Post draft many questions were directed at the Bucs staff as to why they didn't take an O lineman, which was perceived as a position of need. O Line coach Joe Gilbert let slip that they intended to but missed a target by one spot. Draft sleuths concluded that target must have been Cody Ford who went one pick before their second round selection. It seems like a reasonable guess, but from that point on they ignored the O line for the balance of the draft. Finally adding Zack Bailey as their top UDFA choice. So how do the two compare?
Zack was a highly rated recruit and had his choice between various SEC teams including home state USC. Ford was less highly regarded and chose Oklahoma among a few Big 12 offers. In college Bailey played 47 games, 38 starts, split between LG, RT, and C. Ford played in 29 games (redshirted) 21 starts between LG and RT. Bailey was named SEC All Freshman, and 2nd Team All SEC as a senior. Ford was 1st Team All Big 12 (coaches) and 2nd Team All Big 12 (media) his final season. Both players interestingly suffered broken legs during their college career, Ford early in 2016, and Bailey on the last game of his college career at the end of November.
At their Combine/Pro Day workouts, their numbers were nearly identical across the board, with Bailey having an edge in bench reps (24-19) and 3 cone (7.71-8.27). To be sure, Ford was carrying an extra 30 pounds when he put up his numbers, but Bailey was unable to work out for the events until nearly the time they were held due to his healing leg. Zack was about 20 pounds below his normal weight for the same reason. He has the height advantage of 2", but Ford makes up for it with longer arms and an extra 2" of wingspan.
Hard to say how different they will be as pro prospects. Ford certainly got extra attention by being part of a high flying offense and a very successful team in a wide open conference. Bailey toiled in relative obscurity, facing top NFL D line prospects on a regular basis. I don't think the difference is as large as it's made out to be.
