Now that the first wave of free agency is over, it’s time for Buccaneers GM Jason Licht and his staff to focus on the draft. After solidifying the defensive line with four new free agents, the Bucs enter the draft with needs on the offensive line, at running back, cornerback and safety (not necessarily in that order). The Bucs currently hold the 7th pick in the first round of the draft. The rest of the picks are 38th (2nd), 102nd (4th), 144th (5th), 180th (6th), 202nd (6th) and 255th (7th). Yes, in case you forgot already, they gave up their 3rd round pick to the Giants in the JPP trade. However, they did move up six spots in the 4th round by switching picks with New York.

Picking in the top 10 is a good thing, but it comes with it’s own unique challenges. This year is no different. While a few teams ahead of the Bucs are likely to take quarterbacks, there are a few others that will be looking at the same players that the Bucs should be targeting such as RB Saquon Barkley, DE Bradley Chubb and G Quenton Nelson. The “Big 3”  could very well be gone by the time the Buccaneers go on the clock at #7, so what then? Do they go cornerback with Denzel Ward? Or maybe they go with the fan favorite from FSU in safety Derwin James? Maybe they surprise everyone and take DT Vita Vea a little bit early? Maybe they find a trade partner in the market for a QB like Arizona and trade back to the middle of the round?

Like I said – unique challenges.

I know that this is supposed to be my Mock Draft 1.0, but after doing some research and finding multiple scenarios I came up with a few different versions of my mock draft. The first version will be a straight up mock using the Bucs seven original picks. The other versions will involve possible trade scenarios with a few different teams. So that being said, let’s get this party started.

Mock Draft 1.0A

Rd.1, Pk.7: S Derwin James, Florida State

6’3″/210lbs, 4.47 forty, 21 bench reps, 40″ vert, 11′ broad

With Barkley, Chubb and Nelson already off the board James would be my pick here. He’s a hometown boy from Haines City. One of the best, if not the best athlete in the draft. He played/practiced at multiple positions at FSU including safety, SAM linebacker, corner and even some defensive end in certain packages. He’s been referred to as “Jalen Ramsey 2.0”  and a faster, more athletic Kam Chancellor. He’s verasitile with the size to cover tight ends and bigger receivers and the speed to cover slots. He’s an alpha in the locker room and a team leader. In 26 career games with the Seminoles, he totaled 186 tackles, 15 tfl’s, 5.5 sacks, 3 int’s, 15 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles.

NFL Comp- Eric Berry

Rd.2, Pk.38: RB Sony Michel, Georgia

5’11″/220lbs, 4.54 forty, 21 bench reps

He may not be here so this could just be wishful thinking. However, for the sake of this mock he’s still on the board and the Bucs are in need of a gamechanging playmaker at running back. That’s what Michel brings. This two year team captain combines speed, quickness and power with great vision and physicality. He is capable of being an every down back in the NFL with his pass catching and pass protection abilities. In his 47 career college games he totaled 3,613 rushing yards on 590 attempts for a 6.1 ypc average and 33 rushing touchdowns. He also added 64 receptions for 621 yards and 6 receiving touchdowns.

NFL Comp- Knowshon Moreno

Rd.4, Pk.102: C Frank Ragnow, Arkansas

6’5″/305lbs, 5.24 forty, 33 1/4″ arms, 26 bench reps

The Bucs currently have one true center on their roster which is newly signed free agent Ryan Jensen. The only other centers are either Ali Marpet or Evan Smith and with Marpet moving back to starting guard this season, Smith looks like the backup center at the moment. They have to be looking to add a true center in the draft and this guy could be it. He’s a three year starter and team captain. A true team leader. He’s a technician in pass protection and a strong finisher in the run game. He went two full seasons without allowing a sack while playing both guard and center in the SEC. He has good size, power and anchor to go with a high football IQ and toughness. His versatility would add solid depth to the Bucs o-line.

NFL Comp- Nick Martin

Rd.5, Pk.144: OT Alex Cappa, Humboldt State

6’7″/305lbs, 5.39 forty, 34″ arms, 24 bench reps, 26 1/2″ vert

Well I may not have gotten my #1 choice at guard, but I am getting the offensive tackle that I targeted. The Bucs have had some success with o-linemen from smaller schools so why not try again? He’s a massive mauler in the run game but has the quick feet and violent hands for pass protection. Mean and nasty, which is apparently the direction that Jason Licht is wanting both of his lines to go. He would add outstanding depth to the Bucs o-line and could end up as the eventual replacement for the aging Demar Dotson at right tackle down the road.

