Bucs Best Bets: CHEAT SHEET

Bucs head coach Todd Bowles and GM Jason Licht – Photo courtesy of the Buccaneers

What is a “Bucs Best Bet?”

If the Bucs are going to pick a player at a certain position either early (Rounds 1-3) or late (Rounds 4-7), a “Bucs Best Bet” is Pewter Report’s best guess as to which player Tampa Bay would select.

Here is a handy cheat sheet with all 26 of our Bucs Best Bets from all of this year’s Pewter Report Draft Previews.

Scroll down past the Cheat Sheet to read the analysis on each of the players that are projected to be Bucs Best Bets this year on offense and defense.

And remember to check out Pewter Report’s FINAL 2023 7-Round Bucs Mock Draft by clicking here.

BUCS BEST BETS: OFFENSE

QUARTERBACKS
Rounds 1-3: Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker
Rounds 4-7: Houston QB Clayton Tune

RUNNING BACKS
Rounds 1-3: Texas RB Roschon Johnson
Rounds 4-7: Minnesota RB Mohamed Ibrahim

WIDE RECEIVERS
Rounds 1-3: Nebraska WR Trey Palmer
Rounds 4-7: Florida WR Justin Shorter

TIGHT ENDS
Rounds 1-3: Iowa TE Sam LaPorta
Rounds 4-7: Purdue TE Payne Durham

OFFENSIVE TACKLES
Rounds 1-3: Oklahoma LT Anton Harrison
Rounds 4-7: BYU LT Blake Freeland

GUARDS
Rounds 1-3: North Dakota State G Cody Mauch
Rounds 4-7: Chattanooga G McClendon Curtis

CENTERS
Rounds 1-3: Minnesota C John Michael Schmitz
Rounds 4-7: Oklahoma C Chris Murray

BUCS BEST BETS: DEFENSE

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
Rounds 1-3: Kansas State EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Rounds 4-7: Louisville EDGE YaYa Diaby

DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Rounds 1-3: Northwestern DT Adetomiwa Adebawore
Rounds 4-7: Bowling Green DT Karl Brooks

INSIDE LINEBACKERS
Rounds 1-3: Auburn ILB Owen Pappoe
Rounds 4-7: Indiana ILB Cam Jones

CORNERBACKS
Rounds 1-3: Kansas State CB Juju Brents
Rounds 4-7: Louisiana Tech CB Myles Brooks

NICKELBACKS
Rounds 1-3: Illinois Nickel Safety Quan Martin
Rounds 4-7: Florida State Nickel Safety Jammie Robinson

SAFETIES
Rounds 1-3: Illinois S Sydney Brown
Rounds 4-7: Sacramento State S Marte Mapu

Bucs Best Bets Analysis: OFFENSE

Bucs Best Bets: Quarterback

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 1-3: Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker

Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker – Photo by: USA Today

Is it possible that the Bucs draft Kentucky’s Will Levis if he falls to Tampa Bay at No. 19? Don’t rule it out. But there are four quarterback-needy teams drafting ahead of the Bucs, so it’s unlikely he’s still on the board. With more pressing needs elsewhere, and the team truly wanting to give former second-round pick Kyle Trask a legitimate shot to compete for the starting job, it’s more likely the Bucs draft a quarterback on Day 3.

But Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker might be tempting. He’s coming off an ACL injury and may not be ready for camp, so it could be a two-man race between Mayfield and Trask. But Hooker could develop behind the scenes and be ready to compete in 2024 with a year in Dave Canales’ system. Hooker, a Top 30 visitor to Tampa Bay, could be an option in the first or second round.

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 4-7: Houston QB Clayton Tune

If the Bucs draft a quarterback this year, it’s likely going to be on Day 3. Houston’s Clayton Tune, a former teammate of Bucs defensive tackle Logan Hall, last year’s second-round pick, came in for a Top 30 visit and could be the target. He has a nice blend of size, athleticism, moxie and arm strength to be a nice developmental quarterback in Tampa Bay.

