Buccaneers battle plan for a future without Jameis Winston
2020 Mock Draft
For the purposes of this being a January Mock Draft, PLEASE take this mock for what it is. So much will change in the coming months leading into the draft, but this is a possible draft scenario that will help round out this projected roster. All draft picks were available in each round in an aggregate of 5 mock drafts done with The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine.
RD 1: K’Lavon Chaisson
There is so much to love about this kid, but he is a developmental player at this stage in his career. He has a high upside and will need to sit behind JPP and Barrett to learn the trade; however, in the short term, he can spell JPP and Shaq in obvious passing downs.
If Chaisson can develop in a year or two the Bucs could have a three-headed monster and even let JPP rush from inside. Jason Licht needs to address the d-line in the draft and Chaisson is the perfect talent to acquire and let the coaches develop him. Chaisson may be the type of guy that blows up the combine and moves into the top 10 but for now, this is a great value pick for the Bucs.
RD 2: QB Jacob Eason
On Draft day Jason Licht may have to trade up to secure this pick. In this case, they gave up a 4th round pick to secure Eason. He is a project for sure, but everything about Eason points to him being THE Bruce Arians prototype.
Eason is talented, especially with his arm strength. NFL teams know he isn’t ready though, so there is no need to take him at 14. I’m not sure teams are willing to risk drafting him too high. If he isn’t selected at the end of the first/early second round, he most likely will be there for the Bucs in round 2, but trading up ensures he lands in Tampa. Bucs send a 4th round selection to move up.
RD 2 (Howard Trade): WR Justin Jefferson
The kind of receiver Arians likes…long and fast! He would be the Perriman replacement. Great deep route runner. Needs some coaching but worth the value here. He had the monster game against Oklahoma recently if you want to watch film of him in the LSU offense.
RD 3 Bucs trade down in Rd. 3 to get a 5th and 6th round pick in return (teams that would be in consideration are dependent on the comp picks rewarded)
Bucs select LB Malik Harrison
A rangy prospect that has all the physical traits to be an inside linebacker in Todd Bowles‘ scheme. Can be a solid back up and special teamer to start until Lavonte David is gone or retired. Can definitely be used as a blitzer as well. Arians has said he wants to continue adding linebackers with speed to contribute both on the field and special teams. This would get an A+ grade in terms of value.
RD 3 (Comp): RB Najee Harris
Harris is the perfect complement to both David Johnson and Rojo and will have enough of a role to justify him being selected in the 3rd round. Will step in and be the short-yardage back from day 1 and can easily be a full time back if needed.
RD 4- traded in Jacob Eason acquisition
RD 5 (acquired in trade): DT Benito Jones
Jones is a wide body that can occupy the middle. He isn’t going to blow you away on film, but is athletically gifted. Drafting a guy like Jones saves some money from trying to get a guy like Beau Allen to return. He can move for a 6’1″ 330 lbs but needs to learn some technique if he wants to succeed at the NFL level. He’s a perfect prospect for our coaches to develop and back up Vita Vea.
*Rd 6 (acquired in trade): LB Justin Stranad
Last pick is a LB to help provide depth. Good instinctual player. Doesn’t wow you athletically but probably won’t make the initial 53 man roster at first. Likely a practice squad guy to start or a special teams player until his play improves at LB.