Tampa Bay Buccaneers Complete 2014 NFL Mock Draft
By Erik Lambert
Sep 7, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Mike Evans (13) stands on the field during the second quarter against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Free agency remade the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster. Will this 2014 NFL mock draft show how they can bring it all together?
#7 – Mike Evans – WR – Texas A&M
I for one believe the Johnny Manziel talk is a smokescreen. Their needs at wide receiver are far more urgent than quarterback. So they take Manziel’s Texas A&M teammate Mike Evans. Pairing his 6’5″ frame and explosive lower body with Pro Bowler Vincent Jackson is something that can have an immediate impact on 2014.
#38 – Teddy Bridgewater – QB – Louisville
The second round is much more practical for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to seek out their quarterback. If they stay patient they might get lucky. Given that his stock has continued to plummet since a lackluster pro day a month ago, Teddy Bridgewater is projected to go as low as the early second round now. Getting him might be the steal of the draft.
#69 – Antonio Richardson – OT – Tennessee
The offensive line underwent changes in free agency but it’s unclear if they were for the better yet. Either way the unit still needs work at tackle and guard. Antonio Richardson is a big, heavy-handed and nimble tackle out of Tennessee with the ability to almost any position up front.
#143 – Ross Cockrell – CB – Duke
Lovie Smith doesn’t need his corners to be outstanding press coverage athletes. He needs them to be smart, tough and able to take the ball away. Ross Cockrell won’t win award for speed but he showed at Duke he can frustrate receivers in coverage and has a nose for the football when it’s in the air.
#185 – Tevin Reese – WR – Baylor
While Evans will make a home on the outside, Baylor burner Tevin Reese can become their dynamic option in the slot. He’s still very raw and unrefined but the speed and soft hands he showed on tape can be easily utilized by a smart offensive coordinator.
#221 – Larry Webster – DE – Bloomsburg
A dominant Division II pass rusher, Larry Webster has been on the radar of experts for months. His sheer frame is impressive by itself, having several characteristics of Julius Peppers. The current problem is he’s underdeveloped. He has to get bigger and stronger before his true potential can be unlocked. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would do well to put him under the guidance of Smith.