Hey fans, i know your wondering why i'm releasing my annual my mock draft for Tampa Bay after the draft but i do have my reasons, let me explain briefly. For the most part i really consider myself an amateur scout now and i didn't feel comfortable posting my final mock draft to this site before the actual draft. I started doing mock drafts as a hobby but they have evolved into entire offseason plans. I'm taking a scouting class and as a requirement to complete the course i was asked to do a six page offseason plan covering all aspects of roster management; the salary cap, free agency and the draft. i couldn't figure out a way to condense the player breakdown but i did complete a twenty page offseason report for Tampa, March 8, 2014. Here is a look at the three draft scenarios i composed for the buccaneers this year. Draft Scenario #11. Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&MThe best receivers in the NFL all have in common their outstanding size and athleticism combo. Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, A.J Green, Brandon Marshall, Vincent Jackson, Alshon Jeffrey, Julio Jones and the list goes on. Mike Evans could be the next big thing! 2. Marcus Martin, OC, Southern CaliforniaCompared to pro bowl center Alex Mack, Martin could solidify the Bucs interior for the next five seasons easily. 3. Preston Brown, MLB, Louisville Brown is an intelligent backer who gets “it”, he has the ability to come in and play right away and have an impact on games. His I.Q, Footwork, power and great character help him lead the defense and control the point of attack effortlessly. Best suited for an attacking 4-3. 5. Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia TechThomas has all of the skills to develop into the best QB in the Class. Tremendous size, a rocket arm, great athleticism and natural leadership qualities. His troubles appear to be football I.Q and mechanics however that’s not surprising, he is still a converted TE, but the upside is their. Tampa already has the QB guru, Jeff Tedford, along with good competition to ensure he’s not thrown in the fire prematurely. 7. John Brown, WR, Pittsburg State Small school prospect with great return ability and good receiving ability. Offers much needed speed in space and John has a solid chance of contributing early in his career.Draft Scenario #21. Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio StateFor a team that loves their LB’s, Ryan Shazier, is one of the best you’ll see. Tampa has a chance to really improve their defense once again signing Ryan, he fits what they look for in a player and it wouldn’t be shocking to see the team find a way to land him on draft day, one way or another. 2. Jordan Matthews, WR, VanderbiltJordan displays the most polished WR skills. He’s very smooth and fluid running routes, exploding in and out of his cuts with a subtleness and confidence that’s very deceptive. He can make all of the acrobatic catches and his football I.Q is very good. Combine that with his size & athleticism and Matthews appears to have 1st round value. 3. Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech5. Dri Archer, WR, Kent StateDri is an electric football player with blazing speed. A lot of times track speed doesn’t translate well but Archer isn’t to be confused, he is a “football Player” with wicked instincts when the ball is in his hands. Although he won’t help Tampa in the receiving department immediately, he will dramatically in the return. Because he doesn’t need many touches to be productive he’s worth trying to develop.7. Larry Webster, DE/TE, BloomsburgSmall school prospect with good upside, Webster has some ability as a pass rusher but he has a TE skill set. Larry is a good developmental project because of his NFL bloodlines and versatility. Draft Scenario #31. Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M2. Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio StateTRADE: The Buccaneers package their 2nd and 3rd round picks to move up several spaces to acquire their coveted linebacker. 5. Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech7. John Brown, WR, Pittsburg State This concludes my “Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2014 Off-season Plan”, if I’m the General Manager, scenario #1 is my choice this year. Scenario #3 is the direction my gut tells me the team is going in, it is my next choice but I do like scenario #2 equally. I was surprised to see the Buccaneers go with all offensive players but this draft is more impressive than most of the teams drafts since 2010 when i started doing this. This draft was bold, risky and fun to watch, unlike those predictable uniform drafts under the previous management. Be sure to let me know which draft scenario you would choose if your GM, this year i chose scenario #1 but if i could work some draft day magic and land LB Ryan Shazier, Ohio State, to go along with WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M, then i would have settled with those two game changing draft picks for the year. Although draft #3 is my next choice WR Jordan Matthews is a special prospect that i can see becoming one best players to come out of this class, and for that i like draft #2 just as much.