NFL Comp- Ty Sambrailo

Rd.6, Pk.180: G Colby Gossett, Appalachian State

6’5″/315lbs, 5.2 forty, 32 bench reps, 25″ vert, 8 1/2″ broad

The Bucs continue to add o-line depth with the selection of their third straight lineman. He had 46 straight starts at App St. and in his senior season never allowed a sack and only had 3 penalties. Size and power combined with being a mean finisher makes him a good right guard but he did have some starts at right tackle as well. He won’t wow anyone with quickness or athleticism, but he’s another nasty mauler to add up front for the new look Bucs.

Rd.6, Pk.202: CB Dee Delaney, Miami

6’1″/200lbs, 4.46 forty, 13 bench reps, 32 1/2″ vert, 10′ broad

At this point in any draft, GM’s just hope to find a developmental player for their practice squad that could end up contributing on the 53-man roster in the future. Delaney would be a project. He’s intelligent with good size and great ball skills (former wide receiver in high school)  who had 14 career interceptions in college. However, he’s better in run support than he is in coverage which could push him more towards a nickel corner job than outside corner. The Bucs have 9 cornerbacks on their current roster who will be fighting for a spot on the team so Delaney would likely be a candidate for the practice squad.

Rd.7, Pk.255: WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, USF

6’4″/205lbs, 4.37 forty, 15 bench reps, 30 1/2″ vert, 10’3″ broad, 53 receptions for 879 yards for a 16.6 ypc average and 6 touchdowns in his senior year

The Bucs wide receiver group is pretty solid, but they could stand to add some more size to it. He’s a height, weight, speed prospect who had 26% of his catches go for 25 yards or more. Still a bit raw and could use some more coaching up, but you can’t teach or coach the physical traits that he already possesses. He could end up being another late round treasure to store away on the practice squad for future use.

Mock Draft A Recap

Rd.1- S Derwin James

Rd.2- RB Sony Michel

Rd.4- C Frank Ragnow

Rd.5- OT Alex Cappa

Rd.6- G Colby Gossett

Rd.6- CB Dee Delaney

Rd.7- WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

 

Mock Draft 1.0B: Trade Scenario 1

Bucs make a trade with the Arizona Cardinals in which they exchange first round picks moving from 7th (1,500 points) to 15th (1,050 points), add the Cards #79 third round pick (195 points) as well as a 2019 third round pick.

The Cards want a quarterback and the Bucs are obliged to help out. Quenton Nelson is already off the board by the Bucs 7th pick so my next choice would be Will Hernandez. Even though the 15th pick might be a tad early to take him, this trade guarantees the Bucs their new starting left guard and gets them a third round pick back.

Rd.1, Pk.15: G Will Hernandez, Texas-El Paso

6’2″/348lbs, 32″ arms, 10″ hands, 5.15 forty, 37 bench reps, 24″ vert, 8’6″ broad

This is my guy since I couldn’t get Nelson and he’s a helluva consolation prize. He started 37 straight games over four years at left guard. He has an unusual combination of power, balance and athleticism combined with a real mean streak. His nastiness enables him to be an above average run blocker while his solid anchor and surprisingly quick footwork allow him to excel in pass protection. At the NFL Combine, Mike Mayock spoke of his ability to manhandle defenders by saying “He simply tosses guys out of the bar”.  It sounds like he’ll fit right in with the Bucs new attitude in the trenches.

NFL Comp- Richie Incognito

Rd.2, Pk.38: RB Derrius Guice, LSU

5’11″/225lbs, 4.49 forty, 15 bench reps, 31 1/2″ vert

After releasing Doug Martin, not re-signing Charles Sims and not signing a RB in free agency, the Bucs need to add a running back to their backfield and the second round could be where they’ll do it. Sony Michel might be gone at this point so Guice might be the Bucs next best option. In 35 career games at Baton Rouge, he totaled 3,074 yards on 471 attempts for a 6.5 ypc average and 29 touchdowns. He also added 32 catches for 250 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns as well as 695 yards on 31 attempts as a kick returner. He’s got good size to go along with a combination of speed, power and balance. He also has great vision, quick footwork and athleticism to provide homerun capability. At the same time, he has a violent running style that allows him to create yards after contact. He possesses all the necessary physical traits to be an NFL primary back which is exactly what the Bucs need.