Tune led the Cougars to several fourth quarter, come-from-behind wins in his four years as a starter. The three-time team captain might end being a steal in this draft and he seems to have the right tools to succeed in Dave Canales’ offense. The Bucs don’t have a fourth-round pick, but if Tune lasts to the fifth round he would likely garner consideration. Or if he’s high on the Bucs draft board, the team could trade up into the fourth round to get him.

Bucs Best Bets: Running Backs

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 1-3: Texas RB Roschon Johnson

Texas RB Roschon Johnson – Photo by: USA Today

Tampa Bay has more pressing needs than running back on Day 1 and Day 2. But if a running back is in the Bucs’ draft plans and they want to grab a premier rusher, Texas’ Roschon Johnson makes a lot of sense. Dave Canales wants a physical back who can break tackles, and the powerful Johnson did that an amazing rate last year.

Because he served as Bijan Robinson’s backup, Johnson has plenty of tread left on his tires as he heads to the NFL. Johnson has great hands and a firm understanding of the passing game from his roots as a quarterback. He is a great leader and teammate and could be the perfect back to pair with Rachaad White for the long-term.

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 4-7: Minnesota RB Mohamed Ibrahim

It’s more likely that the Bucs use their draft capital on other positions with early picks and save drafting a running back until late on Day 3. If the Bucs’ draft plans call for selecting an angry runner, Minnesota’s Mohamed Ibrahim could be targeted in the sixth round. At 5-foot-7, 209 pounds, Ibrahim is a bowling ball who runs with power and authority.

He has a no-nonsense running style that allows him to break tackles and pick up a lot of yards after contact. He’s more slippery than fast, and he has a nose for the end zone near the goal line. Ibrahim is an older, more mature player at age 25, which could help his transition to the pros – even if it means a shorter NFL shelf life.

Bucs Best Bets: Wide Receivers

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 1-3: Nebraska WR Trey Palmer

With Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Russell Gage occupying the top three spots on Tampa Bay’s receiver depth chart, it’s hard to fathom that the Bucs draft a receiver on Day 1 or Day 2 when that rookie will be no higher than third on the depth chart, assuming he beats out Gage. Yet the Bucs want to get faster on both sides of the ball, and there is a need for a speed receiver. Not only was Nebraska’s Trey Palmer the fastest receiver at the NFL Scouting Combine, he’s also the fastest receiver in this draft class.

The 6-foot, 192-pound Palmer blazed a 4.33 and had a breakout season with the Cornhuskers last year after transferring from LSU. He hauled in 71 passes for 1,043 yards (14.7 avg.) with nine touchdowns. He had three 70-yard-plus TDs last year, which led the FBS. What’s holding Palmer back from being drafted higher than the third round is his hands. Palmer had 10 drops last year, but he has enough raw tools that can be developed in time to eventually become a No. 2 receiver. The Bucs had a pre-draft Zoom meeting with Palmer.

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 4-7: Florida WR Justin Shorter

If the Bucs draft a receiver taking one on Day 3 seems more likely. Tampa Bay will be looking for speed, but might also want a pass-catcher with size, as the team has just receiver over 6-foot-1, which is Mike Evans (6-5). Florida’s Justin Shorter is a big target who used to catch passes from Kyle Trask in 2020. At 6-foot-4, 229 pounds with nearly 34-inch arms, Shorter would give the Bucs another rangy target that is capable of getting downfield.

Shorter does a great job of tracking the ball downfield and averaged 19.9 yards per catch as a senior with 29 receptions for 577 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Between Penn State and Florida, Shorter caught 110 passes for 1,552 yards (14.1 avg.) and eight touchdowns. He only had one drop over his final two seasons with the Gators and would make a nice developmental receiver in Tampa Bay with the ability to cover kicks and punts on special teams. Having a prior rapport with Trask also doesn’t hurt.

