Nothing has modified from a personnel wants standpoint since Pewter Report’s first 2023 7-Spherical Bucs Mock Draft. With 23 unrestricted free brokers and looming wage cap troubles, Tampa Bay has the second-worst cap scenario within the league (over by $55,031,921 per OverTheCap.com), this stays essentially the most difficult Bucs mock draft Pewter Report has ever carried out. Tampa Bay’s roster between now and April when our closing Bucs mock draft will probably be launched, so once more, take these preliminary Bucs mock draft with a grain of salt.
The Bucs – and Pewter Report – scouted the expertise in Cellular, Alabama on the 2023 Senior Bowl this week, and up subsequent is the NFL Scouting Mix. Let’s take a look at Tampa Bay’s crew wants earlier than deciding which gamers Pewter Report thinks common supervisor Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles will choose in 2023.
Bucs’ Personnel Wants
Quarterback
Bucs QB Kyle Trask – Photograph by: USA Right this moment
Former second-round choose Kyle Trask is the one quarterback beneath contract. However coming into his third season, Trask has been gradual to develop, and can now start studying a second system after the crew fired offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen and others. Tom Brady retired, and that has negatively impacted the Bucs’ seek for a brand new offensive coordinator. Simply because that is the Bucs’ prime want doesn’t imply they’ll draft a quarterback within the first spherical – or in any respect – because the crew might flip to free company for a QB like Jacoby Brissett or Baker Mayfield.
Security
Antoine Winfield Jr. and Nolan Turner are the one safeties at present beneath contract. Mike Edwards, Logan Ryan and Keanu Neal are unrestricted free brokers. It’s doubtless at the very least two of these veterans return. The Bucs may definitely draft one other security and almost chosen Georgia’s Lewis Cine with their first choose within the 2022 NFL Draft a yr in the past. This yr’s draft class has a very good quantity of high quality safeties.
Edge Rusher
Tampa Bay’s two starters – Shaquil Barrett and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka – return in 2023. However Barrett will flip 30 and is coming off a torn Achilles. Anthony Nelson, Carl Nassib and Genard Avery are all unrestricted free brokers, and the Bucs want to have at the very least two of them return. However the Bucs are anxious that Tryon-Shoyinka won’t reside as much as his first-round billing and can doubtless need to add one other edge rusher. The 2023 NFL Draft is sort of deep at Edge.
Cornerback
Bucs CB Jamel Dean – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Jamel Dean and Sean Murphy-Bunting are slated to be free brokers, and Dean may very well be the highest cornerback out there in March. It will likely be robust for the Bucs to have two cornerbacks averaging a mixed $28 million or extra per yr, because the crew simply re-signed Carlton Davis III final yr to a three-year deal price simply over $14 million per season. If Dean returns, cornerback turns into much less of a necessity as a result of the crew remains to be excessive on Zyon McCollum, a fifth-round choose from final yr. This yr’s draft class may be very deep at cornerback.
Linebacker
Lavonte David will probably be an unrestricted free agent at age 33. The Bucs want to re-sign him, nevertheless it should be for lower than the $12.5 million he made final yr. If David, who was the Bucs’ finest and most constant defender in 2022, doesn’t return then linebacker turns into an enormous want in Tampa Bay. Ok.J. Britt, J.J. Russell and Ulysses Gilbert III are particular teamers and reserves, and none of them have the athleticism and instincts to start out and exchange David. There are just a few good linebackers on this draft class, nevertheless it’s not deep.
Inside Defensive Line
Tampa Bay has two starters beneath contract in 2023 in Vita Vea and Logan Corridor, who was final yr’s prime choose. Corridor was a reserve final yr and desires so as to add about 20 kilos of muscle and bulk to be able to be prepared to start out this season. However there are a bunch of different veterans who’re slated totally free company, together with Akiem Hicks, Will Gholston, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Pat O’Connor and Deadrin Senat. Some, however not all of these veterans will return. How excessive of a necessity defensive position is on this yr’s draft will probably be predicated on what number of veterans return. There are some respectable defensive tackles, nevertheless it’s not a deep draft on the place.
Tight Finish
The Bucs will doubtless transfer on from veteran Cam Brate, who turns 32 this summer season, to be able to save $2 million in cap room. Seldom-used veteran Kyle Rudolph is a free agent and received’t return. Tampa Bay drafted two tight ends final yr in Cade Otton and Ko Kieft, however will doubtless have so as to add two extra this yr. One may are available in a really deep and proficient draft on the tight finish place.
