Buccaneers Mock Draft v1.0: Bucs add defensive playmakers to the roster
We are just a little more than two weeks away from the 2022 NFL Draft, which means it is officially Mock Draft SZN in America and throughout the world. There are multiple directions the Buccaneers could take this year. Defensive line, tight end, offensive line, corner, and even EDGE/inside linebacker could all use some help […]
We are just a little more than two weeks away from the 2022 NFL Draft, which means it is officially Mock Draft SZN in America and throughout the world.
There are multiple directions the Buccaneers could take this year. Defensive line, tight end, offensive line, corner, and even EDGE/inside linebacker could all use some help and the draft has plenty of players who can fill that request.
So, without further ado, let's go ahead and jump into A to Z Sports' first Buccaneers mock draft of the 2022 season.
Round 1, No. 27 overall: CB Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson Tigers
Injuries have prevented Booth from working out at both the combine and Clemson's Pro Day, but that doesn't stop the Buccaneers from taking him in this mock draft. The injuries likely won't keep the Bucs from taking him in real life, if he's there, either.
Booth Jr. has the ability to play both man and zone coverage, but he's best in man. The Buccaneers run a lot of zone, but they do have Carlton Davis III shadow, occasionally. Booth Jr.'s prowess in man coverage would give Bowles yet another chess piece in an already versatile Bucs secondary.
He's also physical, tough, and can play the run. He's got the size that Todd Bowles likes in his corners at 6-foot-0, 194-pounds, as well.
Davis is locked down for the next three years, but Jamel Dean and Sean Murphy-Bunting are in the last year of their rookie deals. Both corners play outside, which is where Booth Jr. is best suited. Therefore, he could be an adequate replacement for either in case one or both don't return after '22.
Round 2, No. 60 overall: DL Perrion Winfrey, Oklahoma Sooners
I do think that Ndamukong Suh will return for one more ride with the Buccaneers. And while the Bucs are looking for more pass rush on the defensive line, that's honestly the best-case scenario for the Buccaneers in this mock draft and in real life.
Winfrey is an explosive player who has strong hands and the necessary power to be a solid player in the NFL. He also played in just about every gap at Oklahoma, making him a versatile piece. He still needs to develop when it comes to playing the run, but that's a trait that can be coached up. The Buccaneers will get a chance to do just that as Winfrey plays behind the likes of Will Gholston, Suh, and others.
He'd be a perfect rotational piece in 2022. The Buccaneers can use him on obvious passing downs and then can expand his role/playing time if he starts to catch on.
Round 3, No. 90 overall: G Cole Strange, Chattanooga
Strange epitomizes what Jason Licht looks for in his offensive linemen. He's big, athletic, strong, and he comes from a small school in Chattanooga.
He's essentially a clone of the recently-retired Ali Marpet. I mean, he's nearly the same height and weight at 6-foot-4, 307-pounds and almost finished with the same exact overall RAS score as Marpet.
Strange will come in and immediately compete with Aaron Stinnie, Robert Hainsey, and Nick Leverett for the starting left guard position. Harold Goodwin and Joe Gilbert have proven they've been able to develop smaller-school guys, e.g. Marpet, Alex Cappa, and even Ryan Jensen, to an extent. Meaning, Strange's small-school background shouldn't be a concern, whatsoever.
Round 4, No. 133 overall: TE Cade Otton, Washington Huskies
Unless they make some sort of trade, the Buccaneers don't have a fifth- or sixth-round pick. Which truly makes their fourth-round selection a wild card. They could take a player projected to go in the fourth round or they could even go for a preferred player that they know will get picked before they get to make their seventh-round selection.
Regardless, the Buccaneers need help at tight end and Cotton can provide said help. He's one of the prospects named in the Bucs' top-30 visits, so there is legit interest on the Bucs' side of things.
Cotton's strengths are as a receiver. Tight ends have to show an ability to block for the Buccaneers and Otton has shown an ability to do so, but it's been inconsistent throughout his career. Adding more strength to his game would go along way in improving that aspect of his game.
Otton would be the Buccaneers' third tight end -assuming Rob Gronkowski comes back- with a chance to challenge Cameron Brate for the second-string role.
Round 7, No. 248 overall: RB Ty Chandler, North Carolina Tar Heels
The Buccaneers will look for special teams contributors with their last two picks of the draft. Chandler is not only a versatile back, but he has experience in the kick return game and would compete with Jaelon Darden for the Bucs' main kick returning duties. He has the speed and agility to be an effective returner, evidenced by his kick return touchdown in 2017 when he played for the Tennessee Vols.
Chandler is also an effective receiver out of the backfield and is capable of pass protection. Who knows, he could possibly carve out a small role on offense and eventually become a part of the Buccaneers' running back rotation later down the road.
Round 7, No. 261 overall: CB Isaac Taylor-Stuart, USC Trojans
Taylor-Stuart has an incredible blend of size and speed and he has shown the ability to be effective in press. But, his technique is well below-average and messy.
He is set up perfectly to be a gunner or a part of kick return coverage. If the Buccaneers can get the light to come on in regard to technique and instincts, then he could find himself more than a special-teamer later down the road. But for now, there's a good chance he could be a quality contributor on special teams as early as 2022.
Featured image via Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