Bucs Best Bets: Tight Ends

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 1-3: Iowa TE Sam LaPorta

Iowa TE Sam LaPorta – Photo by: USA Today

If the Bucs are going to prioritize the tight end position with a Day 2 pick, there will be several interesting options, including Iowa’s Sam LaPorta, Georgia’s Darnell Washington and South Dakota State’s Tucker Kraft. Even though he’s smaller than the other two at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, LaPorta has the most upside as a receiver and weapon on offense. LaPorta has 4.59 speed and can not only get open, but make things happen after the catch. He had back-to-back seasons with over 50 catches for 650 yards in both 2021 and 2022.

For his size, LaPorta is a good blocker and a high-character leader and team captain. He plays with toughness with the ball in his hands or at the point of attack while blocking. LaPorta would bring more speed and athleticism to the team that Cade Otton possesses and has the ability to develop into a starting-caliber tight end right away. Iowa has produced some stud NFL tight ends, including George Kittle, TJ Hockenson and Noah Fant. LaPorta is the next Hawkeyes tight end that should excel at the next level and could be the Bucs’ second- or third-round pick.

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 4-7: Purdue TE Payne Durham

If the Bucs decide to wait until Day 3 to select a tight end, there will still be plenty of good ones to choose from, including Michigan’s Luke Schoonmaker, Cincinnati’s Josh Whyle and Purdue’s Payne Durham. At 6-foot-5, 253 pounds, Durham isn’t terribly fleet of foot (4.87), but he is a load to bring down in the passing game. He’s a bigger, more powerful tight end than Cade Otton and could develop into a nice TE2 in Tampa Bay. Durham is a gritty, hard-nosed player that is tough to tackle and will do the dirty work in the trenches as a blocker.

While his 10.1-yard receiving average is nothing to get excited over, his touchdown production certainly is. Durham scored 21 touchdowns in four seasons, including 14 over his last two years with the Boilermakers. He’s a bigger, better version of former Bucs tight end Cam Brate, who also was a red zone weapon and had a nose for the end zone. The Bucs had success with two Day 3 tight ends last year in Otton and Ko Kieft. Durham is like both of those players rolled into one and would make a great addition to Tampa Bay’s offense.

Bucs Best Bets: Offensive Tackles

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 1-3: Oklahoma LT Anton Harrison

Oklahoma OT Anton Harrison – Photo by: USA Today

The Bucs have a need for another offensive tackle after parting ways with Donovan Smith after his bad 2022 season, and also letting Josh Wells go in free agency. Tampa Bay feels that Tristan Wirfs has the athleticism to play right or left tackle, and the Bucs also believe that Luke Goedeke could handle playing right tackle, which was his college position, after seeing him do it effectively in Week 18. But drafting a player like Oklahoma left tackle Anton Harrison would allow the Bucs to keep Wirfs at right tackle where he’s an All-Pro, and slide Goedeke over to right guard to replace Shaq Mason.

The Bucs might prefer Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr., Tennessee right tackle or Georgia’s Broderick Jones, but that trio could be off the board by the time Tampa Bay selects at No. 19. Harrison started at left tackle as a sophomore and junior, playing in 34 games at Oklahoma with 24 starts (23 at left tackle, 1 at right tackle). Harrison just turned 21 and is a long way from reaching his ceiling as a player. He’s athletic and has great movement skills, but needs to hit the weight room to build a stronger core and base. Still, he’s talented enough to be a plug-and-play starter as a rookie left tackle.

Bucs’ Best Bet – Rounds 4-7: BYU LT Blake Freeland

The Bucs like to draft left tackles due to their athleticism, and Jason Licht has done that with Donovan Smith, Ali Marpet and Alex Cappa. Even Ryan Jensen was a left tackle in college. Tampa Bay needs a potential starting tackle on the offensive line and even a swing tackle to replace Josh Wells. BYU’s Blake Freeland is one of the most athletic linemen in this year’s draft. His 10-foot broad jump and 37-inch vertical were tops at the NFL Scouting Combine for all linemen this year.

Freeland has an imposing frame at nearly 6-foot-8, 302 pounds and has room to add another 10 pounds of bulk at the next level. As a four-year starter for the Cougars, Freeland logged 26 starts at left tackle and 15 starts at right tackle. He’s well versed in playing in a zone scheme at BYU and has light feet to pull and attack on the perimeter. At best, Freeland could develop into a starting offensive tackle in Tampa Bay in a year or two. At worst, he’s the team’s swing tackle and top reserve as he improves his technique and strength behind the scenes.

