A dominant first-round pick for the Buccaneers
Kadarius Toney, Florida
The last pick in the first round of the draft is an interesting focus each year. While looking like a first-round pick on paper, it is closer to a second-round option more than anything. Some people believe the Bucs should target a position of lower value like running back, but playing to your strengths doesn’t hurt too.
If the Buccaneers do lose AB to free agency, a first-round pick would be far better used on a receiver than a running back. Even with the current needs considered, taking a running back in the first round makes very little sense. Receiver is marginally better.
Kadarius Toney would serve as a top-tier insurance policy in an offense that already has a wealth of options. Chris Godwin is back on the franchise tag, but his future in Tampa is uncertain. Depending on how this season goes, the Bucs could be in a difficult spot to keep Godwin after this year with a need for a starting slot.
Toney has the size and build to be an excellent slot receiver in the NFL. After a great college career making a below-average quarterback look like a Heisman contender, Toney could be an immediate contributor with Tom Brady under center.
This may feel like an embarrassment of riches with a great receiving corps already in place, but the Buccaneers did struggle with injuries at the position in 2020, and Toney could keep the hopes for a playoff run alive in the event of a serious injury at any point.