Broad Receiver
Bucs WR Russell Gage – Photograph by: USA Right this moment
Mike Evans turns 30 in August and is coming into a contract year, whereas Chris Godwin continues his highway again from a torn ACL on the finish of the 2021 season. Each mixed for simply 9 touchdowns final yr after totaling 19 collectively in 2021. Russell Gage signed a three-year, $30 million deal final yr, however was an enormous disappointment, averaging a pedestrian 8.4 yards per catch. The Bucs may transfer on from Gage this offseason, and in the event that they do receiver turns into an enormous want as Deven Thompkins, an undrafted free agent, could be the present No. 3. Julio Jones, Breshad Perriman and Scotty Miller are free brokers and sure received’t return. This isn’t a deep draft at receiver.
Offensive Deal with
The Bucs have an enormous resolution to make relating to left sort out Donovan Smith, who’s coming off his worst season and turns 30 this yr. Smith is coming into a contract yr and Tampa Bay may save just below $10 million by buying and selling or releasing him if he may be trusted after 12 penalties and 6 sacks surrendered in 2022. If the Bucs transfer on from Smith then sort out turns into an enormous want. Prime reserve Josh Wells can be a free agent and is coming off a torn patella and received’t be wholesome till after the beginning of the 2023 season. The 2023 draft has a good quantity of high quality tackles.
Working Again
The Bucs may entertain slicing Leonard Fournette, who turns 28 this yr, to avoid wasting over $3 million this offseason. Giovani Bernard is a free agent and received’t be again. That leaves simply Rachaad White, who was in final yr’s Pewter Report Bucs mock draft, and Ke’Shawn Vaughn on the roster. Search for the Bucs so as to add one other operating again with pace in April, as there are a good quantity of fine runners on this yr’s draft.
Bucs’ 2023 NFL Draft Picks
The Bucs at present have seven picks within the 2023 NFL Draft. Tampa Bay traded its fourth-round pick to Jacksonville final yr to commerce as much as choose McCollum within the fifth spherical. The Bucs turned a seventh-rounder right into a sixth-rounder by sending linebacker Grant Stuard to Indianapolis in August of 2022. Tampa Bay additionally will get the New York Jets’ seventh-round choose from the 2020 commerce for defensive sort out Steve McLendon. The Bucs are anticipated to obtain two further compensatory picks – a fifth-rounder and a seventh-rounder – from the league later this spring.
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2023 7-Spherical Bucs Mock Draft 2.0
ROUND 1: Mississippi State CB Emmanuel Forbes
6-0, 180 • Junior
With Jamel Dean doubtless leaving for greener ($$$) pastures in free company, the Bucs have to replenish their provide at cornerback and discover one which’s starting-caliber. Forbes has began since his freshman season at Mississippi State and was an interception machine from the start with 5 INTs, together with three pick-sixes.
Forbes totaled 14 interceptions in three seasons at Mississippi State enjoying reverse Martin Emerson his first two years, together with six pick-sixes. The junior performs with nice anticipation, and has some Ronde Barber-esque luck in the case of being across the soccer. His wiry construct may remind some Bucs followers of a barely smaller model of Aqib Talib.
Whereas he wants so as to add muscle to his lanky, 6-foot, 180-pound body, Forbes has gotten more durable and turn into a greater tackler over time. But he can nonetheless enhance on this space, particularly in run assist, as that’s not his power.
However for a Bucs protection that was starved for turnovers, Forbes is a participant that may ship massive performs in opposition to the cross. Tampa Bay had simply 10 interceptions final season, which ranked close to the underside of the NFL.
Forbes’ Defensive Stats
2020: 45 tackles, 0.5 TFL, 6 PBUs, 5 INTs, 3 TDs
2021: 59 tackles, 5 TFLs, 4 PBUs, 3 INTs, FF
2022: 46 tackles TFL, 10 PBUs, 6 INTs, 3 TDs
The Bucs drafted one Mississippi State turnover machine in cornerback Johnthan Banks within the second spherical in 2013. Banks totaled 16 INTs in 4 seasons with the Bulldogs, and received the Jim Thorpe Award as a senior with 4 picks. However not like Banks, who was taller at 6-foot-2, Forbes is far quicker and a greater athlete.
Forbes earned an 87.2 general grade from Professional Soccer Focus in 2022, and his 44.7 passer score allowed in opposition to QBs was among the finest amongst draft-eligible cornerbacks. He had an 89.3 protection grade and surrendered simply 31 catches for 284 yards and three touchdowns in 2022.
ROUND 2: TCU G Steve Avila
6-4, 330 • Senior
The Bucs fortify their left guard spot with the choice of Avila within the second spherical. Avila began at left guard for TCU in 2022 after spending many of the two earlier seasons at middle for the Horned Frogs.
