The 2023 NFL season isn’t even halfway over, but the Bucs are picking far from the Top 5 as many NFL pundits predicted they would in 2024. With Tom Brady retiring most thought the Bucs would be vying for USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Instead, the 3-4 Bucs are picking No. 13 in the latest mock drafts.

PewterReport.com takes a look at what the latest round of popular mock drafts have in store for Tampa Bay next April.

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso

No. 13 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Florida State WR Keon Coleman

I keep going back to this pairing, given Mike Evans is probably playing in his final season in Tampa Bay. Coleman is a big-bodied rebounder on the outside.

Bleacher Report – B/R Scouting Department

No. 13 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Washington WR Rome Odunze

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense will sit at a crossroads after this season. Firstly, quarterback remains up in the air. Baker Mayfield has played better than expected, but he still doesn’t appear to be the long-term answer. Besides, he’s operating under a one-year contract.

Washington WR Rome Odunze – Photo by: USA Today

Mayfield could re-sign on another short-term deal while the organization looks for a different option. In this case, that outcome seems the likeliest since QB isn’t a strong option outside of next year’s top-10 picks.

Whoever starts behind center must know whether they’ll be throwing to the franchise’s all-time leading receiver, Mike Evans, who is also free agent after this season.

The Buccaneers should make a concerted effort to re-sign their greatest wide receiver in franchise history. They could also use the franchise tag to keep him around a little longer. Until that decision is made, the Buccaneers should look to add more at wide receiver.

“The Buccaneers love ball-winners, and Washington’s Rome Odunze fits the bill,” Derrik Klassen said. “Though not quite as tall (6’3”) as the towering Mike Evans, Odunze brings a lot of the same skills. He’s a long, physical outside receiver. The junior prospect separates with a blend of strength and good speed for his size, making him especially tough for smaller corners to handle.

“Of course, Odunze also dominates at the catch point. He has an awesome catch radius, both with throws outside his frame and when he needs to go up for contested catches.”

Fan Nation’s Luke Easterling

No. 13 Tampa Bay Bucs: Washington WR Rome Odunze

The Bucs could have a long list of needs in the offseason, so this pick is about maximizing talent and value. If the can’t afford to re-sign Mike Evans, the need for a big, athletic pass-catcher would leap to the top of the list, and Odunze is a top-10 talent who would be the perfect fit.

No. 44 Tampa Bay Bucs: Clemson ILB Barrett Carter

Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald

No. 13 Tampa Bay Bucs: Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy

The Buccaneers aren’t that far off from getting back to the playoffs, but they need to figure out their quarterback of the future. Perhaps McCarthy can be that guy.