2021 NFL Draft: Buccaneers trade up for rising star in new mock draft
By Rob Leeds
The Buccaneers need to go for broke in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still the team to beat going into the 2021 NFL Draft. After bringing back all of their starters and signing pass-catching running back Giovani Bernard to a great deal, the team is set to dominate the NFL next season even if they draft no rookies.
While the thought of passing on any rookies is laughable, there is some truth to the belief that the Bucs have too many picks this season. Rookies have a hard time making any NFL team, not to mention on one that just won the Super Bowl and is bringing back all of their key starters.
The Buccaneers need as few draft picks as possible to make the most of their selections during draft weekend, so the capital is there to make some moves if possible.
As far as needs are concerned, none are pressing. Tampa Bay is unlikely to find a single starter from this class, so at this point, the best picks are used on players who could be cheaper replacement options for veterans after the Bucs repeat in the Super Bowl.
When evaluating the current positions, the biggest needs for the Buccaneers right now are:
1. Edge
2. Interior defensive lineman
3. Interior offensive lineman
4. Return man
5. Developmental quarterback
6. Third-down running back (although Giovani Bernard should lock this role down for the remainder of the Tom Brady era).
None of these players are likely to start in 2021, but Jason Licht and the front office still need to handle this class with the same care as the past few seasons.