Buccaneers NFL Draft 2020: Evaluating Final Expert Predictions

What are the NFL Insiders saying about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers heading into the draft? Here’s our final evaluations of experts heading into the event.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to become big winners during the 2020 NFL Draft, which begins tonight.

As the Buccaneers are prepared to address several needs, including offensive tackle, running back, wide receiver, defensive back and defensive line, there are many different schools of thought surround what Tampa Bay may do in the draft.

Though most believe they’ll first address the offensive tackle position, many are wondering if that will come through a trade-up decision, rather than waiting to select at pick No. 14.

Here’s a look at the final first-round Mock Draft selection for the Buccaneers from many different NFL Insiders and Experts as we prepare for the start of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Projected First-Round Selections for the Bucs:

• Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): OT Andrew Thomas (pick No. 14)
• Mel Kiper (ESPN): OT Andrew Thomas (pick No. 14)
• Albert Breer (Sports Illustrated): OT Andrew Thomas (pick No. 9 via Jacksonville)
• Todd McShay (ESPN): OT Mekhi Becton (pick No. 14)
• Will Brinson (CBS): OT Jedrick Wills Jr. (pick No. 14)
• Mike Tagliere (Fantasy Pros): OT Mekhi Becton (pick No. 14)
• Nate Davis (USA Today): DL Javon Kinlaw (pick No. 14)
• Ryan Wilson (CBS): OT Josh Jones (pick No. 14)
• Mike Freeman (Bleacher Report): OT Josh Jones (pick No. 14)

Final Pre-Draft Thoughts:

As you can see, there is an extremely wide array in terms of what experts are thinking when it comes to the offensive tackle position.

Only one NFL Analyst has the Buccaneers taking anything other than an offensive tackle in the first-round and that’s Nate Davis, who has Tampa Bay taking DL Javon Kinlaw.

Protecting Tom Brady has to be the top priority here and I expect that the Bucs will look to take one of those top four offensive tackles and will explore options to trade up if it comes to that.

If they cannot get a sufficient deal to trade up into the top-10, they will more than likely take OT Josh Jones (Houston) with their No. 14 overall pick.

The Pewter Plank will be providing complete coverage of the NFL Draft. Make sure you check back here for all the analysis and updates pertaining to the Bucs you need during the draft.