Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Grading days two and three
By James Yarcho
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Day Three Haul
On day three, the final piece of the puzzle Buccaneers fans were looking for was safety help. After that, it was all gravy. Here is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ day three haul;
Round Four – 117th overall – Safety Jordan Whitehead – Pitt
Round Five – 144th overall – Wide Receiver Justin Watson – Penn
Round Six – 202nd overall – Linebacker Jack Cichy – Wisconsin
Jason Licht addressed the safety need right out of the gate, using the pick he acquired in the Patriots deal. Whitehead is another physical defensive back, helping further the case that the Buccaneers may be looking to shift their philosophy to a more physical style of play out of their secondary. Whitehead is surely not a starter right out of the gate, but will be able to compete for heavy playing time if he proves himself. Much to the disdain of some (not all, mind you), Chris Conte appears poised for the starting role opposite Justin Evans this coming season. However, depth and future security at the position was a must and it was handled.
After Whitehead, two picks that some could consider a luxury were made. Penn’s all time leading receiver Justin Watson was picked and can very easily compete for that fifth receiver spot behind Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Chris Godwin, and Adam Humphries. Bobo Wilson and Freddie Martino by no means have that position locked up, so Watson will get the opportunity to show what he’s got. Special teams, of course, will play an intricate role in whether or not Watson can find his way on to the 53-man roster.
Finally, a linebacker that hasn’t played since 2016. Jack Cichy was an unfortunate victim to two pretty nasty injuries. After tearing his pec in 2016, Cichy tore his ACL causing him to miss all of 2017. Cichy has said he will be 100% and ready to go by training camp and with the questions surrounding Kendell Beckwith‘s health and availability, Cichy may find his way on to the team. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said that had it not been for the injuries, Cichy was at least a third round talent.
You hope that one of the three day three picks make the team. Jason Licht has found some day three gems, but has also released some day three picks before the season even began so it’s a complete toss up. At the end of the day, if half of these draft picks hit, it’s a win. Not every draft pick from the weekend will end up on a kickoff weekend roster. It just doesn’t work that way, but getting half of your picks to make the roster and contribute? That’s what keeps general managers employed by teams.
Day Three Grade – B
Overall, it seems like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a solid weekend in Arlington. Needs were addressed – not necessarily the way fans wanted them to be – but addressed nonetheless. There’s a reason that the Buccaneers’ scouting department is where they are while the rest of us watch at home. They don’t always get it right, but they know far more about any of these players than we do. Take a look at Guice. We all saw him as a round one talent, but the immaturity issues and poor way he conducted himself in visits and interviews plummeted his draft stock. We just don’t know all the facts.
Next: Three Things To Know About Jack Cichy
It’ll be exciting to see these players hit the field for rookie mini-camp in May as the new look Tampa Bay Buccaneers begin to take shape before our very eyes.