In this mock draft I made sure to address needs at the offensive line and running back along with adding depth to other positions.

Matera’s 2020 Bucs Draft Picks

Round 1 – Georgia OT Andrew Thomas 
I’m in the camp that believes the Bucs need to take one of the top four tackles on the board. I probably would have gone with Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs if I had the choice, but in this situation he’s off the board. Thomas has a lot of power and particularly excels in the run game, which was a struggle for Demar Dotson. Thomas has great length as a tackle as well. You can plug in Thomas to improve the run game instantly with the possibility of moving him over to left tackle down the road if it comes to that.

Round 2 – Oklahoma DT Neville Gallimore
Gallimore has a ton of speed and is quick with his hands. He plays with a ton of energy and brings a couple of strong pass rushing moves as well. He’ll play behind Suh for a year but be in the rotation with a chance for a larger role in 2021 if Suh is gone. With Gallimore and Vita Vea on the interior line, it could be all gas and no brakes. He posted seven sacks over the last two years.

Round 3 – Florida State RB Cam Akers
I tend to agree with Scott Reynolds’ sentiment that the Bucs should flood the running back position. So even though the Bucs have Melvin Gordon and Ronald Jones, they get a very talented and dynamic back in Akers to play an important role. Akers brings versatility, athleticism, and a great ability get to another level or change direction. He’s really good as a receiver, and running behind as bad of a line that Florida State has shows that he can get still get the job done when dealing with adversity. He had two 1,000-yard seasons at FSU with 27 rushing TDs, in addition to 69 career catches for 486 yards and seven receiving scores. Now the Bucs have three above average running backs at the helm.

Round 4 – Washington OL Nick Harris 
Harris has played both guard and center during his time at Washington. I’m all for competition at any position, and I’m not saying Alex Cappa’s spot is in jeopardy, but it doesn’t hurt to know that you have someone pushing Cappa in training camp. And while Ryan Jensen is safe at center, his contract is up in two seasons and Harris can be developed in that time. Harris is an athletic run blocker that has enough mobility as well for pass blocking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdo8bTVNY8w

Round 4 (From Green Bay) – Georgia QB Jake Fromm
You got to have some sort of backup plan if Winston fails, right? Taking Fromm in the fourth round is an insurance policy in case something were to happen to Winston or he implodes. It’s a pick that you can afford to take a chance on a player even if he doesn’t play right away. He could learn from both Arians and Blaine Gabbert on the bench. Fromm is known for not putting the ball in harms way, which should be music to Arians’ ears, and though his arm strength isn’t the best, the coaching staff is smart enough to design an offense based on what he does best.

Round 4 – Syracuse Edge Alton Robinson
Standing at 6-foot-3, Robinson has a quick first step off the ball making him useful on third down situations. He still has some technique issues to work on, with Barrett, Pierre-Paul, and Anthony Nelson behind him, Robinson has time to build his game. He had 32 tackles for loss and 19 sacks in three years for the Orangemen.

Round 5 – Liberty WR Antonio Gandy Golden
It’s a rich class for wide receivers and players like Gandy-Golden are a reason why. Gandy-Golden has a great vertical leap to go up and get after the deep ball. As a physical receiver, Gandy-Golden does well winning his one-on-one matchups, and the fact that he’s a threat down the field is a good fit for Arians’ offense. The battle for third-string receiver is open if Perriman doesn’t return, and Gandy Golden should be in the running. He had back-to-back 1,000-yard years with 10 TDs in each season.

Round 6 – Michigan CB Lavert Hill
Hill might not have the size at 5-foot-10, but he has good fundamentals. Just as important, he has good hands to intercept passes, and he uses speed and anticipation to do so. Hill can get turnovers that the Bucs are looking to get more of. He can compete with M.J. Stewart for a reserve role. Hill had 20 pass breakups and six interceptions in his Wolverines career.

Click The Next Page To View My “Way Too Early” Bucs’ 53-Man Roster Projections