SR’s BUCCANEERS’ 2017 DRAFT PICKS
Round 1 – Stanford RB Christian McCaffrey
The more I think about how Koetter could use McCaffrey’s skill set in Tampa Bay the more I’m intrigued by his home-run hitting ability as a runner and a receiver on offense, and his speed and agility as a returner on special teams. The Stanford star had over 6,000 all-purpose yards and 33 touchdowns in two and a half year’s worth or production. Licht trades down a few spots to select McCaffrey, who has Barry Sanders-like agility and start-stop ability, and pick up an additional fourth-rounder and seventh-rounder.

Round 2 – USC CB Adoree’ Jackson
The Bucs might stand pat at cornerback this year, but with Jackson, who is one of the best athletes in the draft, available, he’s too good to pass up as Brent Grimes’ eventual replacement. Jackson, a team captain in 2016, who had five picks last year, can play nickel or outside. He’s incredibly special in the return game, too, with a 15.9-yard average on punts with two TDs and a 30.5-yard average on kicks with two more scores.

Round 3 – Alabama S Eddie Jackson
Jackson is coming off a broken leg that shortened his senior season, but he’s a big-time playmaker with 10 career interceptions, including three TDs. Jackson, a three-year starter at Alabama, also excelled as a punt returner with a 23-yard average and two TDs last year. He’s an ideal centerfielder in Mike Smith’s defense and the Bucs can move Keith Tandy to strong safety. (Warning: profanity on highlight video)

Round 4 – Texas A&M WR Josh Reynolds
At 6-foot-3, Reynolds adds size and playmaking ability to the Bucs’ receiver position to complement Mike Evans when Koetter wants a big lineup on the field in the red zone. Reynolds, who had nearly 2,800 yards and 30 touchdowns in his Texas A&M career, has starter potential and could be groomed to replace Jackson, although he’s a different type of receiver. (Warning: profanity on highlight video)

Round 4 – Florida Atlantic DE Trey Hendrickson (via trade)
The Bucs use their extra fourth-rounder to select Hendrickson, who is a passionate, hard-working, blue-collar pass rusher with 29.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles in his FAU career. Hendrickson starts off as a designated pass rusher, but could eventually start opposite Noah Spence in time as Robert Ayers’ replacement in a year or two while making an impact on special teams as a kick blocking specialist.

Round 5 – West Virginia WR Shelton Gibson
Gibson is a developmental speed receiver to give the Bucs a backup in case Jackson goes down with an injury. Gibson, who had 17 touchdowns over the past two seasons while averaging 23 yards per catch, can be used immediately on special teams as a kick return specialist where while he is groomed behind Jackson, and could even challenge Adam Humphries for the starting slot role as a rookie.

Round 6 – Jackson State LB-DE Javancy Jones
Jones is one of the feel-good stories of the draft, and a player I’ve really come to like. I like the idea that he can challenge for the starting Sam linebacker job on first and second downs in Tampa Bay, while rushing the passer as a defensive end (18.5 career sacks and four forced fumbles) on third downs.

Round 7 – Luval TE Antony Auclair
Auclair is a big, 6-foot-6, Canadian tight end that needs some time to develop, but he’s a tremendous run blocker and a decent weapon in the passing game. Luke Stocker is a tremendously valuable player in the Bucs’ run game, but injuries are taking their toll on him. Auclair could be groomed to replace Stocker and stick on the Bucs’ roster as a fourth tight end.

Round 7 – Towson RB Darius Victor (via trade)
At 5-foot-7, 227 pounds, Victor is a bowling ball – literally. Victor, who is nicknamed “Vito,” ran for 3,309 yards and 41 touchdowns at Towson, including 70 yards and two touchdowns against USF this year. He’s an ideal short-yardage back that could challenge Peyton Barber for that role in Tampa Bay and contribute on special teams.

Now that the free agents have been signed and the draft picks have been made, here is a “way too early” look at a potential version of Tampa Bay’s 53-man roster to give you an idea of where the new Buccaneers fit. Click on the third page below to go to the Projected Bucs’ 53-Man Roster.