I used The Draft Network's draft simulator. No trades were allowed for this option. I manually chose these players when it was my turn to select. ::: pull down goalie mask and looks at Garth ::: "Game on!"
Rd 1. (14th overall) S Grant Delpit, LSU
NYG selects OLB Simmons and that sets everything off, but all top-4 OTs are still taken before the 14th pick.
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5. Mia selects OT Wirfs
8. Ari selects OT Becton
10. Cle selects OT Thomas
11. NYJ selects OT Wills
DT Kinlaw taken at 9th overall.
Notables available: QB Herbert, Edge Chaisson, S McKinney
The Logic behind the pick: The five players I wanted were all taken (4 OTs and DT Kinlaw). I couldn’t trade down as teams could want QB Herbert. My choices were Edge Chaisson, S McKinney, and S Delpit. Did I want a 3-4OLB#3 or a S#1?
I went with S Delpit and his instincts to help out the secondary. I am sort of gambling on his 2018 production and that 2019 was him working through injury, which he couldn't run drills at the combine still after the season ended. While it may not seem much, but Delpit did with the Jim Thorpe award in 2019, the most outstanding defensive back award.
It was too early to pick a second tiered OT, I don't need a WR1 here, I don't need a QB, and I can't trade down. I went with S1 than OLB3.
Rd 2. (45th overall) OT Austin Jackson, USC
OT Josh Jones (40th)and Ezra Cleveland (43rd) were taken earlier.
S Antoine Winfield Jr taken at 42nd overall.
Notables: RB Edwards-Helaire, IOL Cesar Ruiz, S Chinn, RB JK Dobbins
The Logic behind the pick: The second tier of OT’s were here and Jackson was still available. It was worth the gamble to take S Delpit in the first round as I still ended up with a second tiered OT. Also, S Winfield was drafted before my second selection, which makes grabbing S Delpit a win because I could have missed out on S Winfield. Although some very good running backs were available here too , keeping Brady upright with more talent at the RT position is a must.
At this point, I am hoping to a notable running back would be available in the 3rd round as I have already addressed OT and Safety, both needing upgraded starters. Is there a RB that could be had in the 3rd round in this simulation? Also, I would be willing to draft a DT in the third round. It all depends on the BPA that comes available when my next turn is up.
Rd 3. (76th overall) RB Cam Akers, FSU
IDL Justin Madubuike was taken at 74th overall.
Noteables: OT Peart, IOL Damien Lewis, S Davis, QB Hurts
The Logic behind the pick: DT Madubuike was snagged, but RB Akers was still available. I hopped to the stage faster than GM Licht ran to the stage to draft TE OJ Howard in 2017. Just like the Delpit selection, I have more background on Akers. His FSU Oline was ranked 129th overall by PFF for 2019. While his production is not on part with the other RBs set to draft ahead of him, he is lightning in the bottle every time he touches the ball - unfortunately, his OLine prevented him from tearing up the league often. BTW, PFF ranked the top 130 NCAA OLine and FSU's Oline was 129th overall, just want to reiterate that disheartening fact. Akers also scored 4 receiving TDs, which is a lot when compared to most of the RB draft corps.
Rd 4. (117th overall) C/G Biadasz, Wisconsin
Notables: 3-4 OLB Bradlee Anae, OG Shane Lemieux
The Logic behind the pick: Do I go with a depth DE or depth IOL? I went C Biadasz. He can be a backup center or possible competition at RG with Cappa. I’m thinking I can save the Bucs $10 mil in 2021 by moving on from Jensen or we got a new RG. Either way, we get a competent backup at center or RG between the competition of Biadasz and Cappa.
If the Bucs want to improve their run game, then that means you need to improve the interior. Last year, the weakest link was Cappa and he was given the starting RG position without competition. Biadasz has been opening holes for RB Jonathan Taylor at Wisconsin.
Rd 4. (139th overall) WR Tyler Johnson, Minnesota
Notables: Edge Alton Robinson and Anfernee Jennings, IDL Bavvion Roy, QB Anthony Gordon
The Logic behind the pick: Tough one here to choose from, again, between edge, WR, or future QB. Whoever is selected here is a luxury pick. Right now, the Bucs have three QBs under contract with Brady, Gabbert, and Griffin. It isn't necessary to grab Gordon now, but it would be nice. Jennings looked very enticing, but we don’t have a true WR3 established and I decided to go that way.
According to Sharpfootball, Tampa's 2019 personnel grouping had us using 3 wide receiver sets on 51% of our pass plays. This is a vertical offense that will use 3 WRs and we only have a WR1 and WR2 established with Evans and Godwin. Watson and Miller are still developing. Why not add a talented WR to this corps?
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With limited selections in the draft, it is impossible to fill all the needs for the team. I was trying to look for a defensive line help, but it just was not in the cards for it in this year's draft. In next year's draft, I don't have to worry to much about grabbing an IOL or WR3. Which means I have more assets to focus on the defensive line in the 2021 draft and it could be reduced if Anthony Nelson develops.
You should try TDN's mock simulator. Your draft simulation may be different than mine, but this is how I chose to play it. I had my mind set on a top-4 OT or DT Kinlaw and was stunned all five were taken.
== Next Gen Stats ==
Next Gen Stats created a video about ranking the top 25 draft score that accumulates the ratings of their size, production, and athleticism to possibly become a Pro Bowl player at the NFL level. I stumbled upon this video after making my mock draft because it was the next video after the Bucs-Rams Monday night game on NFL network, where RB Dunn launches for the TD winning score.
Out of my five selections, I nabbed three players on that Next Gen top-25 draft score ranking with S Delpit 21st overall on Gen Stats score rank, RB Akers is 15th, and WR Tyler Johnson is 9th overall. My other two selections were offensive linemen and Next Gen Stats omits them from this ranking set.
There are two safeties, three running backs, and five WRs on this Next Gen stats' top-25 draft score video edition. I was very surprised to see all my non-OLine picks be on that Next Gen skit, even though it's only a projection.
It was a fun mock because my five options at 14th overall were all taken before then and I couldn't trade down.
