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About the Author: J.C. Allen
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Though it’s only October, free agency and the draft will be here before you know it for the Bucs. As the first quarter of the football season comes to a close, it’s never too early to look ahead at what prospects Tampa Bay could look at.
Cap space will be at a premium for the Bucs this offseason, and there are several key players expected to hit free agency, including quarterback Tom Brady. General Manager Jason Licht and the front office will have their work cut out for them, but they have found recent success in the draft.
I’ve compiled a list recent mock drafts from some of the top draft experts and analysts to get a feel of where they think the Bucs could go come April.
Bucs CBs Sean Murphy-Bunting, Carlton Davis III and Jamel Dean – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
27. Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami (FL) 6′, 214
“The Bucs are looking at two impending free agent cornerbacks with not a ton of cap space to maneuver. That means adding another press cornerback to the fold. Stevenson looks like a mini linebacker at 6-foot and 214 pounds. He is punishing from a press alignment. He’s allowed only nine catches on 32 targets for 145 yards on 173 press coverage snaps since the start of last season.”
29. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama 5’11”, 200
28. Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama 6’2″, 190
“The Buccaneers are set to lose Jamel Dean and Sean Murphy-Bunting to free agency, so corner will be a massive need come the draft. Eli Ricks is arguably the most talented corner in the class but is not having the year many expected him when he transferred from LSU. Still, his talent is too much to pass on here and the Buccaneers are known for taking gambles on talented players.”
27. Cameron Ward, QB, Washington State
“At this point, we can safely assume that Stroud, Young, and Levis will likely be the top three quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Everyone’s wondering who will emerge after them. My money is on Washington State’s Cameron Ward.
Ward is trending up with the Cougars, and his physical talent is clearly evident. He’s a quick athlete for his size with good corrective mobility, but his elite arm elasticity is what’s truly alluring. Ward can throw from any angle with velocity, create for himself when pressured, and make plays off-platform. You bank on that talent when it comes around.”
Bucs NT Vita Vea – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
59. Calijah Kancey, DL, Pittsburgh
“Few fits in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft excite me more than this one. Calijah Kancey is one of my personal favorite prospects, provided that he finds the right role. Playing off of Vita Vea at 3-tech and beyond, Kancey’s explosiveness, flexibility, and prying strength could make him a nightmare.”
91. Bryce Ford-Wheaton, WR, West Virginia
“A size-speed freak at 6’3″, 224 pounds, who’s awed onlookers in 2022 with his athleticism and body control.”
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