The Bucs’ offseason is right here and the 2024 NFL Draft simply three months away. With the Senior Bowl practices beginning subsequent week, it’s time for the preliminary Pewter Report 2024 7-Spherical Bucs Mock Draft – energized by CELSIUS, the official vitality drink of Pewter Report.
Coming off a 9-8 season and a 3rd straight NFC South championship, Tampa Bay has a number of wants and may have a number of star gamers slated totally free company in 2024. The Bucs are additionally anticipated to half methods with 31-year outdated edge rusher Shaq Barrett this offseason, in addition to let beginning inside linebacker Devin White stroll in free company.
Tampa Bay is hopeful of re-signing quarterback Baker Mayfield, Professional Bowl huge receiver Mike Evans, All-Professional security Antoine Winfield Jr., legendary inside linebacker Lavonte David and kicker Chase McLaughlin – all of whom are free-agents-to-be. This preliminary Pewter Report 2024 7-Spherical Bucs Mock Draft is working beneath the premise that these 5 stars return in 2024.
Bucs Personnel Wants
Exterior Linebacker
Bucs OLBs YaYa Diaby and Anthony Nelson – Picture by: USA At present
The Bucs discovered a third-round gem in YaYa Diaby, who led the crew with 7.5 sacks throughout his rookie 12 months regardless of not being a starter till mid-November. However Tampa Bay is predicted to half methods with Shaq Barrett, whose manufacturing dipped to simply 4.5 sacks at age 31 whereas getting back from a torn Achilles tendon. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka is getting into a contract 12 months and the crew shouldn’t be anticipated to select up his fifth-year possibility for the 2025 season.
The Bucs want one other athletic go rusher who can begin reverse Diaby in 2024. Anthony Nelson is an effective rotational rusher and is robust in run protection. Tampa Bay has two promising younger edge rushers in Markees Watts and Jose Ramirez, however neither seems prepared to begin, and each should beat out veteran reserve Cam Gill first.
Inside Offensive Line
The Bucs might use an improve at left guard and middle this 12 months. Veteran free agent Matt Feiler wasn’t the reply and was benched for backup Aaron Stinnie, who performed barely higher within the run recreation. Tampa Bay drafted proper guard Cody Mauch within the second spherical and he confirmed some actual promise and has one guard spot locked down. The Bucs might draft one other guard or signal a price guard within the second wave of free company.
At middle, the Bucs have gotten common play from Robert Hainsey during the last two years as a fill-in for injured starter Ryan Jensen. At age 33, Jensen’s profession is probably going over as a consequence of his devastating knee harm through the 2022 coaching camp. Hainsey is a great, powerful participant, however lacks the facility and tone-setting perspective that Jensen delivered to the offensive line. The Bucs might draft a middle to compete with Hainsey or signal one in free company.
Sturdy Security
Bucs FS Antoine Winfield Jr. – Picture by: USA At present
The Bucs’ play at robust security has taken a step again since shedding Jordan Whitehead in free company after the 2021 season. Mike Edwards and Keanu Neal weren’t the reply final 12 months, and neither was Ryan Neal this season. The Bucs could tinker round with transferring Christian Izien from nickel cornerback to robust security, which is the place he performed at Rutgers, or roll with Kaevon Merriweather in his second 12 months with the crew.
However including one other security who can play within the field in addition to rotating to centerfield for competitors can be preferrred. Zyon McCollum performed some security within the playoffs, however largely at free security with Antoine Winfield Jr. within the field.
Tight Finish
When it comes to power of place, tight finish might need been the weakest in Tampa Bay final 12 months. It was definitely the youngest and most inexperienced with a pair of second-year gamers in Cade Otton and Ko Kieft atop the depth chart, together with rookie Payne Durham. All three gamers are Day 3 picks and the Bucs might use an improve in expertise within the tight finish room.
Not one of the Bucs’ tight ends are actual weapons within the passing recreation, neither is any considered one of them an distinctive blocker. Tampa Bay made do at tight finish this 12 months, however might definitely due higher in 2024 with a extra proficient starter to supplant Otton, who is perhaps higher as TE2.
