Day 3 Prospect To Watch

Jon Runyan Jr., OT, Michigan

Wondering who the stud Michigan left tackle is that locked down Yetur Gross-Matos in the clips on page 2? That would be Runyan, son of the former Eagles’ All-Pro tackle of the same name. Runyan started 26 games for the Wolverines, including 25 at left tackle and one at right tackle. He doesn’t have the ceiling of a Saahdiq Charles, and Runyan may be limited athletically, but he’s strong, technical and faced some great rushers throughout the season. He held his own against Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa, too.

Michigan OT Jon Runyan, Jr. – Photo by: Getty Images

If the Bucs pass on offensive lineman early in the draft, they could use multiple picks to fortify their lacking depth across the offensive trenches. Runyan is a high-character prospect who could potentially backup multiple spots for Tampa Bay, and may even be able to crack the starting lineup. His best spot could be at offensive guard, where he would push Alex Cappa right away.

Free Agent To Target

Demarcus Robinson, WR, Chiefs

Even if Breshad Perriman returns to the team as a free agent, the Bucs should be looking to fortify their depth at wide receiver, considering how important it is for a Bruce Arians’ offense to have four or five receivers ready to roll at all times.

I love the fit of Robinson in the Bucs’ downfield attack, as the four-year pro brings athleticism, ball skills and a knack for tough catches to the lineup. He’s coming off a career year with 32 catches for 449 yards and four touchdowns, but he still should be relatively cheap. It would be a quiet move, but any offseason signings for the Bucs will likely be for depth purposes, and if injuries strike, those could be huge.

NFC South Bullets

• Drew Brees is indeed returning for another season as the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. Bucs fans don’t need to pretend like this isn’t a blow to their NFC South title hopes –  it is. But, if I’m the Bucs, I’m happy to remain as an unlikely pick to win the division. This Tampa Bay team is getting better and shouldn’t lose anyone critical this offseason. There are definitely question marks on the Bucs roster, but flying under the radar and preparing with a chip on its shoulder is exactly where this team needs to be. The Saints have earned the right to be favorites, and the Bucs haven’t … yet.

Panthers QB Cam Newton – Photo by: Getty Images

• If I’m the Panthers, I’m trimming all of the fat on the roster and starting over with new head coach Matt Rhule. Most of their high-end contracts aren’t even for key players. They are for guys like Dontari Poe, Mike Davis, Eric Reid and yes, even Cam Newton. I just don’t know what the point of keeping the 30-year old Newton would be. Surely Carolina can get something for him in a trade, and everyone knows the team isn’t going to extend him beyond this season. Carolina has some enticing young pieces, and if it hits on a quarterback it can be a quick rebuild. But it’s time to move on from all the aging veterans eating into any cap space.

• Bucs fans, let’s hope that there is a ton of interest in tight end Austin Hooper in free agency, because I think losing him would be a big loss for Atlanta. The Falcons don’t have much cap space to work with and don’t have much flexibility to create room to match a high-end offer for Hooper, either. His career is just starting to take off, and it would be nice if that didn’t take place against Tampa Bay twice a year!