Round 2, Pick 58: Bralen Trice, EDGE/Washington
If there's one thing Jason Licht likes to do it's subvert expectations in order to absolutely nail his draft classes. He did it last year by going defensive-heavy when everyone thought the Bucs would focus on offensive players and things could work out that way again. The good news would be Tampa Bay landing another stud defensive prospect to add to an already talented line.
Bralen Trice could be this year's Calijah Kancey both in terms of a guy who not many thought the Bucs would take over an offensive lineman and someone who will add even more heat to Tampa Bay's pass rush. He was an underrated monster this past season while helping lead Washington to the National Championship game, and is a game-wrecking edge rusher who would further add depth alongside guys like Kancey, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, and Yaya Diaby.
Washington DE Bralen Trice (#8) might be the most unheralded pass rusher in this year’s draft class. It’s surprising how little attention he’s getting, even though he “should” be gone by the end of the 2nd round. 👀 #Browns #NFLDraft2024 #NFLCombine
— Matt Wilson (@CoachWilson66) February 27, 2024
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Depth in the trenches is something folks forget about when forging a world-class defense, but Bucs fans are well aware of how important it can be. Teams like the 49ers, Chiefs, and Eagles both have prided themselves on taking rushers like Trice to rotate in with already established players and the results have been trips to the Super Bowl.
Trice would add depth on the line but would also give the Bucs an option to replace Tryion-Shoyinka if he fails to catch on in what feels like a do-or-die season. Plus, the last time Tampa Bay took a defensive lineman out of Washington things worked out pretty well.