The preliminary wave of NFL free company has come and gone this week, and the Bucs did some essential work main into it after which all through it. First, it was about re-signing huge receiver Mike Evans, quarterback Baker Mayfield, kicker Chase McLaughlin and linebacker Lavonte David. Franchise tagging Antoine Winfield Jr. was additionally a part of the essential in-house strikes Tampa Bay made.
Along with bringing again a few of the larger names, the Bucs additionally re-signed working again Chase Edmonds, offensive sort out Brandon Walton, defensive sort out Greg Gaines, quarterback John Wolford and swing sort out Justin Skule.
There have been new additions as nicely, albeit with one being a well-known face because the crew introduced again sturdy security Jordan Whitehead two years after he left Tampa in free company. Cornerback Bryce Corridor and inside offensive linemen Ben Bredeson and Sua Opeta had been additionally among the many Bucs’ newest additions.
So, these re-signings and new additions made up the primary massive wave of free company for Tampa Bay. There might be extra to come back, after all, particularly because the crew seems to be to maximise worth and discover the perfect offers potential to handle its remaining wants whereas staying inside its wage cap constraints.
However the place does that depart issues for the Bucs as they start to shift gears towards the 2024 Draft subsequent month?
Tampa Bay nonetheless has wants, primarily at heart, edge rusher and probably inside linebacker, cornerback and tight finish/huge receiver. What do the newest mock drafts venture, then? It’s time for an additional look within the newest Bucs Mock Draft Roundup, this one being the post-free company (no less than the preliminary interval) version.
Bucs Submit-Free Company Mock Draft Roundup
Spherical 1, Choose 26: Iowa CB Cooper DeJean
“Todd Bowles CBs will press you and get in your grill, however additionally they want to have the ability to pedal again in zone and play area. Cooper DeJean may match nicely on the boundary on this scheme together with his velocity and instincts, however he additionally has the body and physicality to rotate into the slot.”
Spherical 2, Choose 57: Alabama EDGE Chris Braswell
“It’s primarily a clear slate for Tampa Bay at EDGE this offseason, and Chris Braswell can help YaYa Diaby together with his speed-to-power and lively arms across the arc.”
Spherical 3, Choose 89: Texas RB Jonathon Brooks
“There are questions on Jonathon Brooks‘ final ceiling on the NFL degree, however at his ground, he’s a scheme-versatile runner who can slash by way of vertical lanes together with his velocity.”
Spherical 3, Choose 92: Kansas OL Dominick Puni
“Dominick Puni performed sort out for Kansas in 2023, however he initiatives very nicely at guard and heart together with his means to play sq.. He may file in wherever Tampa Bay wants him.”
Spherical 4, Choose 125: Baylor DT Gabe Corridor
Spherical 6, Choose 220: Auburn CB Nehemiah Pritchett
Spherical 7, Choose 246: Limestone WR Jelani Baker
Spherical 1, Choose 26: Penn State EDGE Chop Robinson
“Identified for its vaunted protection through the years, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can’t resist seeing a participant like Chop Robinson drop to them regardless of different urgent wants that ought to be addressed. The Bucs pull the set off on this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, bagging a dense, explosive move rusher with a great deal of burst, twitch, and a violent first step.”
Spherical 1, Choose 26: Alabama CB Kool-Support McKinstry
“The Buccaneers shipped Carlton Davis to the Lions, which made sense based mostly on Davis’ price ticket and Tampa’s earlier strikes (re-signing Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans). Kool-Support McKinstry isn’t as extremely touted as former Alabama teammate Terrion Arnold, however he has all of the instruments to develop right into a constant exterior nook.”
Spherical 1, Choose 26: Alabama CB Kool-Support McKinstry
“The Bucs traded Carlton Davis and a few late alternatives to the Lions for a third-round choose on the primary day of authorized tampering. They’ll want no less than another nook for a rotation that features Jamel Dean, Christian Izien (who was a nice shock in his rookie season) and Zyon McCollum. Dean is the oldest of the bunch, however McKinstry provides extra big-time expertise after enjoying his school ball at Bama.”
Spherical 1, Choose 26: Georgia OT Amarius Mims
“The run on edge rushers put the Bucs able the place they go for offensive sort out Amarius Mims.”
Spherical 2, Choose 57: Utah EDGE Jonah Elliss
Spherical 1, Choose 26: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu
“There are some whispers popping out of Indianapolis that Laiatu Latu’s medicals might be regarding. He had an extended listing of accidents to comb by way of, every crew may view Latu’s standing otherwise.
“Latu has top-of-the-class tape on the sphere and a excessive sufficient athletic profile to wager on within the NFL. He’s solely obtainable right here due to some medical considerations, however the potential reward is nicely well worth the threat this late within the first spherical.”
Spherical 1, Choose 26: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu
“The Bucs ranked beneath common in stress fee final yr regardless of blitzing at one of many highest clips within the league. They then launched EDGE Shaq Barrett for cap functions. Laiatu Latu, PFF’s No. 1 graded EDGE in school soccer final yr, would offer a direct impression for a crew trying to push deeper into the playoffs.”
Spherical 1, Choose 26: Duke OL Graham Barton
“Tampa Bay has executed every little thing in its energy to retain its finest gamers however the offensive line has taken a success over the previous few offseasons shedding key gamers like Alex Cappa, Ryan Jensen, Ali Marpet and Shaq Mason. Graham Barton has performed left sort out however initiatives inside on the subsequent degree.”
Spherical 1, Choose 26: Duke OL Graham Barton
Spherical 1, Choose 32 (through commerce with Kansas Metropolis): Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson
“Ryan Jensen’s retirement makes heart a direct want for Tampa Bay. Powers-Johnson has a fantastic anchor and fast toes, and the ability in his arms is clear. There are nuances in his pass-protection approach that may get him in bother, however he initiatives out as a very good starter.”