Newest 7-round forecast for Bucs
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended their irritating 2022 season with a disappointing loss within the first spherical of the playoffs, and now face a frightening offseason full of huge query marks on either side of the ball.
A protracted listing of free brokers, together with a difficult wage cap scenario, will pressure the Bucs to hit large on as many picks as attainable within the 2023 NFL draft. Tampa Bay is about to lose some key gamers this offseason, and so they received’t have a lot cash to switch them with veterans, so the rookies should ship.
Right here’s an up to date have a look at how all seven rounds of this yr’s draft may shake out for the Bucs:
1st Spherical | Alabama DB Brian Department
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The Bucs are set to lose two of their prime three corners (Jamel Dean, Sean Murphy-Bunting), in addition to three of their prime 4 safeties (Mike Edwards, Logan Ryan, Keanu Neal) to free company. Why not spend their prime decide on a participant who can line up at nook on the surface, within the slot, or on the again finish? Department did all of that at a excessive stage in Nick Saban’s protection, and could be an ideal match for Todd Bowles’ scheme.
2nd Spherical | Auburn EDGE Derick Corridor
(Picture by Michael Chang/Getty Photographs)
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has proven flashes of potential over his two seasons in Tampa Bay, however not sufficient consistency, particularly relating to setting the sting as a run defender. Shaq Barrett simply turned 30, and will likely be coming off a torn Achilles, so spending an early decide on a promising edge rusher like Corridor shouldn’t be out of the query.
third Spherical | Washington State LB Daiyan Henley
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Sure, one other defender. Lavonte David’s contract is up after this yr, and even when he returns, he turns 33 in January. It’s time for the Bucs to start out grooming a possible alternative to pair with Devin White, and Henley is likely one of the most underrated defenders on this yr’s class.
fifth Spherical | Mississippi OL Nick Broeker
(AP Picture/Thomas Graning)
Tampa Bay’s lack of high quality depth within the trenches had been a giant purpose for his or her offensive struggles this season. Broeker has tons of expertise at each guard and deal with, with a observe document of success towards prime competitors.
fifth Spherical (compensatory): Virginia WR Dontayvion Wicks
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Russell Gage was given a hefty contract to be Tampa Bay’s all-important WR3, however he simply hasn’t been in a position to keep wholesome. The Bucs ought to use one in all their additional picks so as to add some receiver depth, and Wicks has the ability set and big-play capability to excel on this vertical passing scheme.
sixth Spherical: Kansas State RB Deuce Vaughn
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Tampa Bay has to get extra explosive on offense, and which means including playmakers with burst and big-play capability, no matter their measurement. Vaughn could also be one of many smallest gamers on this yr’s draft, however he’s a flexible weapon who may enable the Bucs’ new offensive coordinator to get artistic with matchups everywhere in the area.
seventh Spherical (from NYJ): Kentucky DL Justin Rogers
Syndication: The Courier-Journal
Akiem Hicks is on a one-year deal, and the Bucs’ rush protection takes an enormous hit when he’s not lined up subsequent to Vita Vea. Rogers is a space-eating inside defender who may take over Hicks’ position on early downs, releasing up 2022 second-round decide Logan Corridor to stay a pass-rushing specialist inside.
seventh Spherical: TCU QB Max Duggan
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Kyle Trask is the one quarterback at present beneath contract for the 2023 season in Tampa Bay, so if Tom Brady and Blaine Gabbert don’t return, the Bucs might want to add a pair. This yr’s runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, Duggan won’t have the bodily instruments to be an early-round decide, however his competitiveness and intangibles are price taking an opportunity on right here.
seventh Spherical (compensatory): Ohio State Okay Noah Ruggles
Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
Ryan Succop was the Bucs’ most constant performer this season, however he’ll flip 37 subsequent September, so the Bucs may need to discover a alternative. A extremely touted recruit out of close by Steinbrenner Excessive simply north of Tampa, Ruggles could be price a seventh-rounder if he can find yourself changing the consistency Succop brings to the desk.