titans already have a really solid offensive line building there in Tennessee.
Isaiah Wynn may be the third guard off the board, but he may have the best chance of early success as he joins a team which already made the post-season in 2017.
Marcus Mariota has been a very solid quarterback entering his fourth season, but he’s struggled with health. You can’t put enough protection in front of him, and if the team plans to lean on Derrick Henry even more in 2018, this pick is the right one.
Must Read: Isaiah Wynn Profile
Alabama. Da'Ron Payne. 26. player. 44. . Defensive Tackle
Replacing Dontari Poe will be no small feat, but with their salary cap situation the Falcons really had no choice but to do so.
Having Da’Ron Payne fall into their laps at pick 26 is going to add just a little more youth and a lot more talent to an already young and talented defense.
As a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, all I can say is….’Yay’
27. player. 15. . EDGE. Boston College. Harold Landry
One month ago, I wouldn’t have expected Harold Landry to be here this late in the first round, but here we are.
For the Saints, it’s a coup of sorts. The offense could certainly use a boost from two of the three receivers already drafted, but rather than reach for another guy they instead decide to build their defense upon the foundation laid in 2017.
Safety. Alabama. Ronnie Harrison. 28. player. 55.
With a running back draining the bank and a quarterback who may or may not retire every year, Pittsburgh needs to solidify the defense as much as possible to facilitate the inevitable changing of the guard in their offense.
The Steelers have a habit of tip-toeing on the line of the salary cap which usually keeps them flush with talent. However, it also means they have to use the draft to stay ahead of fluctuations.
When their defense collapses, they have to have an offense. They do. Well, the offense is about to start it’s initial decent, so it’s time to scramble the defenses.
Drafting Ronnie Harrison is a step in the right direction.
Must Read: Ronnie Harrison Profile
D.J. Chark. 29. player. 52. . Wide Receiver. LSU
Alright. This is a reach. D.J. Chark is a second-round guy, but the Jaguars have such need at wide receiver they may very well make the jump.
Combined with the speed of Dede Westbrook, the Jaguars would have the speed to challenge any defense and give guys like Donte Moncrief and Keelan Cole room to operate underneath and in the middle.
Also, with $18 Million in cap space, don’t be surprised if Jacksonville enters the Dez Bryant sweepstakes as he’s looking for just a one-year contract.
60. . Tight End. South Dakota State. Dallas Goedert. 30. player
There are some other areas the Vikings would likely prefer address before drafting a tight end for the future, but with the board laying the way it is Dallas Goedert is the best investment to make.
His arrival gives the Vikings a chance at playing two tight end sets with legitimate tight end talents, and playing behind Kyle Rudolph gives this small school prospect a solid mentor to help him develop.
47. . Cornerback. Louisville. Jaire Alexander. 31. player
With Malcolm Butler’s rather public divorce with the Patriots, it’s time to find a new guy to step in and make plays for the Patriots.
Jaire Alexander missed time due to injury in 2017, but it shouldn’t diminish his value too much as he proved he was a guy with solid ball skills and playmaking ability.
Must Read: Jaire Alexander Profile
54. . Linebacker. Boise State. Leighton Vander Esch. 32. player
If it’s running back, I feel like Sony Michel is the pick. If it’s defense, then it’s Leighton Vander Esch.
The linebacker from Boise State has seen a steady growth in his draft stock.
Philadelphia’s offense was already championship caliber when Carson Wentz went down. The Eagles defense stepped up in a big way down the stretch and adding Vander Esch will give them a better shot at sustaining the constant targeting they’re about to get as Super Bowl Champions.
"Part 2 of the Locked on Bucs pre-draft mailbag episode!"
That completes my final mock draft of the season, complete with trade opportunities. It was fun, and I feel like we didn’t get too crazy.
I’m sure there are some surprises here, so don’t be shy. Let me know what you think and where our opinions differ.
Drop your thoughts in the comments or find me on social media. Happy Draft Day!