NFL Comp- Marshawn Lynch

Rd.3, Pk.79: DE Dorance Armstrong, Kansas

6’4″/255lbs, 4.87 forty, 20 bench reps, 30″ vert, 9’8″ broad

I could’ve went corner or safety here, but nobody was peaking my interest at this point. So I decided to continue with Jason’s offseason plan to fortify the trenches and go defensive end. He’s long, lean, athletic and uses his agility and explosiveness well. He has the ability to play DE in a 4-3 or OLB in a 3-4 front. A little raw but possesses the physical attributes to be a solid NFL pass rusher so he could be an intriguing project for new d-line coach Buckner.

Rd.4, Pk.102: C Frank Ragnow, Arkansas

same pick as Mock A

Rd.5, Pk.144: OT Alex Cappa, Humboldt State

same pick as Mock A

Rd.6, Pk.180: LB Shaquem Griffin, UCF

6’1″/228lbs, 4.38 forty, 20 bench reps, 9’7″ broad

Even though the Bucs already have pretty solid depth at LB, if this young man is still on the board at this point then I’m snagging him. Besides being an excellent football player, he’s also an inspirational leader in the locker room. He’s an intelligent, athletic linebacker with great instincts and technique. He also posted 18.5 sacks in two years as an edge rusher which shows that he has the speed to get to the quarterback. Even if he doesn’t make the final 53-man roster, he could be a good addition to the Bucs practice squad.

Rd.6, Pk.202: DT Bruce Hector, USF

6’2″/300lbs, 4.94 forty

I continue to shore up the trenches by adding this quick, penetrating three-technique to contribute to the pass rush. In his 43 career games for the Bulls, he totaled 90 tackles, 28 tfl’s and 18 sacks. This interior pass rusher could end up being a sleeper pick for the Bucs.

Rd.7, Pk.255: WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, USF

same pick as Mock A

Mock Draft B Recap

Rd.1- G Will Hernandez

Rd.2- RB Derrius Guice

Rd.3- DE Dorance Armstrong

Rd.4- C Frank Ragnow

Rd.5- OT Alex Cappa

Rd.6- LB Shaquem Griffin

Rd.6- DT Bruce Hector

Rd.7- WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

 

Mock Draft 1.0C: Trade Scenario 2

Bucs trade up with the Cleveland Browns moving from 7th (1,500 points) to 4th (1,800 points) while only giving up a 2019 second round pick.

Let me preface this by saying that I DESPISE  trading up in the draft. I hate it. When Jason Licht traded up in 2016 to draft Aguayo I wanted to vomit. I hate giving up draft picks. That being said, I REALLY want Quenton Nelson and it looks as though the Denver Broncos do too. Denver has the 5th pick which means if the Bucs really want Nelson, they will need to jump in front of them to get him. The Browns are the obvious choice with the 4th pick and since there’s only a 300 point difference between the two picks, it won’t cost the Bucs very much to move.

Rd.1, Pk.4: G Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame

6’5″/325lbs, 34″ arms, 10″ hands, 5.15 forty, 35 bench reps, 26 1/2″ vert, 8’7″ broad

The fact that I traded up to get him speaks volumes. The Bucs NEED him. He’s an elite talent and probably the safest pick in this draft. Scouts say that he could end up being the best guard in football and grade him higher than players like Logan Mankins, David DeCastro and Brandon Scherff coming out of college. He’s an outstanding run blocker using flawless technique along with his rare size and power to dominate defensive linemen. He uses his tenacity and ferocity to break the will of any defender lined up across from him and brings a nasty, ass kicking attitude to the o-line room. If the Bucs could line him up opposite Marpet with Jensen sandwiched in between, it would give them a mauling bunch of road graders up the middle for years to come.

Rd.2, Pk.38: RB Derrius Guice, LSU

same as Mock B

Rd.4, Pk.102: C Frank Ragnow, Arkansas

same as Mocks A&B

Rd.5, Pk.144: OT Alex Cappa, Humboldt State

same as Mocks A&B

Rd.6, Pk.180: LB Shaquem Griffin, UCF

same as Mock B

Rd.6, Pk.202: DT Bruce Hector, USF

same as Mock B

Rd.7, Pk.255: WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, USF

same as Mocks A&B

Mock Draft C Recap

Rd.1- G Quenton Nelson

Rd.2- RB Derrius Guice

Rd.4- C Frank Ragnow

Rd.5- OT Alex Cappa

Rd.6- LB Shaquem Griffin

Rd.6- DT Bruce Hector

Rd.7- WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

 

Mock Draft 1.0D: Trade Scenario 3

Bucs trade with the Buffalo Bills moving from 7th (1,500 points) to 22nd (780 points) but also add the 53rd (370 points) and 56th (340 points) second round picks as well as the 96th third round pick (116 points) while giving up 180th sixth round pick (19 points).

