2021 NFL Draft: Buccaneers trade up for rising star in new mock draft
By Rob Leeds
The Buccaneers take a huge chance in the 2021 NFL Draft
Round 5-176: Demetric Felton, WR/RB, UCLA
The fifth-round is a bit of a reach for a player like Felton now, but at this point, every player outside of the top three for the Buccaneers is a long shot to make the final roster. Felton doesn’t appear to have the athletic characteristics to make it in the NFL, but he does have the film to show the potential.
Felton was a favorite to land with the Buccaneers in the fourth round at the start of mock draft season. He looked like a great fit from a positional standpoint, but a terrible RAS score has him plummeting down draft boards.
You have to be athletic to make it in the NFL, and Felton’s sheer lack of athleticism is concerning.
On the other hand, Felton does have the resume to warrant a long-shot pick. With time in college lined up at running back and receiver, Felton could serve as a talented third-round back with the ability to threaten in the screen game and lined up outside.
The Bucs will have to figure out if they are willing to take a pick on a player with such a low athletic score, but the late rounds will be all about taking chances. Felton is a huge chance, but the benefits outweigh any of the possible consequences.