Working Again
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and RB Chase Edmonds – Picture by: USA At present
Rachaad White was the wire-to-wire starter at working again this 12 months for the Bucs, and he excelled in that function because the season went on. Whereas he completed with 990 yards dashing and was 10 yards in need of his first 1,000-yard season, White did prime 1,500 yards in each dashing and receiving, and was the league’s fourth-most productive again. The Bucs want extra depth on the working again place, as White shouldn’t have to hold such an enormous workload in 2024.
Chase Edmonds was a pleasant change-of-pace again, however the Bucs jettisoned former third-round choose Ke’Shawn Vaughn, who was a bust, at midseason. Heralded undrafted free agent rookie Sean Tucker by no means made an affect, nor did he see the sphere a lot. The Bucs might use one other good working again to compete for the backup job behind White in 2024.
Bucs’ 2024 NFL Draft Picks
The Bucs at the moment have seven picks within the 2024 NFL Draft. They traded their fifth-round choose to the Eagles final 12 months to be able to transfer up and choose huge receiver Trey Palmer within the sixth spherical. The Bucs are anticipated to obtain a seventh-round compensatory choose for the lack of free agent security Mike Edwards within the 2023 offseason.
Pewter Report’s 2024 7-Spherical Bucs Mock Draft is energized by CELSIUS, the official vitality drink of Pewter Report. Attempt the brand new CELSIUS Necessities, which are available a wide range of flavors, together with Cherry Limeade, Blue Crush, Dragonberry, and Orangesicle, and are good for the exercise fanatic.
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2024 7-Spherical Bucs Mock DraftBy Scott Reynolds
Spherical 1 – Alabama OLB Chris BraswellSenior • 6-3, 255
The Bucs are anticipated launch veteran edge rusher Shaq Barrett. Former first-round choose Joe Tryon-Shoyinka is getting into a contract 12 months and has not lived as much as expectations. Tampa Bay might use one other starting-caliber participant at outdoors linebacker, and Braswell is a dynamite prospect. Braswell needed to bide his time behind two absolute studs in Will Anderson Jr., who was the second general choose within the 2023 NFL Draft and Dallas Turner, who is predicted to be a Prime 15 choose on this 12 months’s draft.
Anderson received the Bronko Nagurski Award, the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Lott Affect Trophy Award and the Lombardi Award final 12 months, along with being the SEC Defensive Participant of the Yr. Turner was this 12 months’s SEC Defensive Participant of the Yr, however Braswell confirmed he might be a dominant participant, too.
After recording 20 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and a compelled fumble as a rotational participant as a junior, Braswell doubled his quantity of snaps as a senior. He recorded 42 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, compelled three fumbles, had a pick-six on an interception and blocked a subject purpose for the Crimson Tide in 2023.
Chris Braswell’s Defensive Stats2021: 13 tackles, 1 TFL, blocked punt2022: 20 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, FF2023: 42 tackles, 8 sacks, 3 FFs, INT, blocked FG
Braswell is a big-time hitter and a violent tackler with spectacular speed-to-power as a go rusher. An excellent athlete, Braswell has the power to bend the sting and makes use of his palms effectively to not solely get previous offensive tackles however to drive fumbles. Braswell had an 87.9 go rush grade from PFF final 12 months with an excellent 18.2% go rush win fee, and was credited with 10 QB hits and 33 hurries.
The Alabama star has the power to set the sting on the perimeter and tackle tackles one-on-one within the run recreation. Braswell has the grip power to pull down working backs or quarterbacks with only one hand, and is nice in pursuit of the ball. Though he wasn’t requested to drop in protection with regularity, the truth that he has the athleticism to do this, evidenced by a pick-six, makes him a worthy slot in Todd Bowles’ protection.
Spherical 2 – Oregon C Jackson Powers-JohnsonJunior • 6-3, 320
The Bucs might very effectively tackle the middle place in free company, because the crew is looking for an improve over Robert Hainsey, who has been a two-year starter. But when the crew doesn’t go that route, Powers-Johnson can be a terrific match within the second spherical of the 2024 NFL Draft. Powers-Johnson was a two-year starter at Oregon, the place he performed 350 snaps at proper guard and 44 snaps at middle as a sophomore earlier than turning into a full-time middle in 2023.
