5 ways the updated CFB season could impact the Buccaneers
By Rob Leeds
The 2021 Draft class could be the weakest in recent years
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If the college football season happens, and that is a big if, fans can rest assured that the season will look very different from the original schedule. Teams may play fewer games, or they may only play games within their conference, which combine to form the current trajectory.
If teams are playing fewer games or more games against in-conference opponents (that may be weaker teams than traditional out-of-conference opponents), NFL teams will have less tape available to judge their new draft picks.
Strong players may fall through the cracks due to COVID-19 concerns or testing positive to the virus, while replaceable players may be the only ones getting reps.
Technique and skill will often shine through rather than just stats, but how can a team judge a player with one good season who decides to opt-out? The player is making a selfless decision, but how can teams rest assured that the athlete won’t regress in a year away from the game?
These questions will resonate within the minds of NFL scouts throughout the coming year. The Buccaneers have killed it with their past two draft classes, but it seems incredibly likely that this one will take a step back to some degree based on circumstances outside of anyone’s control.