Does focusing on drafting in state help out the Buccaneers?
By Thomas Brady
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers share the state of Florida with several colleges that generally produce talented players to take in the draft on a yearly basis.
After a stand-out combine performance from Florida Gator, CJ Henderson, and the on-going turmoil surrounding ex-Florida Seminole Jameis Winston, we look at whether drafting closer to home would be a good idea for the Buccaneers in 2020.
The Buccaneers are lucky to have three high-caliber football schools right on their doorstep in Florida, Florida State, and Miami. Many Bucs fans will keep a close eye on the local emerging talent and have an opinion on which players are and are not capable of stepping up to the NFL.
Since 2008, Tampa Bay has selected 7 players from either Florida or Florida State (plus Anthony Gaitor from Florida International in 2011) in the draft. Based on this, there’s over a 50% chance the Bucs will select another local draft prospect in 2020, so let’s look at the possibilities:
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Cam Akers – Running Back, FSU
A frequent pick for the Bucs on mock drafts, Akers was a solid back at Florida State and most think he has the size and skills to transition to the NFL. I believe he is the best fit of all prospects with Peyton Barber all but gone and uncertainty over what Ronald Jones will amount to, despite glimpses of brilliance last season. Surely Tampa will be interested if Akers is still available in the 3rd or 4th round.
CJ Henderson – Corner, Florida
Henderson took the No.1 jersey and was a shut-down corner in Florida.. but we’ve heard that before right? (*cough* Vernon Hargreaves *cough*). However, back in 2016, Tampa’s need for a corner was a lot higher than it is now. Henderson’s stock has risen since being given the highest rating of all corners at the combine and he’d certainly improve competition in the secondary. But any higher than a 3rd rounder would probably be a reach given the improved Tampa secondary last year.
Jabari Zuniga – Defensive End, Florida
Many Gators fans see Zuniga as a 1st round talent and it’s easy to see why. The dude is a monster and will have no problems when it comes to size and strength in the NFL. Zuniga has had some injury problems which may effect his draft stock, and with the Buccaneers hoping to bring back Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaq Barrett, it’s hard to see why they would take a risk on Zuniga despite his clear talent, but if he’s still on the board in the 3rd or 4th then he’s certainly worth a look.
Later rounds/Undrafted bargains
The Bucs have been linked with Van Jefferson (WR, Florida), Marvin Wilson (DE, FSU) and Lamical Perine (RB, Florida) so these are three players to keep an eye on. Anything earlier than a 5th round for any of these players shouldn’t happen, however.
Perhaps the most interesting option is wide receiver Trevon Grimes, a former 5 star recruit at Florida who may even go undrafted. Last year, Grimes showed he has the perfect skills to perform as a number 3 receiver. If Breshad Perriman is too expensive, Grimes is a big body at 6 foot 5 with great hands and put up similar numbers to leading receiver Van Jefferson last year.
I think we all need to ignore the embarrassing footage I’ve seen with ‘experts’ linking us with Antonio Brown (no, thanks) and saying Chris Godwin can’t play in the slot (???). But, two 6 foot 5 receivers in Mike Evans and Grimes on the outside with Godwin over the middle is a scary thought for every NFL defense.
The best and worst previous local picks:
It’s fair to say the local talent drafted by the Buccaneers has been a mixed bag at best. We give our verdict on the best and worst selections:
Worst – The worst local pick the Buccaneers have made by some margin is selecting kicker Roberto Aguayo in 2016 in the second round from Florida State. Widely regarded as one of the worst draft selections in NFL history. Oops.
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Best – The best local pick the Buccaneers have made would be Kenyatta Walker. A first round selection in 2001 from Florida, Walker was a vital piece in the SuperBowl winning team at right tackle. He helped keep Brad Johnson on his feet and we became world champs. Hero.
So, if the Bucs do go local again this year, let’s hope for a Walker and not an Aguayo!