I know what you’re thinking. Why not the 12th pick, right? First, the 12th pick and 22nd pick are worth 1,980 points which means the Bucs would’ve had to come up with nearly 500 more points worth of picks for the Bills. Second, I’m sure that every other team the Bills contacted wanted that 12th pick. My thought is by letting them keep that pick it gives them more of an incentive to accept my offer. In turn, the Bucs end up with the 22nd pick in the first, three second round picks and get the third round pick back that they gave up in the JPP trade.

Rd.1, Pk.22: G Will Hernandez, Texas- El Paso

same as Mock B

Rd.2, Pk.38: CB Mike Hughes, UCF

5’10″/190lbs, 4.53 forty, 20 bench reps, 35 1/2″ vert, 10’6″ broad

With Brent Grimes on a one year deal and the verdict still out on Vernon Hargreaves, the Bucs would be smart to use an early pick on a corner. Hughes is a natural cover corner with speed, agility and quick feet who has the ability to play on the outside or at nickel. He also has very good hands and excellent ball skills. He’s still a bit raw as a corner but he could immediately impact special teams as a dynamic returner. He’s very fast, has good vision and follows blocks well. Adding him now gives him a year to develop under the wing of Grimes.

Rd.2, Pk.53: DE Arden Key, LSU

6’5″/245lbs, 4.6 forty, 31″ vert, 9’9″ broad

Off the field issues aside, if he’s still available at this point in the draft I’d take him. Even with the additions of Vinny Curry and Jason Pierre-Paul in free agency, the past has shown us that you can never have enough pass rushers. Some NFL scouts consider him an elite talent in this draft class and think he could be a devastating pass rusher but the off the field concerns have caused his draft stock to drop some. He has good length with a fast get off and excellent speed around the corner. In 31 career games, he totaled 129 tackles, 24.5 tfl’s and 20 sacks.

Rd.2, Pk.56: S Justin Reid, Stanford

6’1″/207lbs, 4.4 forty, 16 bench reps, 36 1/2″ vert, 10’8″ broad

The Bucs still need to replace TJ Ward so grabbing a safety early would be wise. Reid is the younger brother of Niners standout safety Eric Reid and some scouts think Justin may even be the better of the two. He offers excellent versatility with the ability to play free or strong safety which fits in well with the Bucs scheme. A plus size/speed prospect with above average athleticism, high football IQ, great instincts and superior ball skills. The Bucs could eventually have one of the best young safety duos in the NFL for years to come by pairing Reid with 2017 second round pick Justin Evans.

Rd.3, Pk.96: RB Kalen Ballage, Arizona State

6’2″/228lbs, 4.46 forty, 15 bench reps, 33 1/2″ vert, 10’2″ broad

Finally the Bucs get their running back. He has surprising speed for his size but is a physical downhill runner. He also has third down potential and can even line up in the slot with his elusiveness in the open field, soft hands and good route running ability. In addition, he adds experience in returning kicks. Pairing him with Peyton Barber would give the Bucs a nice backfield combo.

Rd.4, Pk.102: C Frank Ragnow, Arkansas

same as Mocks A,B&C

Rd.5, Pk.144: OT Alex Cappa, Humboldt State

same as Mocks A,B&C

Rd.6, Pk.202: DT Bruce Hector, USF

same as Mock B&C

Rd.7, Pk.255: WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, USF

same as Mocks A,B&C

Mock Draft D Recap

Rd.1- G Will Hernandez

Rd.2- CB Mike Hughes

Rd.2- DE Arden Key

Rd.2- S Justin Reid

Rd.3- RB Kalen Ballage

Rd.4- C Frank Ragnow

Rd.5- OT Alex Cappa

Rd.6- DT Bruce Hector

Rd.7- WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

 

Well, there you have it. A few of my picks stayed the same, but I came up with four different scenarios that the Bucs could possibly go with on draft day. With three of the four, I grabbed a starting left guard which currently seems to be the biggest position of need in my opinion. I was able to add depth to both lines as well as add a starting caliber running back with all four options. All of it seems to line up with Jason Licht’s gameplan for this offseason.

I would have to say that if I had my choice of these four options, I’d probably choose Mock D, the trade scenario with the Bills. Even though I’m not getting my #1 prospect in Nelson, I’m still getting Hernandez instead along with three second round picks and a third rounder. With those extra picks, I was able to add depth in the secondary as well as both lines. It looks like the best option to me even though with Mock C I’d be getting Nelson.

Let me know which of my mocks you like or don’t like and if you would do anything different. We’ll find out in less than a month if I was close with any of these.

Until then, as always…GO BUCS!!!