Bucs Best Bets: Guards

Bucs Best Bet Rounds 1-3: North Dakota State G Cody Mauch

North Dakota State G Cody Mauch – Photo by: USA Today

The Bucs are no strangers to drafting small school offensive linemen (Ali Marpet, Alex Cappa), long-haired offensive linemen (Cappa) and favoring red-headed gingers (Ryan Jensen, Ko Kieft). North Dakota State’s Cody Mauch is a small-school, long-haired ginger who is a mauler in the run game. Mauch started 37 games at left tackle for the Bison and two at right tackle, although his NFL future is likely at guard due to his shorter-than-ideal arm length (32 3/8).

Mauch is an ass-kicker as a run-blocker with great movement ability, but really needs work in pass protection. He has an inconsistent punch and tends to get off balance and lunge too often. His tenacity and effort as a blocker jumps off the tape and he fits the physical style of play the Bucs like in offensive linemen. Tampa Bay had success drafting Cappa in the third round years ago, and Mauch could be a developmental guard or center in the same vein.

Bucs Best Bet Rounds 4-7: Chattanooga G McClendon Curtis

At nearly 6-foot-6, 324 pounds, Curtis is a big, strong, physical guard. With 30 starts at right guard, seven starts at left tackle and one start at left guard, Curtis brings plenty of experience to the table. He’ll turn 24 this year so he has a good deal of maturity and is described as a high-character leader with a 4.0 GPA. He fared well at the Senior Bowl, but will need some time to adjust to the NFL.

Curtis is a Bucs type, as he’s physical and nasty, especially in the run game. He’s adept at pulling and playing in a wide zone run scheme, so he’s a good fit in Tampa Bay. He has strong hands and with 35-inch arms he can lock out in pass protection, although he needs some time to develop in that area. Jason Licht has hit on every offensive lineman he’s drafted in the first three rounds, but has whiffed on Day 3. Selecting Curtis in the fifth round could change that draft scorecard.

Bucs Best Bets: Centers

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 1-3: Minnesota C John Michael Schmitz

Minnesota C John Michael Schmitz – Photo by: USA Today

Bucs center Ryan Jensen turns 32 in May and is coming off a serious knee injury that cost him the 2022 regular season. Will Jensen, who has two years left on his contract before void years kick in, return to his Pro Bowl form? The Bucs received solid play from Robert Hainsey last year in his first season of real action, but Hainsey could figure into the team’s plans at guard in 2023. So drafting a center for the future might make some sense in the third or fourth round this year, and Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz would be an ideal fit.

Schmitz is a big, tough center who plays the game with a nasty disposition. He can hold his own as a pass protector, but really excels in opening up holes for the interior run game. Schmitz isn’t overly athletic, but can get to the second level and wipe out linebackers. The Bucs have had good luck drafting players from Minnesota before in safety Antoine Winfield Jr in 2020 and tight end Ko Kieft last year. Schmitz might be the next one if they’re looking for another interior lineman in Round 3.

Bucs’ Best Bet – Rounds 4-7: Oklahoma C Chris Murray

Murray started his career at UCLA where he started 24 games in two years, including three at center and 21 at right guard. He transferred to Oklahoma where he was a two-year starter at right guard, earning honorable mention All-Big XII status. Murray is a fast, athletic, physical, explosive interior lineman, who is quite effective as a puller and also in a wide zone scheme.

His lack of size (6-1, 294) and short arms (30.5 inches) could cause him to go undrafted, but the Bucs might take a late-round flier on him or sign him as an undrafted free agent. Murray was one of Tampa Bay’s Top 30 visits and it’s easy to see why the team likes him when you turn on the tape. He has honed his skills through plenty of experience, and should be able to make a smooth transition to center at the next level.

