Why the Buccaneers’ third round pick is crucial for the future

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2021 NFL Draft (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2021 NFL Draft (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Looking ahead to the 2020 NFL Draft, the third round is going to be pivotal for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their future.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a unique opportunity in the 2020 NFL draft. For the first time in what could be the franchise’s history, the Buccaneers can draft a quarterback that can learn from a veteran with great success.

In this case, it would be from the man that has done it best; Tom Brady. Jameis Winston came into the league and played immediately with Mike Glennon as a backup. There has never been a scenario where a younger QB has had the opportunity to learn from a successful veteran in Tampa Bay.

Right now, the Bucs’ third-round pick could be viewed as the most important for their future. There is a lot of talk about running backs and wide receivers, but there should be two very underrated quarterback talents available. Jacob Eason and Jake Fromm, two pro-style passers, should be the main priorities for the Buccaneers if they are available.

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Many don’t remember that Eason started over Fromm at UGA. An unfortunate wrist injury for Eason allowed Fromm to step in and lead UGA to the National Championship, only to fall to Alabama by 3 points in OT. Ultimately, this led to Eason’s transfer to Washington.

The quarterback to focus on is Eason as he is 6’6″ and 227 pounds with excellent arm strength and is extremely athletic for his size. Before Eason’s injury in 2017, his 2016 season saw him complete 55.1% of his passes for 2,430 yards and 16 touchdowns. Check back in a year after his wrist injury now at the University of Washington, and his completion rate jumped to 66.4%, and he threw for 3,132 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Say Jacob Eason is selected before the Buccaneers can scoop him up, Jake Fromm is still a great option. Fromm is 6’2″ and 220 pounds and has a slightly smaller frame than Eason. Once again, Fromm led the Bulldogs to the 2017 National Championship. Fromm is an accurate thrower and he is smart with the ball. It should not be forgotten that these are two of the top characteristics of Tom Brady.

If the Buccaneers Draft Eason or Fromm, they will have two years to learn from Tom Brady, understand how he sees the field, learn to reads coverages, and gain the winning mentality it takes to have success in the league. In the end, Eason is the better fit for the Buccaneers, and if he’s given a chance, he could be one of the most successful quarterbacks in the franchise’s history.

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