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Mock Draft Monday: Buccaneers use another high pick at cornerback

By Cory Kinnan

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 06: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints scores a touchdown during the second half of a NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on October 06, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 06: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints scores a touchdown during the second half of a NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on October 06, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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CORVALLIS, OR – OCTOBER 20: Linebacker Evan Weaver #89 of the California Golden Bears celebrates a tackle during the first half of the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
CORVALLIS, OR – OCTOBER 20: Linebacker Evan Weaver #89 of the California Golden Bears celebrates a tackle during the first half of the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

6.176: Evan Weaver, LB, California

With their sixth and final pick currently in 2020 after shipping their seventh rounder off to the Philadelphia Eagles with DeSean Jackson, the Bucs take a flier on a highly productive but athletically limited linebacker Evan Weaver from California. The Bucs took Devin White with a top five pick in 2019 to pair with Lavonte David, so addressing the linebacker position is not a high priority moving forward.

After starting his career as a defensive end for the Cal Bears, Weaver moved to middle linebacker as a sophomore. Last year was his first year as the starter in the middle of the Bears’ defense, and he did not disappoint, tallying a massive 88 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, two picks, and four sacks.

Six games into his senior season, and Weaver has already recorded 48 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, and a half of a sack. Again, Weaver is a highly productive linebacker, but the real test for him will come in Indianapolis in March when his athletic testing numbers are revealed.

He has the potential to jump up draft boards if his athletic numbers prove him quicker and less stiff than he appears on film. For now, it is important to remain cautious on Weaver and see him as a consistent depth and special teams piece, which the Bucs can get for the price of a sixth rounder.

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