This week’s Cover 3 is going to be a lot different than ones that you’ve seen in the past, but you can’t get mad at me for it because it was your suggestion.
In one of the comments in my Cover 3 column from last week, a reader whose username is “spartan” asked if I would do a perfect mock draft for the Bucs. They said that I needed to obviously keep it realistic – not having something like Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson slipping to the second round for them to pick – but other than that they wanted to see what the ideal mock draft would look like for Tampa Bay if they could have it their way. That comment got more than 30 thumbs up, so I said, you know what, why not?
And because I’m such a generous provider of information to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers faithful – jeez, Trev, can you tone it down on the self-love? – I’ve come up with not one but two perfect mock drafts for the Bucs; one with a trade and one without. I wanted to do two of them with those stipulations because I always want to try to provide a full scope of plausible scenarios. Plus, I’m hoping the extra depth of positional importance and prioritizing gives you an even more confident feeling of what the team might do come draft weekend.
So, without further ado, click to the next page to get the first mock draft started.
Share On Socials
About the Author: Trevor Sikkema
I like both scenarios. Dont we have 2 sixth round picks though?
I would prefer Josh Jackson though to give us some size. Look at all the top corners in the league. I do not think it is a coincidence they are all 6′ or taller
Size is definitely ideal, but I think Alexander is a better cornerback than Jackson, so I went with him. Jackson would be a good fit for Tampa Bay, though.
They do! the site I was looking at for the list totally missed it! My apologies. Y’all have a free pick if you want to suggest another 6th rounder.
My suggestion for the other 6th round pick is Joe Ostman
I like it!
Both scenarios are fire! But ima have to go with the second just cause we get a chance to draft 4 studs early and heck yea joe ostman with the second 6throunder!
I prefer Josh Jackson as well, if for no other reason than Mike Smith’s desire to run more zone coverage, which we sucked at last year (apart from Grimes, of course), than man coverage. However, I agree with Trevor concerning Alexander’s athleticism and ball-hawking capabilities. However, I certainly won’t throw anything at my TV if we pick up Alexander instead of Jackson.
I agree with Andy above. If option 2 had Josh Jackson instead of Jaire, I’d be sold. But I would be completely ecstatic with either of these 2 scenarios!
Dang Trevor. Both of these really are perfect. I will say that you have me completely sold on Jaire Alexander. You started talking about him on here and on Twitter over the past couple months and at first I wasn’t about him at all. But after watching some more tape on him my heart has changed. Therefore, I think that my head tells me the second option of Alexander, Hernandez, Chubb, and Shepherd would be incredible. But as a UCF alum (National Champs baby!) my heart tells me to take the first option because Hughes is the man and Barkley… Read more »
I think it really is a good scenario for both if we could craft it this way — of course, they don’t have that advantage like we do in writing a mock.
Jaire is a stud. He has the attitude of a cornerback, too.
I like both scenarios. How do you feel about Kyzir White from WVU? Where do you think he’ll fall? He could be in play in the 4th if we don’t address the SS position in the first.
I like Kyzir. I thought he was just a strong safety, but then they put him in all kinds of coverages at the Senior Bowl and he did well. He’ll be a round 3-4 guy, and unfortunately that’s where I think the Bucs have to go trenches for depth. He’d be a nice player for the Bucs, just couldn’t fit him in where he’d realistically go.
Thoughts on Siran Neal in the 5th round? He’s in that athletic hybrid safety group that includes Minkah Fitzpatrick, Justin Reid, Jessie Bates, Siran Neal, Natrell Jamerson, Jeremy Reaves. Do guys like this fit our secondary better than a pure out and out SS (i.e. Derwin James, Kyzir White, Ronnie Harrison, Terrell Edmunds)? Although, as you noted, White is being slated to move into a hybrid role.
I’m a part of the trade back crowd and I think Trev just showed us why everyone should be.
That trade-back mock brought in way better value and is a much larger step to making this team a consistent contender.
IT IS DRAFT #2 HANDS DOWN!!!! Your logic on the difference between Ward v. Alexander and Nelson v. Hernandez is SPOT on. The Bucs have glaring holes to fill and the difference is marginal. (personally I think Alexander is better than Ward but what do I know). I’m a Sony lover so I would rather him over Chubb, but I would rather have Chubb over Guice. If it is Chubb I would then use our 4th pick (if he is still there) on Nyheim Hines. Our backfield is complete (on paper anyway). I’m completely with you on Pineiro, and would… Read more »
Trade down opens the possibility to hit on a lot of really good value in this class.
