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 Bucs are picking No. 27 in most mock drafts.

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

The Draft Network – Justin Melo

No. 17 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia TE Brock Bowers

Baker Mayfield is finally playing like a legitimate starting quarterback. He’s hit his stride with the Buccaneers. There’s currently a lot of uncertainty surrounding the future of Mike Evans, who the organization refused to reward with an extension this past offseason. Pass-catchers may be needed to pair with Chris Godwin and an ascending Trey Palmer. Landing Brock Bowers with the No. 17 overall selection would represent terrific value at a position of need.

Pro Football Focus – Trevor Sikkema

No. 27 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Washington OLB Bralen Trice

The Bucs have been valiant with new quarterback Baker Mayfield, and because of that, we can’t give them a quarterback here in this mock. Instead, we’ll help them in the trenches, where their pass-rush production outside of Shaquil Barrett has been lacking. Last season, Trice’s 26.2% pass-rush win percentage was one of the best in the FBS.

CBS Sports – Josh Edwards

No. 27 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Michigan IOL Zak Zinter

Michigan G Zak Zinter – Photo by: USA Today

Tampa Bay is trying to get the five best offensive linemen on the field. Tristan Wirfs is certainly one and Luke Goedeke is trending towards being another. Zak Zinter is thrown in there to upgrade the interior offensive line.

Fox Sports – Jason McIntyre

No. 27 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Michigan IOL Zak Zinter

Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke and Zak Zinter give Tampa Bay’s quarterback — whether that ends up being Baker Mayfield or someone else — a fighting chance at success.

Pro Football Network – Dalton Miller (2 Rounds)

No. 27 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Maason Smith, DT, LSU

The Bucs need a new hall monitor. They need someone who can play in multiple alignments alongside Vita Vea and not be used as a human rag doll.
Maason Smith is still an inexperienced player, considering he missed all but one drive of the 2022 season with an injury. However, his frame and athleticism are an unfair combination.

No. 58 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

Baker Mayfield may very well be back, and this selection could look entirely foolish by the time the NFL season ends.
However, Quinn Ewers could be a second-round pick worth developing for a few seasons in Tampa before taking over. It would be like going all-in with a nut flush draw instead of a 7-2 off-suit.

Fan Nation NFL Draft – Luke Easterling (2 Rounds)

Georgia C Sedrick Van Pran – Photo by: USA Today

No. 27. Tampa Bay Bucs: Alabama EDGE Chris Braswell

Shaq Barrett is turning 31 and coming off a torn Achilles, while the jury is still out on Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, so the Bucs could target some edge-rushing help here. Braswell is one of the fastest-rising prospects in this class, thanks to five-star athletic ability and some massive production to start the 2023 season.

No. 58 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia C Sedrick Van Pran

Walter Football – Walter Chrepinsky (2 Rounds)

No. 26 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Oklahoma RT Tyler Guyton

The Buccaneers have a weak offensive line that wasn’t tested until the blowout loss to the Eagles. They’ll have to address it early in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Tyler Guyton is a massive tackle with great athelticism for someone his size.

No. 52 – Tampa Bay Bucs: South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler

Baker Mayfield has been fine thus far, but the Buccaneers need a real franchise quarterback for the long haul. 

Spencer Rattler has big-time upside with plus arm strength and athleticism, but has erratic decision-making.