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About the Author: Adam Slivon
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We’re already in December and with that, there are only a handful of weekends left filled with all 32 NFL teams competing. For the Bucs, whether they are competing to be NFC South division winners or a Top 10 2024 NFL draft position is still to be determined.
Bucs GM Jason Licht – Photo courtesy of the Buccaneers
After the team’s latest win against the Panthers to keep them alive in the playoff picture, they have moved back a few spots from No. 7 to No. 10 in the current draft order. That has led to a variety of different options for them to consider, especially on offense.
Could it be a quarterback? The Athletic’s Dane Brugler recently pegged LSU’s Jayden Daniels to be drafted by Tampa Bay, and he could be playing in Raymond James Stadium in a few weeks when the LSU Tigers face the Wisconsin Badgers in the ReliaQuest Bowl to kick off the New Year. In a deep class, the Bucs will have every chance to take their next franchise quarterback, but plenty of offensive weapons will make their decision harder.
LSU’s Malik Nabers was Daniels’ favorite target for the Tigers this season, while Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze offers plenty of upside as a big target and deep threat. That is not to mention tight end, where Brock Bowers is the biggest prospect at the position since Kyle Pitts, who went fourth overall to the Falcons in 2021.
In the latest round of popular mock drafts, PewterReport.com looks at what they have in store when Tampa Bay is on the clock next April.
Washington WR Rome Odunze – Photo by: USA Today
CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson
No. 10 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Washington WR Rome Odunze
Tampa Bay is another team that could be in the QB market since Baker Mayfield is on a one-year deal, but assuming Mayfield re-signs, adding wide receiver depth will be a priority. And there are a handful of players who will be in the WR2 conversation, including Odunze.
The 33rd Team’s Connor Livesay
No. 10 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia TE Brock Bowers
There are several ways the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can go with their first-round pick, but adding Brock Bowers’ talent to the mix may be too good to pass up. Tampa Bay could be in the mix for a quarterback, but with no trades and the first four already off the board, going with the best player available seems like a good choice.
Pro Football Network’s A.J. Schulte
No. 13 – Tampa Bay Bucs (via BUF): Georgia QB Carson Beck
Trade details: The Buffalo Bills receive pick No. 10. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers receive picks No. 13, 111, and 142.
The Buccaneers have plenty of needs they could take a look at on both sides of the ball, but they opt to take a quarterback to “reset” and re-open their window with a rookie contract. Carson Beck has grown better and better every week leading the Bulldogs, and his arm talent and poise pop on film.
Georgia TE Brock Bowers – Photo by: USA Today
Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema
No. 10 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia TE Brock Bowers
An edge rusher would be a good pick here for the Buccaneers, but Bowers is a top-five talent in the class, and the opportunity to draft him at this point is too good to pass up. He has recorded elite overall offensive grades in each of the past three seasons as the top tight end in college football. He immediately improves both the run and pass games for Tampa’s offense.
Tankathon.com
Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner and LSU QB Jayden Daniels – Photo by: USA Today
No. 10 – Tampa Bay Bucs: LSU QB Jayden Daniels
Sports Illustrated’s Luke Easterling:
No. 10 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner
The Bucs have a long list of potential needs after this season, and quarterback might be at the top of the list. In this scenario, though, there’s not a passer available who’s worth passing on the talent available at other positions they’ll need to address. Turner’s athleticism, explosiveness and versatility would give Tampa Bay’s pass rush a much-needed boost off the edge.
