Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Pewter Plank mock draft compilation
By Rob Leeds
Kenny Barrett
Round 1: Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Trade with Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings move up to select CeeDee Lamb. So many teams seem to be on to Jeudy and Ruggs, meaning Lamb may slide a little. If Lamb (somehow) makes it to 14 and no OT’s are available, then expect Licht’s phone to be ringing off the hook. This pick could very well be for the Eagles at 21, but the Vikings are willing to offer their 2nd round pick straight up for the selection.
From everything I read and see, it seems the Bucs would be more than happy to select Jones at 14. I think it’s a bit of a reach and projection, but it’s a risk on a player worth taking. By trading down, the Bucs have a relatively clear path to have either Jones or Wilson available. Jones is ideal because of his ability to play LT if an injury were to hit Donovan Smith. Wilson is strictly a right tackle. Also, Joe Haeg is the top swing tackle at the moment, which is a great depth piece to have as he can step in at guard as well.
Round 2: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
Any of the top 5 RB’s would be great fits in Tampa. Edwards-Helaire is the best fit overall but lacks the WOW that guys like Taylor, Swift, and Dobbins offer, meaning that CEH is the most likely to be there at 45. He’s a great compliment to Rojo and offers great pass-blocking and pass-catching to his resume. This feels like the Devin White pick last year, EVERYONE is projecting this so until I hear or see otherwise, this seems the biggest lock in the draft.
Round 2:(from Vikings): Damien Lewis, IOL, LSU
Dominant tape at LSU and has been heavily been linked to the Bucs. Lewis will challenge Alex Cappa from day 1 with the loser being a much needed back up piece at the guard position. Tom Brady is not known for his mobility, and top-level people-movers at guard are great to secure him the perfect U inside the pocket.
Round 3: Van Jefferson, WR, UF
Very underutilized weapon at Florida; however, Jefferson can be used in multiple ways. He’s great at short-to-intermediate routes with his crisp route running and has more than enough speed to be used on fly and post routes. Great complimentary player to work with Evans and Godwin. A player like him also doesn’t push a receiver like Scotty Miller off the field either. All of these four WR offer different elements to compliment the offense.
Round 4: Antonio Gibson, RB, Memphis
Gibson is a bit of a tweener. He has been used as both an RB and slot receiver but has never really excelled at either. Bruce Arians and Brady can appreciate the skillset Gibson can add to the offense. He can be used in a James White role and can unseat Dare Ogunbowale on the final roster. Gibson can also carve out a role on special teams as well. Think of David Johnson as a projection minus Johnson’s production in college.
Round 4: Alex Highsmith, Edge, Charlotte
Highsmith has great bend to him, especially for a player from a small school. This is perfect value for him as he can sit behind JPP and Shaq for two years and spell them on rare occasions.
Round 5: Lamar Jackson, CB, Nebraska
No, not that Lamar Jackson, but the Nebraska product has a high ceiling. Can provide special teams depth and will be able to unseat a guy like Mazzi Wilkins to be that CB 5 on the roster.
Round 6: Benito Jones, IDL, Ole Miss
Wide body who is very much a one-trick pony. He is able to play the nose, so if Vea or Suh get injured, either of those two can be the 3-tech. Very solid depth piece that reminds me of a better version of what the Bucs hoped Stevie T could be years ago. To start his career, he can take the Beau Allen role.