Bucs Best Bets Analysis: DEFENSE

Bucs Best Bets: Outside Linebackers

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 1-3: Kansas State EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah

Kansas State OLB Felix Anudike-Uzomah – Photo by: USA Today

The Bucs would somehow love to come away with Iowa State’s Will McDonald IV, but he won’t get out of the first round. Tampa Bay might have to use its first-round pick on an offensive tackle because the talent and depth at that position falls off quickly. Meanwhile, this is a deep class of edge rushers and the Bucs could come away with one in the second round at pick No. 50. Kansas State’s Felix Anudike-Uzomah might still be on the board, although Auburn’s Derick Hall would also be considered if he’s available.

Anudike-Uzomah is a tough, relentless pass rusher with 19.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles over the past two seasons for the Wildcats. He was the Big XII Defensive Player of the Year and led K-State to a conference title over previously unbeaten TCU. Anudike-Uzomah is a high-motor, high-character defender with the ability to bend and win with an array of pass rush moves to get to the quarterback. It’s no surprise that head coach Todd Bowles was at the K-State pro day – likely watching Anudike-Uzomah do his thing.

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 4-7: Louisville EDGE YaYa Diaby

The Bucs want to get faster on defense, and Louisville’s YaYa Diaby is one of the fastest and most athletic outside linebackers in this year’s draft. Diaby blazed a 4.51 (1.51 10-yard split) at the NFL Scouting Combine at 6-foot-3, 263 pounds. The muscular Cardinals defender has strong hands and long arms that helped him rack up a career-high nine sacks last year. Diaby can win with power on bull rushes or with speed around the edge. After a breakthrough year in Louisville, his best football is ahead of him. Diaby is a late bloomer, and will turn 24 after the draft.

The Bucs studied Diaby at the Senior Bowl and formally interviewed him at the Combine. He’s not ready to start right away in the NFL, but could be a situational pass rusher as he develops during his rookie season, in addition to being a quality contributor on special teams. If the Bucs don’t go with Diaby, Missouri’s Isaiah McGuire is another Day 3 option for Tampa Bay. The team also interviewed him formally in Indianapolis.

Bucs Best Bets: Defensive Tackles

Bucs Best Bets Rounds 1-3: Northwestern DT Adetomiwa Adebawore

Northwestern DT Adetomiwa Adebawore – USA Today

If the Bucs drafted a defensive tackle like Northwestern’s Adetomiwa Adebawore in the first round it might be a bit of a shocker, given more immediate needs at offensive tackle, outside linebacker and nickel defensive back. Selecting Adebawore in the second round might be a better value as a result. But if Adebawore, who was in for a Top 30 visit with the Bucs, winds up in red and pewter it will be easy to see why. He’s the fastest (4.49) and most athletic defensive tackle in this year’s draft class and the team wants to add more speed on defense.

Adebawore played primarily as a 4-3 edge rusher for the Wildcats where he recorded 12.5 sacks in four years, including a career-high five last year. A native of Nigeria, he never truly mastered that position, and will have to transition inside to defensive tackle at the next level. Adebawore showed he could do it at the Senior Bowl where his strength and twitchiness made him hard for guards to block. While he lacks ideal size (6-2, 282) to play in Tampa Bay’s 3-4 scheme and his frame is maxed out, he could play three technique or even come off the edge in certain situations.

Bucs Best Bets Rounds 4-7: Bowling Green DT Karl Brooks

Like Adetomiwa Adebawore, Brooks was also a very large 4-3 defensive end in college – although even bigger at 6-4, 304 pounds. But unlike Adebawore, Brooks was a big-time producer for Bowling Green, racking up 27.5 sacks, including 10 as a senior. The two-time team captain also forced six fumbles and picked off a pass for the Falcons defense.

Brooks also made a successful transition to defensive tackle at the Senior Bowl where his hand-eye coordination and agility gave guards fits. He’s not as athletic as Adebawore, and figures to be a Day 3 selection, likely in the fourth or fifth rounds. Brooks has enough size to be a scheme fit in Tampa Bay, but will need some time to make the jump from the MAC to the NFL. While Brooks was a Combine snub, the Bucs brought him in for a Top 30 pre-draft visit.

