Tampa Bay only had three picks on the final day of the NFL Draft, but it seems they made the most of them.
Bucky Irving was the first pick of the day for the Bucs, who passed on a cornerback to add some more talent to the running back room. While he does similar things to Rachaad White, that's not a bad thing and the pick has already seemingly ignited some excitement in the locker room.
The Bucs weren't on the clock again until deep into the sixth round at No. 220. Between those two picks a handful of potential targets dropped off the board, although that was to be expected.
Most Day 3 picks are lottery tickets anyway, especially as late into the draft as the sixth round. Jason Licht has shown an ability to cook even when everyone thinks the kitchen is closed, though, something he put on display last season. The Bucs landed a few decent picks before the draft was over and loaded up with an iconic UDFA class that produced a starting safety and a handful of other impact players.
There's value late in the draft, and the Bucs are hoping they've found another gem in UTEP offensive lineman Elijah Klein.
Buccaneers add offensive line depth after drafting Elijah Klein in Round 6
Grade: C
Last year the Bucs traded up to take Trey Palmer late on Saturday, a move that created such a long way between picks. Tampa Bay flipped its fifth rounder this year to Philadelphia to move up and take Palmer, who showed a ton of flash and potential in his rookie season.
That's what they're hoping to get out of Klein, who plays just as important a position and could directly impact Palmer's success in 2024.
Tampa Bay needed guard help but struck out on some of the top guys earlier in the draft. It wasn't a particularly deep class, either, and guard remains a major question mark for the team heading into offseason camps.
Klein is a classic Jason Licht pick, though, as he's a big dude from a small school.
.@UTEPFB @ElijahKlein79 has game experience; versatility; length; good raw strength; and he enjoys hitting people. And Tuff. Who doesnt love Elijah Klein??? Look forward to watching him at the next level. #nfldraft #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/SLElGxkTCm
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 16, 2024
Ben Bredeson is penciled in as the Bucs' starting left guard right now but that could change based on what happened in training camp. Sua Opeta was also signed in free agency to add some depth, although he's slated to play behind Cody Mauch.
Klein has some great upside, and we'll see if he can follow in the footsteps of some other late-round studs the Bucs have landed.