7-round Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mock Draft ahead of free agency

Round 2, Pick 52: Bralen Trice, EDGE/Washington

Last season, the Buccaneers' front seven was among the top units in the NFL. With totals of 91 tackles for loss and 48 sacks, the sixth and seventh marks in the league, Tampa Bay's defensive line and linebacker core will remain one of the top groups in 2024.

That said, Tampa Bay's front seven may look a lot different next season, as veteran defensive end William Gholston and middle linebackers Devin White and Lavonte David will all enter free agency on March 13.

As a result, adding talent to the front seven will be a key objective for Tampa Bay in the draft. With their second-round pick, the Buccaneers add Trice, who was one of the top rush linebackers in the nation last season.

Standing at 6'4" and 265 pounds, Trice is an effortlessly explosive mover who can suddenly shift and accelerate with urgent strides. In addition to his long, well-proportioned frame, Trice's combined burst, length and frame density give him exceptionally raw pass-rushing power.

After two seasons of playing as a backup, Trice broke out in his first season starting at outside linebacker. In 13 games, Trice finished with 38 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss and nine sacks. This season, Trice notched another solid season with 49 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and fumble recovery in 15 starts.

In addition, Brice was an integral part in Washington's remarkable run to the 2024 National Championship. In the Huskies' 37-31 win over the Longhorns in the Sugar Bowl, Brice notched five tackles and two sacks, and earned the game's Defensive MVP and secured Washington's third National Championship game appearance in school history.