Buccaneers 2020 NFL Mock Draft: Jameis Winston returns

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – OCTOBER 13: Bryce Perkins #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers stiff arms Gerald Willis III #9 of the Miami Hurricanes in the first half during a game at Scott Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

The final pick that the Buccaneers have in this draft is a long shot, just like every other sixth round pick. The Bucs could win this round by making an improvement at a position that doesn’t get much love; the backup quarterback.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers do not need Blaine Gabbert or Ryan Griffin. Gabbert was hurt for the 2019 season and never played a down and was simply a drain on limited resources while Griffin got into a game and showed exactly what he was: an average backup quarterback.

Ryan Griffin is in no way, shape, or form a starting quarterback in the NFL. He is entirely average and possesses no flash. Bryce Perkins, on the other hand, could provide the Buccaneers with a very unique backup quarterback situation.

Perkins would not be brought into Tampa to be a starter or even as a competitor to Jameis, but what Perkins could do is provide the Buccaneers with an interesting backup that has a different skillset than most backup quarterbacks.

Perkins was a talented dual-threat quarterback during his time with Virginia, a team that exceeded expectations. The ability to run as a quarterback is an important skillset that the NFL is quickly turning towards with the emergence of players like Kyler Murray and Lamar Jackson.

The Buccaneers would be wise to follow this path that other teams are taking in an effort to stay relevant while also using a low-risk pick on this player.

Perkins would be a far more entertaining backup than Blaine Gabbert while also being far cheaper. If the Buccaneers are too worried about Perkins’ arm, which falls short of his legs, they can keep Ryan Griffin on the roster to be more of a traditional option who can split reps with Perkins if Winston goes down.

In addition to his potential as a backup, the Buccaneers could use Perkins in more of a wildcat quarterback role as a change of pace similar to how the Saints play.

Next. Buccaneers: Jameis Winston named a ‘darkhorse MVP candidate’. dark

In his senior season for Virginia, Perkins was able to post 3,538 yards through the air and 769 yards rushing to go along with 33 total touchdowns. Perkins may not be a franchise guy, but the risk is very low with a sixth round pick in the draft.

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