2021 NFL Draft: Buccaneers mock draft to repeat in the Super Bowl
By Rob Leeds
The future for the Buccaneers on the defensive line
Marlon Tuipulotu, IDL, USC
The Buccaneers should do everything in their power to keep the defensive starters on the roster, but everyone outside of that is a tossup. The Bucs could easily lose Rakeem Nunez-Roches and Steve McLendon as defensive depth pieces, and while Khalil Davis looks ready to start providing depth in that area, the Bucs will want a proven option as well.
Marlon Tuipulotu has the size and build to serve as a replacement to Ndamukong Suh down the road. The Buccaneers should keep Suh for at least one more season based on his current production, but anything past that could become too expensive.
If the Buccaneers want to keep their impressive defensive line adequately staffed for the future, a pick as high as the second is the way to go.
Tuipulotu still has some growing to do before he can adequately replace Suh, but the physical characteristics and time are there.
The Buccaneers wouldn’t need Tuipulotu to step in and do anything crazy in his first year, which would be the perfect opportunity to ease into the NFL. The rookie defensive lineman could gain proper experience to dominate in a great defense, and the Buccaneers could add a cheap depth pick that could turn into a starter down the road.