With a robust, large body, Avila is a transferring wall in cross safety the place he didn’t enable a single sack final yr, and simply 4 whole in his time at TCU. Avila allowed solely 4 QB hits too, together with two final season.
Avila must work on his run blocking, evidenced by his 66.6 grade from Professional Soccer Focus in comparison with his 83.6 grade in cross professional. He must work at attacking from a greater angle, however has the athleticism to turn into a people-mover with higher method.
Licht has mined Day 2 for offensive linemen from the Senior Bowl in years previous, together with Donovan Smith (second spherical) and Ali Marpet (second spherical) in 2015, Alex Cappa in 2018 (third spherical), and Luke Goedeke (second spherical) in 2022. Avila was among the finest linemen on the Senior Bowl, and will exchange Goedeke, who may transfer to proper sort out as Tristan Wirfs may exchange Smith at left sort out.
Smith, who’s coming into a contract yr and coming off his worst season in Tampa Bay could also be a wage cap casualty this offseason. The Bucs may commerce Smith, who turns 30 this yr, for a third-round or forth-round choose.
ROUND 3: Bowling Inexperienced DT Karl Brooks
6-4, 304 • Senior
The Bucs handle their defensive position within the third spherical with Brooks, who performed defensive finish final yr at Bowling Inexperienced at 6-foot-4, 300 kilos. Brooks is a quick-twitch lineman who will transfer inside on the NFL stage, and he’s already almost 25 kilos heavier than Logan Corridor, who was drafted within the second spherical final yr.
Beginning 4 years out of his 5 seasons at Bowling Inexperienced, Brooks was a sack machine, recording 27.5 sacks, together with 10 as a senior. The overwhelming majority of these sacks got here within the lesser MAC convention, however he did notch sacks at Kansas State and at Tennessee.
With the Bucs having simply Vita Vea and Corridor beneath contract in 2023, the crew may use extra defensive linemen, and may very well be shedding each Will Gholston and Akiem Hicks upfront. A beginning trio of Vea, Corridor and Brooks would give the Bucs a greater cross rush upfront. Gholston didn’t file a sack final yr and Hicks’ lone sack occurred in Week 18.
Brooks’ Defensive Stats
2018: 32 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks
2019: 33 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks
2020: 10 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 2 sacks
2021: 42 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks
2022: 50 tackles, 18 TFLs, 10 sacks
Brooks starred on the Senior Bowl the place he confirmed he belonged amongst Energy 5 expertise. He’ll have to get stronger to carry up in opposition to double groups alongside the inside, however his fast first step and highly effective arms will definitely assist him transition properly to the NFL recreation.
ROUND 5: Pittsburgh RB Israel Abanikanda
5-11, 215 • Senior
With the Bucs doubtless slicing Leonard Fournette in a wage cap transfer, the crew must pair Rachaad White with one other starting-caliber operating again. Abanikanda is a slasher, who thrived in a zone scheme, however he might not final till the fifth spherical. If he does he’s a steal for Tampa Bay.
At 5-foot-11, 215 kilos, Abanikanda has the dimensions to interrupt tackles on account of his glorious contact stability. He compelled 46 missed tackles final yr, in response to Professional Soccer Focus, and he has breakaway pace as soon as he will get to the second stage.
Abanikanda was one of many extra productive operating backs within the nation final yr with 1,431 yards and 20 touchdowns, whereas averaging 6.0 yards per carry. He had 10 100-yard video games for Pitt, together with six straight to finish his faculty profession. Abanikanda’s finest recreation got here in opposition to Virginia Tech the place he ran for 320 yards and 6 touchdowns whereas averaging 8.9 yards per carry.
Abanikanda’s Dashing Stats
2020: 28 carries for 95 yards (3.4 avg.), TD
2021: 123 carries for 651 yards (5.3 avg.), 7 TDs
2022: 239 carries for 1,431 yards (6 avg.), 20 TDs
Abanikanda’s Receiving Stats
2020: 2 rec. for 11 yards (5.5 avg.), TD
2021: 24 rec. for 197 yards (8.2 avg.), TD
2022: 12 rec. for 146 yards (12.2 avg.), TD
Abanikanda can be a very good receiver out of the backfield with 38 profession catches for 354 yards (9.3 avg.) and three TDs. And he can return kicks, ending his Panthers profession with a 22.8-yard common on 19 returns, together with a 98-yard TD in opposition to Virginia in 2021.