Gimme draft 2 please!
Trevor, with regards to your pick of Chubb, how wide of a gap would you say there is between him and Rashaad Penny? What is the biggest skill difference between the 2?
Chubb has more proven experience against better competition. I also think Chubb is a better blocker. Chubb also obviously a little more athletic. But, both big bodied backs who this team would prioritize.
In a trade down scenario that garners us a mid to late 2nd rounder (in that #47-#56 range), what would you think about Kerryon Johnson with that pick? He is a different type of back from the rest in this class (not big bodied) who gets the Le’Veon Bell “patient running style” comparison. Had great games against top defenses, has elite ball security, rarely busts on pass pro, almost never drops a pass, runs relatively hard and with good balance. He’s had some niggling injuries (a hammy in particular that slowed him last year). Thoughts on Kerryon Johnson and how… Read more »
I like both scenarios but instead of Alexander I would prefer Isiah Oliver or Josh Jackson.
Will Hernandez would be an amazing addition to the OL as he has that nasty streak that Jensen has, Bucs need an infusion of Mankins like attitude on the OL.
Oliver is really interesting because I don’t think he’s the kind of cornerback this team normally goes after but he probably should be. Much more suited to take on bigger receivers, which they need.
I literally like either one. Good drafts! I think we do have two 6th round picks though.. Let’s hope the Bucs draft falls somewhat like this! Also do you think Watts could go higher than people expect like Justin Evans last year as he’s another guy with, hopefully, coachable control issues?
They do have two sixth round picks! The list I was looking at totally missed it. My apologies.
And I think Evans was more highly regarded than Watts. I think Watts’ ceiling is more of an early Day 3 guy rather than Evans was a day 2 guy, but we’ll see. Maybe he could sneak into that late Day 2 area.
Great piece, Trevor! Congrats!
I liked the drat #2 just because the more players we can get, the better.
My only “bad” comment would be: No DE? I know we’ve addressed DL in FA but it would be nice to draft and develop a prospect this season (because they hardly pan out right out of the gate) that we have some kind of depth.
Go Bucs!
They have an extra sixth round pick I forgot about, so you can plug in a developmental DE there, if you so choose!
Thanks Trevor!
But who would you get with this “extra” pick?
A DE?
If we never draft another Kicker and only shop at the bargain basement for them for the rest of my life I would be happy!
Give me another developmental pass rusher or a kid who put up stats in college! DE – Marcell Frazier or OLB – Javon RollandJones
They’re both great but I’ll go with #2 simply because we would be getting both Hernandez AND Cappa, instead of just Cappa.
Not too bad but I don’t think we should go after a running back in first round of the draft. Saquon is a great running back but I think there are some steals out there, like last year, one of my picks was Tarik Cohen. Many of the small school players get over looked and I like Roc Thomas and Ito Smith (which I think we could snag both in the late round of draft).
How about this trade? If only 2 or 3 QBs get taken in top 6 and the big three are gone, Buffalo would love to trade up and get a QB. And since they are moving up for a QB you can ask for a little more in the trade. We get there 2 firsts and one of their second rounders for our first round and next year’s third rounder. This would still be less than the colts got from the jets for moving up 3 spots. Round 1 Pick 12 – Derwin James S FSU Round 1 Pick 22… Read more »
If Derwin and Guice both last that long, that would be the perfect mock draft, but I don’t think either would…
Thanks! I’m excited to see how all this unfolds next weekend.
Trevor I definitely like the trade down scenario. I used Fanspeak and did something similar but with 2 trade downs. The Bucs traded #7 to Buffalo for #12, #53, and #56. Then traded down with NE. Bucs traded #12 to NE for #23, #43, and #63. Bucs end up with 1 first rounder (#23), 5 second rounders (#38, #43, #53, #56, and #63). Realistic? Feasible?
In theory, maybe, haha.
That’s a lot of moving parts. Very doubtful anything like that would happen, even if possible with value.
No way Buffalo does that trade unless some good QB falls down, but the trade for the two first rounder picks is possible. The deal is too one sided.
