If I had the opportunity, here’s how I’d approach this offseason:
Key Players to Re-sign
- Chris Godwin
- Lavonte David
- Ben Bredeson
- Greg Gaines
- Justin Skule
Key Players to Cut/Trade/Not Re-sign
- Jamel Dean
- Mike Edwards
- Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (JTS)
Free Agent Acquisitions or Trades
- Trey Hendrickson (acquire for a 3rd and a 6th round pick): Adding Hendrickson would provide us with a dominant edge rusher capable of winning one-on-one battles. However, our recent $14M investment in Haason Reddick raises some concerns about this potential move.
- Byron Murphy: A cornerback from Minnesota, Murphy has excelled in a multi-faceted defense under Brian Flores. He can effectively play zone, man-to-man, and is solid against the run, boasting six interceptions last season. He’s still young and has a lot of potential.
Draft Strategy
After making a few minor trades to optimize our positioning (including acquiring an additional 4th round pick), my draft plan would look like this (based on a Mock Draft Simulator):
- Donovan Ezeiruaku – Edge – Boston College 2. Jihaad Campbell – LB – Alabama 3. Traded to Cincinnati for Hendrickson 4a. Tez Johnson – WR – Oregon 4b. Darius Alexander – DT – Toledo 5. Cobee Bryant – CB – Kansas 6. Traded to Cincinnati for Hendrickson 7. Ben Yurosek – TE – Georgia
Overall Thoughts
This offseason plan prioritizes strengthening our defense. The addition of Trey Hendrickson would significantly enhance our defensive unit, allowing us to generate pressure without relying solely on blitzing. Todd Bowles' blitz packages would become even more effective when used strategically. With Murphy and McCollum forming a promising young cornerback duo, we can support our best performers from last season (Yaya and McCollum) by surrounding them with proven talent. This approach alleviates pressure on the younger players and introduces a new starting linebacker in Campbell. Additionally, Cobee Bryant could serve as a valuable nickel corner. We’re also adding depth to both the wide receiver and defensive line positions. Let’s see how far this revamped roster can take us in the playoffs!
That is good to focus on quality over quantity but the Bucs need depth beyond just drafting players.
Campbell won't last to late 2nd round. That's dreaming.
I love my Ducks but Tez ran a 4.51 which is slow for his size. He's very quick but that straight line speed makes sense having watched him.
Based on his size and speed I think he drops pretty far to 5th or 6th round.
I love my Ducks but Tez ran a 4.51 which is slow for his size. He's very quick but that straight line speed makes sense having watched him.
Based on his size and speed I think he drops pretty far to 5th or 6th round.
At that point in the 6th round he is worth a shot.
@firebowles2023 - I guarantee he goes before the 6th round.
@alldaway - I’m not sure where you’re getting that from my plan? I didn’t go that in-depth.
I love my Ducks but Tez ran a 4.51 which is slow for his size. He's very quick but that straight line speed makes sense having watched him.
Based on his size and speed I think he drops pretty far to 5th or 6th round.
That was a surprising time. He sure plays faster than that, but it's definitely going to drop him.
I do not think Tez goes undrafted but if I am the Bucs FO you definitely want to throw a draft pick at him in round 6. Bucs do need to look for WRs that can bring some juice to attack the seem or shallow zone concepts.
Campbell won't last to late 2nd round. That's dreaming.
I think he might slip to the top of the 2nd round but where the Bucs pick it would be a dream come true.