ROUND 6: Central Michigan OLB Thomas Incoom
6-4, 260 • Senior
The Bucs flip again to protection on Day 3 with Incoom, who may help the crew as an edge rusher. With Anthony Nelson, Carl Nassib and Genard Avery all slated to turn into free brokers, and Shaq Barrett recovering from a torn Achilles, Incoom can add depth and pass-rushing means to Tampa Bay’s protection.
Incoom is coming off an enormous senior season by which he recorded 11.5 sacks, a compelled fumble and recovered two fumbles, together with one he returned for a touchdowns. Including in 16 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and 4 compelled fumbles at Valdosta State earlier than transferring to Central Michigan, Incoom notched 43.5 tackles for loss, 28.5 sacks and 5 compelled fumbles in faculty.
Incoom’s Defensive Stats
2019: 33 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, 4 FFs, FR
2020: 28 tackles, 5 TFLs, 3 sacks
2021: 28 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 4 sacks
2022: 57 tackles, 19 TFLs, 11.5 sacks, 2 FRs, FF, TD
Incoom performed primarily inside at defensive sort out on the Senior Bowl, which confirmed off his versatility and toughness. However at solely 260 kilos, Incoom doesn’t have the body so as to add 30-40 kilos of bulk. As an alternative, he’s higher off as a strong edge rusher in Tampa Bay.
ROUND 6: Purdue TE Payne Durham
6-5, 255 • Senior
With the Bucs doubtless making Cam Brate a wage cap casualty, Tampa Bay wants so as to add one other tight finish to the combo that already consists of Cade Otton and Ko Kieft. All Durham did at Purdue was catch touchdowns. Simply watch the spotlight reel and also you’ll see 21 of them throughout his 4 years for the Boilermakers, together with 14 over the past two seasons.
Whereas Payne just isn’t an elite athlete with sufficient pace to elude defenders down the seam, he does use his physique to field out DBs and linebackers fairly properly, particularly within the pink zone. And he additionally exhibits nice toughness, tackle-breaking means and performs with coronary heart. Durham does to not work on his method as a blocker, and will use 5-10 kilos of bulk to assist him on the level of assault within the run recreation.
Durham’s Receiving Stats
2019: 9 rec. for 82 yards (9.1 avg.), 4 TDs
2020: 16 rec. for 166 yards (10.4 avg.), 3 TDs
2021: 45 rec. for 467 yards (10.4 avg.), 6 TDs
2022: 56 rec. for 560 yards (10 avg.), 8 TDs
Durham’s profession 10-yard common received’t excite many groups, however his pink zone manufacturing will. He additionally had a formidable Senior Bowl the place he caught two passes for twenty-four yards and a two-point conversion. Durham additionally had an amazing, highlight-reel catch throughout Thursday’s Senior Bowl apply.
ROUND 7: Kansas State WR Malik Knowles
6-3, 200
The Bucs finish the draft by choosing an enormous, developmental receiver in Knowles, who was a four-year starter at Kansas State. The Bucs may use one other younger receiver – and one with measurement – to pair with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Deven Thompkins, particularly if Russell Gage is a wage cap casualty.
Knowles averaged 14.7 yards per catch and has the flexibility to hit the house run ball downfield, or be efficient on large receiver screens together with his quickness. Whereas he’s 6-foot-3, he doesn’t at all times compete for soar balls, in order that’s an space he must work on on the subsequent stage – and one of many the explanation why he’s a Day 3 choose.
Knowles didn’t have nice QB play nor was he featured a lot in Ok-State’s run-heavy assault. He had simply 4 100-yard video games for the Wildcats, however had 4 extra video games with 90 yards or extra in receiving yardage. Knowles was harmful on finish arounds the place his blazing pace averaged 12.2 yards per carry and allowed him to attain 4 TDs, together with three as a senior.
Knowles’ Receiving Stats
2018: 10 rec. for 100 yards (10 avg.), 2 TDs
2019: 27 rec. for 397 yards (14.7 avg.), 3 TDs
2020: 13 rec. for 204 yards (15.7 avg.), 3 TDs
2021: 29 rec. for 441 yards (15.2 avg.), 4 TDs
2022: 48 rec. for 725 yards (15.1 avg.), 2 TDs
Knowles’ Dashing Stats
2019: 7 carries for 70 yard (10 avg.)
2020: 6 carries for 100 yards (16.7 avg.), TD
2021: 15 carries for 106 yards (7.1 avg.)
2022: 8 carries for 164 yards (20.5 avg.), 3 TDs
Knowles was one in all faculty soccer’s most harmful kick returners, as he averaged 27.7 yards on 61 returns in his profession, together with three touchdowns. He may assist Tampa Bay initially on particular groups as he develops as a receiver.
