The Bucs Need A “New Age” Tight End in The 2014 NFL Draft

Mayock: ......Tampa Bay Buccaneers Need Edge Rusher, Tackle, and “New Age” Tight End in 2014 NFL DraftBy Leo Howell - Feb 19th, 2014 at 4:30 pm Dec 28, 2013; Charlotte, NCNorth Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85) runs after a catch during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated Cincinnati 39-17. Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY SportsThe NFL Network’s draft guru Mike Mayock had a conference call with the media on Tuesday, and it was an opportunity for one of the most well-respected analysts in the business to receive questions from various journalists from across the country. Mayock talked about a ton of topics, and you can see the full transcript of his conversation by clicking here. But he was asked specifically about the Buccaneers and what they should do with the seventh pick in the draft, and his answer seems to support the common thought process among the national media. When asked what he would do if he were running the Buccaneers, he said he would add an “edge guy.” He pointed to Khalil Mack of Buffalo specifically, and said that either Mack or an offensive tackle would be his first choice. He would then add that outside of those two positions, the team could use a “new age” tight end. Drafting Khalil Mack seems to be the conventional wisdom for the Buccaneers, and as long as Lovie Smith is willing to work him into his defense given his 3-4 linebacker skillset from college, it would be a great pick. Mayock said that Mack is a top-5 player in this draft class, and praised him as a difference maker. Outside of Mack, who could be gone by the time the Bucs pick at seven, an offensive tackle would be an interesting choice. Donald Penn isn’t getting any younger, and a franchise left tackle would be a huge asset for this team moving forward. And finally, the thought of a prolific tight end is something we explored in our “trade back” mock draft, which you can read here. Adding a player like Eric Ebron of North Carolina would give the Bucs a third receiving option who really creates mismatches. One of Mike Mayock’s favorite sayings is that the NFL is a “mismatch league,” and adding a tight end who can get down the field and make plays is a great way to create an advantage for the offense. http://thepewterplank.com/2014/02/19/mayock-tampa-bay-buccaneers-need-edge-rusher-tackle-new-age-tight-end-2014-nfl-draft/