The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need home run picks in this year's draft. Getting Baker Mayfield more weapons is important, but getting him protection is easily a top priority as well.
Of course, there is also the defensive side of the ball. Tampa has to get out of this year's draft with quality starters on both sides of the ball if they are going to climb out of the 8-9 hole they were in last year.
The Athletic's Dan Brugler released a mock draft on Wednesday that covers all seven rounds. Needless to say, his approach to their first pick is an interesting one. With the 15th overall selection, Brugler has the Buccaneers taking Penn State guard Vega Ioane.
Dane Brugler's latest mock draft has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking a flyer on the top OG
Honestly, 15 is a bit high to take a guard that doesn't eventually project to the tackle position, but in this year's class, both Francis Mauigoa and Spencer Fano are both seen as likely NFL guards instead of tackles.
Tampa needs the line help. Ioane is the best in his class and would make an immediate impact on the Bucs roster.
Brugler misses the mark in round two, taking edge rusher Gabe Jacas over Jake Golday, who was taken one pick later. Jacas is good, but Golday aligns with the Bucs' needs more. His versatility is simply too much to ignore. Unlike Jacas, Golday can play ILB, OLB, and drop into a 7-technique on the edge.
What makes this pick a little more wasted is that in round three, Brugler has them taking Arizona LB, Keyshaun Elliott. Another nice prospect, but again, Golday is the better player. Michigans' Jaishawn Barham was available in round three and might be the better option over Jacas given Golday still being available.
In round four, the Bucs finally address the cornerback position with Florida's Devin Moore. Moore has been climbing boards lately, so if he is available at pick 116, it's a great pick up for Jason Licht.
Tampa has at least three day-one starters from this draft entering round five. That makes this a win for Licht and the Bucs' fan base. He rounds out the draft with depth players that will help build the roster's youth and future.
- Round 5 - Reggie Virgil - WR - Texas Tech
- Round 6 - Eli Heidenreich - RB - Navy
- Round 7 - Tanner Koziol - TE - Houston
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