A Tampa Bay Buccaneers Complete 2014 NFL Mock Draft
By Erik Lambert
Nov 23, 2013; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz (86) catches a touchdown pass against the Michigan Wolverines at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
They don’t have a lot of picks to spare so the Tampa Bay Buccaneers must make them count. How does their 2014 NFL mock draft hold up?
Round 1 – Kony Ealy – DE – Missouri
Lovie Smith must recognize that if his defense is going to become a great one, which they can, he needs a pass rusher. Jadeveon Clowney is possible but not likely, but Kony Ealy of Missouri would be a high quality consolation prize. He has the size and strength to fit the defensive end role in the Smith Tampa 2 system and exhibits outstanding speed and hand usage coming off the edge, allowing him to find lanes to the quarterback.
Round 2 – Antonio Richardson – OT – Tennessee
Problem abound for the Buccaneers offensive line and they have to start adding some help, preferably at the tackle spots. Antonio Richardson has started the past two seasons for Tennessee at left tackle. His size and strenghth allow him to dominate in the run game while his heavy hands and long arms can wall off pass rushers provided he’s able to get hold of them.
Round 4 – C.J. Fiedorowicz – TE – Iowa
If Mike Glenno is the guy, and for the time being he is, then TampaBay must give him every opportunity to thrive. Adding another offensive weapon at the tight end position would be a big help. Most might overlook C.J. Fiedorowicz as more of a blocking tight end, which he is a good one, but the kid is deceptively athletic for his size and has the speed to gain separation from coverage to make tough catches.
Round 5 – Jeff Janis – WR – Saginaw Valley
Clamoring has gone one among Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans about adding more speed to the wide receiver position to compliment the bigger Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams pairing. Jeff Janis is a name most won’t recognize, largely because he comes out of small SaginawValley. However, after a strong Senior Bowl showing the young receiver is on a lot of radars due to his 6’2″ frame, sub-4.4 speed and outstanding production.
Round 7 – John Urschel – OG – Penn State
Guards are typically a position that can produce quality talent late in draft. The Buccaneers get a highly overlooked one when they select John Urschel. His great strength isn’t his size or power, both of which he has in abundance, but his remarkably keen mind. Not only a top guard in his conference, Urschel is an academic All-American. He is a thinker of the game and that should help him develop quickly.