Buccaneers' recent moves guarantee they're drafting key position in 2023
It can be really hard to predict what a team will do in the NFL Draft, but if you follow the right breadcrumbs, you can get a pretty good idea of what's going to happen. Said breadcrumbs largely consist of a team's pre-draft visits/meetings. The amount players/positions involved in those can really give good insight […]
It can be really hard to predict what a team will do in the NFL Draft, but if you follow the right breadcrumbs, you can get a pretty good idea of what's going to happen.
Said breadcrumbs largely consist of a team's pre-draft visits/meetings. The amount players/positions involved in those can really give good insight into what is being monitored/looked at in terms of adding to a roster.
When it comes to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there is one key position that has seen a ton of action regarding pre-draft visits: cornerback.
The Buccaneers have met with approximately 15 cornerback prospects so far
Cornerback is easily the most-visited position up until this point. The Buccaneers have met with approximately 15 prospects, which is more than the second-place safety position.
The Buccaneers have met with the following players. There could be more, but this is all the internet/reports currently have to offer. Right now, there is no known top-30 visit scheduled with a corner:
- Alex Austin
- Jakorian Bennett
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Julius Brents
- Myles Brooks
- Emmanuel Forbes
- Christian Gonzalez
- Anthony Johnson
- Cam Smith
- Quan Martin
- Clark Phillips
- Kelee Ringo
- Darius Rush
- Tyrique Stevenson
- Garrett Williams
When you look at the Buccaneers roster, it's clear they need more help at corner. Especially at the nickel position. The cupboard isn't completely bare at nickel, but there are some big questions when it comes to the personnel involved, there. In all, Jamel Dean and Carlton Davis III are the only experienced corners on the roster.
Bennett, Blackmon, Smith, Martin, and Phillips are the more slot-types on the above list. The other guys can play inside when called for, but the aforementioned players are the ones the Buccaneers could rely on when it comes to a game-to-game basis.
The one that makes most sense is Smith. He has just enough height and length to fit into what Todd Bowles likes and he can play both inside and out. He possess a near-identical athletic makeup to that of Sean Murphy-Bunting, except Smith played against a much higher caliber of opponents in the SEC than SMB did in the MAC.
Either way, expect the Buccaneers take a cornerback at some point during the draft. And honestly, don't be surprised if they double up.
