Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Weekly 7-round mock draft featuring a trade!

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Vita Vea of Washington after he was picked #12 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Vita Vea of Washington after he was picked #12 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images) /

Round 2, Pick 39: Dexter Lawrence, DL, Clemson

The rumors continue to swirl about the future of lifetime Buccaneer Gerald McCoy; will he stay or will he go? Strapped for cash, the Bucs could see a huge relief of $13 million on their salary cap by moving on from McCoy, but if the team truly feels like they are in a position to compete now, then it may make sense to keep the perennial Pro Bowler in town.

More from The Pewter Plank

Regardless of their decision with McCoy, the Buccaneers can always benefit from more rotational depth and groom a talented starter in the process. That is the route taken in the second round here as Tampa Bay selects defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence out of Clemson.

The national champion finished his career with ten sacks from the interior of the star studded Clemson defensive line and 18 tackles for loss. This production as elite considering the big boy had to share opposing quarterbacks and ball carriers with the likes of Clelin Ferrell as well.

In a Todd Bowles’ blitz heavy scheme, defensive lineman will be shuffling out in order to get fresh legs on the field much more often in 2019. Depth along their defensive front will be a much-needed asset for the Bucs if they have hopes of improving their defense this season. Adding Lawrence would compensate for potentially losing McCoy and allow Tampa Bay to add another talented defensive lineman.