Bucs Best Bets: Inside Linebackers

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 1-3: Auburn ILB Owen Pappoe

Auburn LB Owen Pappoe – Photo by: USA Today

While the Bucs might be tempted to take one of the top-rated inside linebackers like Arkansas’ Drew Sanders or Iowa’s Jack Campbell, Tampa Bay might have more pressing needs at other positions, such as offensive tackle, outside linebacker and safety/nickel. Campbell would be a great fit in red and pewter, but the Bucs have found some good defenders from Auburn in recent years (cornerbacks Carlton Davis III and Jamel Dean and linebacker KJ Britt). Owen Pappoe could be next Tiger to join the Bucs defense.

Both head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht want to field a faster team in 2023, and Pappoe is the fastest linebacker in this year’s draft class, evidenced by his 4.39 time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Pappoe is a fierce hitter who still has plenty of upside to grow his game. He’s athletic enough to either replace Devin White eventually at middle linebacker (Mike) or Lavonte David at weakside linebacker (Mo). Pappoe can tackle, blitz and cover, and he could be special teams star while he develops during his rookie season. He could be the Bucs’ third-round pick.

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 4-7: Indiana ILB Cam Jones

If the Bucs wait until Day 3 to address inside linebacker, there are some enticing options, including Pappoe if he slides to the fourth round, Pittsburgh’s SirVocea Dennis, and Jones. The Hoosiers star is a smart, savvy inside linebacker with very good instincts and above average athleticism. Jones has the ability to drop off in coverage or be the occasional blitzer, and is good at sniffing out the ball between the tackles in the running game.

He’s not the biggest linebacker, but his play style is reminiscent of Bucs legend Lavonte David, especially when he’s lined up in the slot or the weakside in coverage. Todd Bowles will appreciate Jones’ high football I.Q. and leadership qualities. Jones was one of the few linebackers to receive a formal interview with the Bucs at the NFL Scouting Combine. He could be a viable option for the Bucs in the fifth or sixth round.

Bucs Best Bets: Cornerbacks

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 1-3: Kansas State CB Juju Brents

K-State CB Julius Brents – Photo by: USA Today

Is outside cornerback a pressing need in Tampa Bay? No, not with Jamel Dean re-signed and Carlton Davis III under contract for two more years. But it seems like the Bucs always suffer some injuries at cornerback as Davis and Dean have combined to miss 19 games since the 2020 season. The Bucs already have one developmental cornerback they like in Zyon McCollum, who was drafted last year in the fifth round. He might get a shot inside playing in the slot due to his agility, but his length is probably better served outside. Tampa Bay has learned you can never have enough good cornerbacks.

Brents is a tall, 6-foot-3, physical cornerback with pterodactyl-like arms (34 inches, 82-inch wingspan) who led K-State with four interceptions and three pass breakups. The Wildcats star has adequate speed (4.53), but crushed the NFL Scouting Combine with a 41.5-inch vertical, a 138-inch broad jump and a 6.63 time in the 3-cone drill. Athletically, he’s a second-round pick. Turn on the film and you see a third-round cornerback, but his best football is ahead of him. Todd Bowles was at the K-State pro day and Brents was in for a Top 30 visit with the Bucs.

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 4-7: Louisiana Tech CB Myles Brooks

With more pressing needs at other positions and their starting cornerbacks set, the Bucs are more likely to draft another one on Day 3 than in the first three rounds. Tampa Bay has shown an interest in Brooks during the pre-draft process, conducting an informal interview with him at the NFL Scouting Combine and then hosting him on a Zoom call with the coaches. At 6-foot-1, 201 pounds, the junior cornerback has ideal size to play in Tampa Bay.

After three years at Stephen F. Austin where he notched six interceptions, Brooks added three more picks in his lone season at Louisiana Tech along with 12 pass breakups. Outside of the season opener at Clemson, which was his first game with the Bulldogs and his worst game of the season, Brooks didn’t allow a catch longer than 16 yards, according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. Brooks can bide his time on special teams while developing as a late-round pick.

