Bucs Mock Draft Roundup 2024: Variety Of Roster Fits

Ever since the Bucs’ season ended on January 21 after the team’s 31-23 Divisional-round loss to the Lions, much of the focus has moved toward the 2024 NFL Draft and how Tampa Bay could look to improve a team that largely exceeded expectations.

After months of buildup, it all is coming to a head as the start of the draft is now only two weeks away.

With that, a high volume of mock drafts have been coming out predicting how things will shake out. When looking at what the latest mock drafts have projected for the Bucs, it is clear that they can go in a variety of directions — with a variety of prospects on the radar who could step in and contribute right away.

It goes without saying that throughout the offseason the biggest areas of need from the outside looking in are along the interior offensive line and outside linebacker. While the team has shored its depth in both areas with the signings of offensive linemen Ben Bredeson and Sua Opeta and veteran pass rusher Randy Gregory, the draft offers some potential plug-and-play Day 1 starters at each position.

However, if the players Tampa Bay is enamored with are gone by the time they pick at No. 26 and they don’t go the route of trading up, that is where things could get interesting.

It could then become a case of simply taking the best player available where more production would be welcomed, such as a third wide receiver to learn behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin or another cornerback to compete with Jamel Dean, Zyon McCollum, and new additions Bryce Hall and Tavierre Thomas. And you never know what draft day surprises could be in store.

With all of this contextualized, PewterReport.com has rounded up the latest mock drafts and who they have the Bucs selecting.

ESPN.com’s Mel Kiper Jr.

No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Penn State EDGE Chop Robinson

Penn State EDGE Chop Robinson – Photo by: USA Today

How about Tampa Bay as the team for Robinson, an intriguing pass-rusher with upside? The Bucs have gotten just three sacks in two seasons from 2022 second-rounder Logan Hall, and 2021 first-rounder Joe Tryon-Shoyinka still hasn’t broken out (13 sacks in three seasons). Robinson had 9.5 sacks over his final two college seasons, but his 18% pressure rate last season — which ranked sixth in the FBS — showed he can create havoc even if he doesn’t take down the quarterback.

Cornerback is another position the Bucs might consider. I have T.J. Tampa (Iowa State) and Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama) next up on my Big Board.

No. 57 – Tampa Bay Bucs: West Virginia C/G Zach Frazier

Ryan Jensen’s unfortunate retirement due to a lingering knee injury has impacted the Bucs’ O-line plan. Cody Mauch, a second-round pick last year, started every game at right guard, but I think they could upgrade at center. They ranked 32nd in run block win rate (67.3%) last season. Frazier was the pivot for a West Virginia line that allowed just 10 sacks last season. He could end up at center or guard at the next level. Frazier might have gone higher, but he’s recovering from a broken leg he suffered in mid-November.

Fox Sports’ Greg Auman

No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson

No. 57 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Michigan CB Mike Sainristil

No. 89 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Clemson LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

No. 92 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Washington WR Ja’Lynn Polk

No. 125 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Kentucky RB Ray Davis

No. 220 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Houston Christian EDGE Jalyx Hunt

No. 246 – Tampa Bay Bucs: British Columbia OL Giovanni Manu

The 33rd Team’s Diante Lee

No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson

Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson – Photo by: USA Today

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could use a bona fide edge rusher, but enough early draft capital has been spent on that side of the ball. Ryan Jensen retired, and Jackson Powers-Johnson is an easy early-round pick that gives the Bucs a long-term answer at the position.

Jensen is powerful and quick coming out of his stance. He wants to get attached and move bodies on double teams, and he can pull into space and find work. His mobility and physicality would be a big addition to this offensive line.

The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner

No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu

It’s very possible a team could fall in love with Latu’s combination of production and pass-rush refinement and jump up on him in the early 20s (maybe even the teens). Given his length, injury and speed concerns, it’s also possible he slides a bit — and Tampa Bay could reap the benefits.

CBS Sports’ Brady Quinn and Leger Douzable 

No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Clemson CB Nate Wiggins

One of the skinniest prospects in the entire class at over 6-foot-1 and 173 pounds with 4.28 speed, Wiggins can, of course, really go, and plays with plus instincts in coverage. After losing Carlton Davis this offseason, the Buccaneers need a boundary cornerback. This feels like quality value too. Grade: A-

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco

No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Duke OL Graham Barton

Center is a problem on their line, so Graham Barton would work. He played tackle in college, but he would move inside. He could also compete at left guard, where they have issues.

NFL.com’s Rhett Lewis

No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr.

LSU WR Brian Thomas – Photo by: USA Today

Even with Chris Godwin entering a contract year, Mike Evans’ re-signing makes WR more of a luxury than a pressing need. Still, Thomas’ talent might be too much for Tampa to pass up. What a weapon he would be in a Bucs offense that looks to build off Baker Mayfield’s career campaign.

NFL.com’s Adam Rank

No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Penn State EDGE Chop Robinson

I was about to say WR Xavier Worthy should be the pick here, but upon further thought, Trey Palmer showed enough in his rookie season to continuing playing the burner role. And with Shaq Barrett gone, you need to find somebody who can rush the quarterback. I’d be happy if you landed Robinson in this spot.

Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick

No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu

UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu – Photo by: USA Today

Latu has a strong case for EDGE1 in this class but will likely be the third one taken on draft night. His 96.3 grade this past season didn’t just lead all players in the country; it was the highest-graded season from a Power Five player since PFF began charting college football in 2014. Tampa Bay should sprint this card in after releasing Shaquil Barrett this offseason.

Pro Football Focus’ Steve Palazzolo

No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Clemson CB Nate Wiggins

Wiggins has the tools of a first-round, high-impact cornerback. His athleticism will never be in question, nor will his competitiveness. Those two characteristics should yield a long-term starting player.