Round 7, Pick 215: Gardner Minshew, QB, Washington State
With their last pick in this mock draft, the Buccaneers take a quarterback that could become a practice squad stash for a year and potentially develop into a quality backup quarterback in the NFL. With Ryan Griffin extended for two years and Blaine Gabbert brought to Tampa Bay on a one-year deal, the Buccaneers are set behind Winston in 2019, but beyond that, their depth at the quarterback position could get dicey.
Adding Gardner Minshew, the fourth place finisher in Heisman voting in 2018, in the seventh round could give them their backup for the future and a serviceable starter when needed. While Winston may not be the starter of the future in Tampa Bay if he does not improve in 2019, at least they can solidify a number two quarterback in Minshew.
In 2018, Minshew captured the hearts of Washington State and the nation as he rocked his famous mustache and lit up opposing Pac-12 defenses. With a 70 percent completion rate, he threw for nearly 4,800 yards and 38 touchdowns with only nine interceptions. However, Minshew is extremely raw and in need of some coaching up in order to become a quarterback at the next level.
Arians and Leftwich could be the coaches to mold Minshew, and with a seventh round pick there is no risk involved in taking a flyer on him. Hoping to lockdown a solid backup quarterback, the Bucs take Minshew with their last pick in the draft.