Throughout his junior season, Powers-Johnson performed 829 snaps at middle and solely allowed one hurry with zero sacks and 0 QB hits surrendered. In three years at Oregon the 6-foot-3, 320-pounder solely allowed one QB hit.
Powers-Johnson earned a 90.6 go blocking grade from Professional Soccer Focus final 12 months, along with an 85.2 run blocking grade. A participant with a nasty demeanor, Powers-Johnson even performed some defensive deal with in a pinch through the Alamo Bowl as a freshman, recording his first deal with.
Powers-Johnson’s taking part in model is paying homage to that of former Bucs Professional Bowl middle Ryan Jensen, who was generally known as a violent finisher within the run recreation. With a wrestling background from his days in highschool, Powers-Johnson performs with an edge and is the brawler the Bucs want of their inside offensive line.
Spherical 3 – Western Kentucky WR Malachi CorleyJunior • 5-11, 205
The Bucs obtained eaten alive by Lions All-Professional receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown in two video games this season, and that prompts the crew to exit and draft an analogous participant in Corley, who’s harmful after the catch. At 5-foot-11, 200 kilos, Corley has thick construct and is a St. Brown clone in some respects. Whereas he will not be as shifty off the road, Corley is harder, extra bodily and a greater tackle-breaker than St. Brown.
Corley has supreme physique management and call stability, which permits him to bounce off would-be tackles. In truth, he compelled 15 miss tackles final 12 months and was lethal on screens, the place his 40 receptions had been the second-most in school soccer and his 325 yards on display passes had been essentially the most.
The Hilltoppers used Corley loads within the slot, the place he might thrive in Tampa Bay as a consequence of his super imaginative and prescient, however he’s additionally harmful outdoors and might beat cornerbacks one-on-one. A constant producer at Western Kentucky, Corley had 101 catches for 1,295 yards (12.8 avg.) and 11 touchdowns as a junior and 79 receptions for 984 yards (12.5 avg.) and 11 TDs as a senior.
Malachi Corley’s Receiving Stats2020: 6 rec. for 65 yards (10.8 avg.)2021: 73 rec. for 691 yards (9.5 avg.), 7 TDs2022: 101 rec. for 1,295 yards (12.8 avg.), 11 TDs2023: 79 rec. for 984 yards (12.5 avg.), 11 TDs
Bucs basic supervisor Jason Licht discovered a gem within the third spherical in 2017 with the choice of Chris Godwin. Corley’s recreation has some similarities to Godwin’s recreation as effectively, and it’s value noting that Godwin is getting into a contract 12 months and can flip 28 this March. The Orange Metropolis, Fla. native performs the sport of soccer with super perspective and enthusiasm and can be nice slot in Tampa Bay.
Spherical 4 – Kansas State TE Ben SinnottJunior • 6-4, 245
Cade Otton, a former fourth-round choose, made some strides as a receiving tight finish in Tampa Bay. Otton had 47 catches for 455 yards and 4 touchdowns in his second 12 months with the Bucs, and added 13 receptions for 154 yards and one other rating within the playoffs. However Otton has some limitations as a run blocker and isn’t terribly fleet of foot, evidenced by his 9.7-yard receiving common this 12 months.
Sinnott brings extra pace and receiving potential to the desk for Tampa Bay. He loved a breakout season in 2022 with 31 catches for 447 yards (14.4 avg.) and 4 touchdowns, earlier than an excellent higher marketing campaign this previous 12 months. Sinnott led Okay-State with 49 catches for 676 yards (13.8 avg.) and 6 touchdowns.
Ben Sinnott’s Receiving Stats2021: 2 rec. for 15 yards (7.5 avg.), dashing TD2022: 31 rec. for 447 yards (14.4), 4 TDs2023: 49 rec. for 676 yards (13.8), 6 TDs
The 6-foot-4, 245-pound goal excels at getting yards after the catch and is a superb crimson zone weapon. Sinnott has the focus to make catches in tight home windows, plus the power to interrupt tackles. In three years at Okay-State, Sinnott confirmed good ball safety and the facility to soak up contact and nonetheless hold trucking.