I like the trade down but hope it is Buffalo. As far as NE I personally think they may trade down some for Mason R. Or Kyle L. At 255 I like USD W.S 6’5 and 4.4 sspeed speed
USF WR
While both look great, I’m definitely a fan of #2! It provides more top level talent to fill more holes! I have a question for you. If somehow Shaquem Griffin fell to the 4th (or we obtained a 3rd via trade down) what do you think about taking him to play Safety? He has the athletic ability to succeed. I haven’t heard anyone else mention this as a possibility so figured I’d see what others thought in case I’m just crazy.
I would be cautious to play Griffin at safety just because length means a lot for anyone playing defensive back and his hand disability comes into play more there. He’s fine to drop into coverage sometimes because of his athleticism and instincts, but he’s not a guy you want doing it as a primary job. You still have to, even as a strong safety.
Scenario #2 is better. We need more players… We need bodies at a number of positions. The trade-down helps.
I was hoping your trade would be with Buffalo for the 12, 22 and a 3rd rounder. Then I would go with Derwin James at 12 and Jaire at 22. Chubb in the 2nd and so on.
Option 2 for sure. Not sure how I feel about Shepard in the second thou. I like the late round Armani Watts pick. Ive had my eye on him for months now. Alexander, Hernandez, Chubb all instant starters. would be a great haul. Another dream scenario for me would be trade back with Buffalo. #12 Guice and #22 Jaire Alexander. Some people may think Guice at 12 is too high but IMO hes the best RB in the draft other then Barkley and he might not be there at #22. Or James at 12 Alexander 22 and Chubb in the… Read more »
Trevor, I am onboard with Mock #2, but please stop using the term automatic to describe a kicker. It makes me queasy when discussing draft picks used for Kickers.
Like both ur choices, but #2 better, but dont think NE would give up that bounty, so here’s my go?
rd1 Q. Nelson-ND-OG(Starter)
rd 2 N Chubb or S. Michel-GA-RB(Starter)
rd4 Jessie Bates III-WakeForest-S(Starter)
rd 5 PJ HAll-Sam Houston-DT(Wild card pic!)
rd 6 Nyheim Hines-NC State-RB(RB rotation/special teams)
rd 6 Kameron Kelly-SanDiego State-DB(Developmental at Corner Back and special teams)
rd 7 Q. Flowers-USF-QB(Developmental-replace Fitz after next yr)
Trevor, I would LOVE that plan B trade down draft!! I do have a question for you. First off, I’m with you and I absolutely love N. Chubb!! I think he is by far, the back with the best VALUE in the draft. Question: Although I like Watts, do you have any info to share on T Apke the Safety?? Can he play SS, or is he just a FS? His measurables are off the charts! Don’t know much about him as a player, are his skills close to Watts? Is he a comparable player? I love the 4.5 speed… Read more »
I don’t like either one. First of all, NO KICKERS! Second, I feel that our group of wide outs are better and deeper than given credit. So, no WRs.
This is my perfect draft.
RD 1 Barkley RB Penn St
RD 2 Josh Sweat De FSU
RD 4 ShaQ Griffin LB UCF
RD 5 Quenton Meeks CB Stanford
RD 6 Van Smith S Clemson
RD 6 Quin Bkanding S UVA
rd 7 Viane Talamaivao OG USC
Sorry RD 6 Quin BLANDING
Alright here we go! Why does everyone want to trade our 1st pick so bad to move back. So some team… that’s already good can come up and get better players and stay good. It’s a reason why we aren’t picking in the 20’s because we aren’t good enough. You guys do understand you can trade your 2nd and get more picks as well. Who cares about more picks it’s all about the right picks. You don’t believe me… Cleveland has been playing this game ,that you all want to play for years. And they are picking top 5 every… Read more »
Thanks Trevor – IMO we need to upgrade some aspect of our team into a dominant strength…we don’t have that anywhere right now. Your option 1 gives us the best RB in the draft, so that’s potential to make a dominant running game, but you don’t follow it with a real fix to the OL (I like your OT choice, but we’re probably starting Sweezy and D Smith still). So, I’m Luke warm. Your option 2 gets us the run blocking upgrade, but I’m not sure Chubb is much of an improvement over what we have now. So, I’m Luke… Read more »
As much as I would love Barkley on the Bucs, I would take the second scenario and not go to draft day if possible. I like Alexander over Jackson as well, but wouldn’t scream if either was the pick.
The Bucs need running backs. How about the second pick+ fourth or fifth pick? Better yet, C. J. Anderson! Demarco Murray as a fallen back option. Taking Anderson would frees up the second pick. Only 4 RB and is a Full Back on the roster.