2021 NFL Draft: Buccaneers mock draft to repeat in the Super Bowl
By Rob Leeds
The Buccaneers need to run it back in the draft.
While the Buccaneers have plenty of free agents that should be back in 2021, the main focus, for now, needs to be building as much rookie depth as possible to keep the franchise afloat during and after the Tom Brady era.
The Bucs are still contenders for next season, and another great draft should keep them firmly in that position.
Round 1
Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
This move is 100% about money and nothing more. Donovan Smith is coming off of his best season as a Buccaneer and was a part of one of the best offensive lines in team history. Tampa Bay may try to restructure his deal to free up cash to retain Chris Godwin and Shaquil Barrett, but this would be the easiest way to find more money in the books.
Liam Eichenberg may not play up to Smith’s level in year one, but he could likely keep it close with his impressive talent. More than anything, the Buccaneers would pay Eichenberg a fraction of Smith’s hefty salary and could build around two young, inexpensive offensive tackles for the future.
Moving on from Smith may not be the right decision, but it would come easier than letting Chris Godwin or Shaquil Barrett walk in free agency.