Sinnott was an above-average in-line blocker within the working recreation, and even higher on the level of assault on the transfer from both the H-back or fullback place. The Wildcats star was a featured weapon on offense and might be TE1 for the Bucs, with Otton transferring to TE2.
Spherical 6 – Iowa CB Sebastian CastroSenior • 5-11, 205
The Bucs might use extra depth at cornerback, particularly within the slot, and Castro can be a terrific late Day 3 choice. An element-time starter as a junior taking part in alongside Bucs security Kaevon Merriweather at Iowa, Castro had a breakout 12 months as a senior with 67 tackles, eight tackles for loss and his first three profession interceptions, together with an enormous pick-six within the win over Iowa State.
Sebastian Castro’s Defensive Stats2021: 6 tackles2022: 33 tackles, 3 TFLs, 5 PBUs, 1 sack, 2 FFs2023: 67 tackles, 8 TFLs, 3 INTs, 8 PBUs, 1 sack, FF, TD
Castro earned a 91.2 general grade and protection grade from Professional Soccer Focus as a senior. He got here away with three interceptions in 2023 and didn’t give up a landing. Castro, a incredible tackler, allowed simply 39 catches for 239 yards and an opposing QB passer ranking of 43.7.
The Bucs love powerful, instinctive gamers within the secondary, and Castro suits that mould. He performed 394 snaps within the slot in 2022 earlier than seeing 703 snaps there this previous season, and will problem Christian Izien for the nickel cornerback job whereas contributing on particular groups.
Spherical 7 – Samford QB Sam HiersSenior • 6-1, 215
The Bucs use considered one of their ultimate picks on one other quarterback to return in and compete with Kyle Trask for the fitting to again up Baker Mayfield. At 6-foot-1, 215 kilos, Hiers has an analogous construct to Mayfield and is cell sufficient to be a great slot in Dave Canales’ offense.
Hiers had a breakout season at Samford in 2022, finishing 77 p.c of his passes for 3,534 yards with 36 touchdowns and simply 4 interceptions. His numbers dipped a bit in 2023, as he accomplished 71 p.c of his throws for 3,056 yards with 18 TDs and eight INTs.
Sam Hiers’ Passing Stats2022: 353-of-461 for 3,544 yards with 36 TDs and 4 INTs2023: 315-of-442 for 3,056 yards with 18 TDs and eight INTs
Earlier than enrolling at Samford, Hiers performed two seasons at Northwest Mississippi Group Faculty the place he began all 18 video games and handed for 4,519 yards and 34 touchdowns. He’s identified to be a fierce, scrappy competitor with an NFL-caliber arm and good contact.
Spherical 7 – Monmouth (N.J.) RB Jaden ShirdenJunior • 5-9, 195
The Bucs’ draft ends with the choice of Shirden, a speedy, small-school working again with an electrical burst. Compactly constructed at 5-foot-9, 195 kilos, Shirden might be this 12 months’s Keaton Mitchell, the undrafted free agent out of East Carolina. The 5-foot-9, 191-pound Mitchell ran for 396 yards and two touchdowns whereas averaging 8.4 yards per carry for Baltimore earlier than a knee harm ended his season.
Shirden was a home-run hitter at Monmouth, the place 14 of his 26 dashing touchdowns got here from 50 yards or extra. The 2-time Walter Camp FCS All-American had back-to-back years with 1,400 yards or extra, scoring double-digit touchdowns in every season.
Jaden Shirden’s Dashing Stats2021: 77 carries for 497 yards (6.5 avg.), 3 TDs2022: 206 carries for 1,722 yards (8.4 avg.), 13 TDs2023: 221 carries for 1,478 yards (6.7 avg.), 10 TDs Jaden Shirden’s Receiving Stats2021: 3 rec. for 11 yards (3.3 avg.)2022: 2 rec. for 27 yards (13.5 avg.)2023: 20 rec. for 120 yards (6.0 avg.), TD
Shirden has restricted expertise within the passing recreation, and that, mixed with the small-school competitors he confronted may lead him to go undrafted. However he has uncommon acceleration, nice imaginative and prescient and a knack for giant performs. Shirden could not have the ability to carry a workload within the NFL as a consequence of his measurement, however he might be an improve over Chase Edmonds as a change-of-pace again in Tampa Bay.
