Defense
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Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State): A massive 6'5" playmaker with sideline-to-sideline speed. Analysts see him as the ideal replacement for Lavonte David because he can stop the run and cover tight ends.
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Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina): Some mocks have the Bucs taking this "shutdown" corner to fix the secondary. He’s known for high-end man coverage and fluid athleticism.
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Cashius Howell (Edge, Texas A&M): If they want a pure pass rusher, Howell is the name. He’s an explosive athlete who could provide the "Edge juice".
Offense
Primary Offensive Targets (no random order in the draft)
Three main areas to support Baker Mayfield and the offense: Running Back, Tight End, and Interior Offensive Line.
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Nicholas Singleton (RB, Penn State): A senior with an elite mix of power and speed. With Rachaad White (which we know he said he was moving on) and Sean Tucker approaching new contract discussions, Singleton is a potential Day 2 pick who could provide a more explosive "home-run" threat in the backfield.
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Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon): Projected by some as a late 1st or early 2nd rounder, Sadiq is a big 6'3" target with explosive athleticism. He is seen as the "matchup nightmare" the team needs if they want to upgrade from Cade Otton to a more dynamic pass-catcher.
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Justin Joly (TE, NC State): A Day 2 prospect known for contested catches and high-pointing the ball. He is considered a premier red-zone threat who could immediately help Baker in scoring situations.
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Niki Prongos (OT/OL, Stanford): Addressing my concerns about the Offensive Front, Prongos is a potential mid-round pick who provides the versatile depth needed to keep the unit healthy and competitive.
Offensive Depth & Sleepers (no random order in the draft)
If the Bucs decide to take a "flyer" on high-upside players in the later rounds, I hope these names gain traction:
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Tyren Montgomery (WR, John Carroll): A standout from the Senior Bowl who set records in college. He’s an older prospect (25) but has shown he can high-point the ball effectively, which fits the "Mike Evans" mold but not as tall.
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Jaydn Ott (RB, Oklahoma): A fluid runner and capable pass-catcher who could thrive in Robinson’s system. He’s projected as a Day 3 selection (5th round).
I would like to see one of these hit the team if possible:
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Jurrion Dickey (6'5", 215 lbs)
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Nyck Harbor (Elite speed/size combo)
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Jalen Brown (Superior ball tracking)
If the hype about Styles is real he will be gone before the Bucs pick. There seems to be a few OLBs who will be hanging around at 15, so the Bucs can have a good selection. Right now at this early stage point toward the Bucs selecting a pass rusher.
Of course things change when scouting combine and pro days happen, but sometimes the media makes too much out of that and they forget what happened at the Senior Bowl. Except PR who never forgets the importance of the Senior Bowl.
If the hype about Styles is real he will be gone before the Bucs pick. There seems to be a few OLBs who will be hanging around at 15, so the Bucs can have a good selection. Right now at this early stage point toward the Bucs selecting a pass rusher.
Of course things change when scouting combine and pro days happen, but sometimes the media makes too much out of that and they forget what happened at the Senior Bowl. Except PR who never forgets the importance of the Senior Bowl.
I want to see who we trade up for (if that is even in the cards). I am not like others have stated about trading or signing an expensive player. I am glad we aren't going (hopefully) towards Kyle Pitts.
I'd be all for trading up because the Bucs need a leader, a keystone player for that defense, more than they need to just fill the spots. They need a star they can build around. But would they trade up for a linebacker, not typically a premium position? I don't think so.If the hype about Styles is real he will be gone before the Bucs pick. There seems to be a few OLBs who will be hanging around at 15, so the Bucs can have a good selection. Right now at this early stage point toward the Bucs selecting a pass rusher.
Of course things change when scouting combine and pro days happen, but sometimes the media makes too much out of that and they forget what happened at the Senior Bowl. Except PR who never forgets the importance of the Senior Bowl.
I want to see who we trade up for (if that is even in the cards). I am not like others have stated about trading or signing an expensive player. I am glad we aren't going (hopefully) towards Kyle Pitts.
Outside of a few fringe signings at LB and EDGE, my hope is that we're not too active in FA.
Hoping we trade back in the draft as well. Get more picks.
This is a team going nowhere with the dope at HC.
Continue to reset the cap, and make the more serious moves after next season when we (hopefully) have a new regime.
I'd be all for trading up because the Bucs need a leader, a keystone player for that defense,
they do
That player could come from FA too.
Solid list but I have exactly zero interest in drafting cornerbacks. We need our front 7 stacked.
Ott late is a solid idea.
So much of this depends on our approach to FA. If Licht is going to get aggressive on defense then we could afford to take a TE like Sadiq but if not we need help in the trenches.
None these "potential" players either. I want players that are junior/senior and actually produced. I don't wanna take some skinny end from Auburn because we like his combine....oh wow he can jump high and run fast in a straight line so we can teach him to be productive.
HARD PASS.
Get players that produce. I want to see some late picks and UDFA from Indiana and Texas Tech.
Rodriguez in the second trading up if you have to... Don't trade up from Styles. I want Styles but don't chase.
Early picks need to be: d-line, guard, LBs, TE
Late picks need to be gamers that have special teams experience
Edit: I'd also be fine taking a safety and moving Smith to slot corner or a third safety on obvious passing down. I don't wanna see him keep pinning his ears back and getting burned over the top.
Edit: I'd also be fine taking a safety and moving Smith to slot corner or a third safety on obvious passing down. I don't wanna see him keep pinning his ears back and getting burned over the top.
this
One of the interesting offseason stories. He cant play safety without changes and i think it was his request to go to safety. Not sure how he responds to going back to NCB