NFL Mocks: Buccaneers select quarterback in 2019 mock draft
By Ryan Doyle
Like the football season, mock draft season never ends. In this mock, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select a quarterback. Could this be a glimpse into the future?
NFL Mocks‘ Erik Lambert released his recent mock draft and has the Buccaneers taking Missouri quarterback Drew Lock with the fifth overall pick.
Here’s Lambert’s take:
"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have to be reaching their breaking point with Jameis Winston. Not only have his inconsistencies continued on the field, but he’s becoming more and more unreliable off the field too. His latest suspension involving a sexual harassment incident is clear proof of that. If he doesn’t deliver this year, then they need to start thinking about moving beyond him. Drew Lock is the big name on early boards for 2019 and for good reason. He’s got that mix of big body and big arm along with the kind of production that showcases an ability to elevate an offense the moment he steps on the field."
Let a new narrative begin. Is Tampa Bay already giving up on the former first overall pick Jameis Winston?
Winston hasn’t been the savior the Buccaneers fan base has been desperate for yet. He has a long history of issues off the field and hasn’t looked like a franchise quarterback at times.
However, Winston has improved statistically in every season and his suspension is the result of actions he made back in 2016. Since then, it appears he has been out of trouble and focused on football.
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The Buccaneers are hopeful Winston can now start turning his work into wins. Tampa hasn’t made the playoffs since 2007 and boasts a roster which is ready to win now.
It’s way too early to tell what Winston’s future with Tampa will be before this season gets underway, but he doesn’t have much of a leash. If he struggles next season or has another incident the Buccaneers may look in another direction.
General manager Jason Licht and Dirk Koetter’s jobs are on the line. If they are let go, the new coaching staff and front office won’t have anything invested in Winston and could be seen as a distraction.
If Winston can stay out of the spotlight for the wrong reasons and produce in 2018, he will be around for a long time. This season is key for him to regain not only the coaching staff’s trust, but the fans trust as well.
Even with the concerns surrounding Winston, it would take extraordinary circumstances for Tampa to take another franchise quarterback.
When it comes to Lock, the Missouri product will be watched closely throughout 2018. He has been touted as one of the best quarterback prospects in college football. If he has a strong season, he will be one of the first quarterbacks off the board when the 2019 Draft comes around.
Next: NFC South Position Rankings: Defensive ends
It doesn’t mean much now, but there is a timeline where the Buccaneers select a quarterback in 2019. It’s a scary thought.