2021 NFL Draft: Buccaneers create options for Tom Brady in new mock
By Rob Leeds
The Buccaneers target a depth edge player in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft
Patrick Jones II, Edge, Pittsburgh
As it stands, Anthony Nelson is not enough depth at outside linebacker. Nelson hasn’t panned out as expected, and there is still time for the Bucs to find a better backup before the season begins. The Bucs already have the athletic Cam Gill to serve as a developmental option who will be a force of nature if everything clicks, but they also need a better guy for now.
With Nelson not playing at a true #3 level, finding a replacement in the draft and to compete with him during training camp makes the most sense.
Patrick Jones II is almost the opposite of Gill. Less inate athleticism, but his production in college speaks for itself. During his time in college, Jones accounted for 21.5 sacks and 32 tackles for loss. The majority of these stats came during Jones’ final season in school, and they show a player that is ready for the next level.
Jones is a bit of a later prospect based on his lack of athleticism, but he makes up for this with his play on the field. These traits could make Jones a much more reliable option than Gill or Nelson in year one in a depth role, and spending some time to build speed and getting used to the NFL level could help him emerge as a starter down the road.