Bucs Best Bets: Nickelbacks

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 1-3: Illinois Nickel Safety Quan Martin

Illinois DB Jartavius Martin Photo By: USA Today

The Bucs are looking for a new slot defender after Sean Murphy-Bunting’s departure in free agency and Todd Bowles’ decision to move Antoine Winfield Jr. back to free safety full time. Tampa Bay considers the slot cornerback/safety position a starting role because the team spends close to 70 percent of the snaps on nickel defense. Alabama’s Brian Branch would be an ideal fit, but he could be off the board by the time Tampa Bay picks at No. 19. Martin was the nickel slot cornerback in a very talented Illinois defense that featured Sydney Brown at safety and Deven Witherspoon at outside cornerback. The 5-foot-11, 194-pound slot DB has logged 966 snaps inside over the past three years, including 493 snaps last year.

Martin notched 225 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss as a five-year starter, and showed a good nose for the ball with seven career interceptions, including three last year, 22 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. The Bucs had him in for a Top 30 pre-draft visit and also formally interviewed Martin at the NFL Scouting Combine. If the Bucs are going to draft a quality nickel defensive back it will likely have to come in the first four rounds due to a lack of depth of experienced slot defenders. Martin would be a nice addition to the Bucs in the third round.

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 4-7: Florida State Nickel Safety Jammie Robinson

If the Bucs can’t draft a nickel defensive back in the first three rounds of the draft, Robinson could be a nice fallback option on Day 3. Robinson’s tape and stats suggest he could be a third-round draft pick, but an underwhelming showing at the NFL Scouting Combine (4.59 in the 40-yard dash) makes a slide into the fourth or fifth round a possibility. Despite not having blazing speed, Robinson displays very good body control and is a hard-hitting, sure-tackler when he comes downhill to support the run. His short arms (29.5-inch) may scare off some teams, or be a reason why he slides down the draft boards.

Between two years at South Carolina and two years at Florida State, Robinson was able to amass 318 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and one sack near the line of scrimmage. He also recorded 16 pass breakups, seven interceptions, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Robinson had formal interviews with the Bucs at the Senior Bowl and also at the NFL Scouting Combine. He could be Tampa Bay’s best bet in the fifth round if the team waits that long to draft a nickel defensive back.

Bucs Best Bets: Safeties

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 1-3: Illinois S Sydney Brown

Illinois S Sydney Brown – Photo by: USA Today

The Bucs might be tempted to take Alabama safety/nickel defender Brian Branch in the first round if he’s there. While not the best athlete, Branch is a heady, savvy, instinctive defensive back, who rarely misses tackles and rarely makes mistakes. But with bigger needs in the trenches, Tampa Bay might wait to address the safety position until the second or third round with a player like Brown. Although a little undersized at under 5-foot-10, 211 pounds, Brown is rocked up and similarly built to Antoine Winfield Jr.

Brown was a big-time playmaker at Illinois where he logged 319 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and two sacks in 50 career starts. While he has great, in-the-box ability as a strong safety, Brown also has good range with 4.47 speed and picked off 10 passes and broke 26 in college, mostly playing in two deep coverage. Brown is always around the ball, and posted six of those interceptions and 13 pass breakups last year as a senior. He came to Tampa Bay for a Top 30 visit and would be a perfect fit in the Bucs secondary.

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 4-7: Sacramento State S Marte Mapu

Mapu is one of the more interesting players in this draft due to his versatility. At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, he has the size to play nickel or dime linebacker near the line of scrimmage, but also has enough speed to cover in the slot. The Sacramento State star logged 926 snaps in the slot as a nickel DB/overhang linebacker, as well as 409 snaps in the box as a strong safety over the last two years. Mapu notched 165 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 22 pass breakups and seven interceptions in college.

He fared well at the Senior Bowl and showed his aggressive hitting and tackling style. Viewed as a smart, hard working, instinctive defender, Mapu is an ascending player with good length and size that will allow him to match up well with tight ends in the slot. The Bucs had him in for a pre-draft Top 30 visit and he could be a nice chess piece for Todd Bowles on defense as an early Day 3 selection.