Ran this on PFF with neutral settings regarding "Public vs. PFF Board".
Also, no trades.
Lastly, took the mindset that we aren't fixing everything in one offseason.
So, with that:
RD1 - Jer'Zhan Newton (DL)
Ran this 4 times and he was available in 3 of them. So, I think there's a chance he falls to here. I'm running up to the podium with this pick. Easily BPA and that's with JPJ on the board. Shows he can move anywhere along the line and be effective. Absolutely explosive for his size. Him, Cancey, and Vea would be an absolute nightmare (and he'd eventually be the heir to Vita). Opposing lines would have to pick their poison with those 3 as a front.
RD2 - Ricky Pearsall (WR)
Elliss went right before this pick, and it's who I had penciled in. So, I went with BPA again with Pearsall. Would still most likely be our WR3 by the season opener and the future slot weapon after Godwin leave next season. Excellent hands, ability to make amazing catches, outstanding route runner, and knows how to get open and separate.
RD3 - Mason McCormick (G)
Reached a tad here (PFF Big Board has him as #95 overall), but this just screams Jason Licht. Played his entire collegiate career primarily at LG. Mean streak, strong finisher in his blocks, with road-grader mentality in the run game. Good leadership qualities and 57-consecutive starts shows reliability.
RD3 - Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB)
Like the majority thus far, I went BPA. We all know LVD isn't getting any younger, and Minter may or may not be anything more than spot starter/good depth. Trotter Jr. still needs refining, but LVD would be an outstanding mentor in that department. He's already shown high football IQ, outstanding coverage skills, and can get to the QB when called upon. In my opinion, he's better than White was coming out and will have a better pro-career (and we aren't burning a Top-5 pick for him).
RD4 - Theo Johnson (TE)
While his route tree is limited, he definitely presents more athleticism and a bigger vertical threat that Otton will ever be. Big frame, athletic, and not afraid to be a factor blocking in the run game. His size also presents very nice RZ target opportunities.
RD6 - James Williams (S)
Might make a positional switch, but could be used as a box safety of NLB in certain scenarios. Tall, long frame with good sideline to sideline speed. Could carve out a role as a ST standout.
RD7 - Donovan Jennings (OT)
Homegrown, depth and development for our O-Line. And, already knows where the locker room is located. Lol.
I just watched Newton vs Michigan and don't know what the hell you see in this guy.
I just watched Newton vs Michigan and don't know what the hell you see in this guy.
Saw a guy who required multiple double teams, was held multiple times, registered multiple TFL's, and I think may have batted down a pass (could be wrong).
Now, go and watch THE REST of his film from 2022 and 2023 versus cherry picking one of his worst games.
Hypothetically I’d rather see Wiggins, Barton, Powers-Johnson, Dejean, or Latu than Newton if we stand at #26
Wouldn't this mean they're giving up on Logan Hall after only two years? He was the 33rd pick. I could see them drafting somebody somewhere during the draft to build up the line and possibly be a starter down the line. But to use a first round pick would mean they're admitting to Hall being a bust wouldn't it?
@catherder - the earlier they realize Hall is a bust the better. You make it worse by holding out hope. He’s slow and he isn’t strong enough. Would have been fine as a rotational player take in the 4th or 5th round. But we reached to fill a position.
Wouldn't this mean they're giving up on Logan Hall after only two years?
If he’s BPA and Hall sucks…
Ricky went #38 in kipers latest mock
deep WR class though.
I think may have batted down a pass (could be wrong).
He did.
No edge?
Gholston doesn't think so:Wouldn't this mean they're giving up on Logan Hall after only two years?
If he’s BPA and Hall sucks…
"There was a guy who wasn't a rookie who stood and held his own, my guy Logan [Hall]," Gholston said. "I gotta shout Logan out because next year he's going to be a dominant figure in the NFL. You're going to know who that is."
For all the criticism Hall has gotten from fans and media members, Gholston's endorsement is one shared by others in the Bucs locker room. This past season Kacey Rodgers said the biggest compliment he can give Hall is from what his teammates say about him, going as far as to directly compare him to Gholston in terms of where he fits into the future.
That was from Pewter Plank in February.
Gholston doesn't think so:
Well, at least he has that going for him. Lol.
Well, having support in the "locker room" is not the same as the coaches or front office. But if he was on the way out you would hear one thing: crickets. You didn't hear anybody chirping about resigning Devin White. I doubt Vernon Hargreaves got much support, and he was at two years when he lost his starting job. Well he was on injured reserve his third year and then traded.Gholston doesn't think so:
Well, at least he has that going for him. Lol.
Speaking of cornerbacks, the Bucs drafted four Day 2 CBs in the space of four years starting only two years after Hargreaves was drafted. Now five years on from that three of those four are gone. Only Dean is left and this could be his last year. If there's one glaring omission in this mock its CB. It's true that Licht knows he can't fill every need in the draft, but I have to think he's going to use one of those Day 2 picks on a CB.
correction Hargreaves was cut.
I wouldn’t disagree with many of these (especially Newton at #26 - gotta consider BPA there).
Many of these names kept coming up when I ran the PFF simulator. You have to strip away bias and consider the analysis & rankings.
Although I’m not sure I like Pearsall, I like the selection of WR there, can’t argue BPA, so I wouldn’thate it.
Pretty solid overall.