At the podium in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine on Wednesday, Bucs general manager Jason Licht fielded questions that included his strategy for the fifth overall pick in the draft. As Licht sees it, there are five players that he is comfortable with taking at the fifth pick, and that’s a spot that he likes to be in.
#Bucs GM Jason Licht said there are about five players that he would be comfortable taking with the No. 5 overall pick right now.
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) February 27, 2019
There have been many speculation and scenarios in which the Bucs move down from the fifth spot and trade it to a quarterback needy team to add more picks. The belief being that they wouldn’t have to move far down and could still draft a high caliber player that fills a team need.
The Bucs only have six picks in this draft, and have a history of moving down in recent years, including trading from seven to 12 and drafting Vita Vea last year.
While he’s happy staying put at the number five pick in this draft, Licht also said he wouldn’t rule out listening to other offers. “It’s a nice place to be,” Licht said about having the fifth selection. “If anybody wants it.”
#Bucs GM Jason Licht said having the No. 5 overall pick “is a nice place to be if anybody wants it” in terms of possibly trading back.
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) February 27, 2019