Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft: Stud DL and more

While Ronald Jones has certainly flashed this past season, he doesn’t really seem to be the answer at running back. Florida State’s Cam Akers can come in day one and be a three-down type of back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Akers is a solid-bodied back who runs with violence and tenacity, and that also offers something as a receiver out of the backfield. If given the requisite amount of touches and a solid offensive line in front of him, then Akers has the potential to be a potent weapon in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense.

Despite having a young pass rush rotation of Barrett and Anthony Nelson, guys such as Jason Pierre-Paul and Carl Nassib are set to become free agents in 2020. While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may ultimately bring Pierre-Paul back, there’s nothing wrong with depth at pass rusher. That’s what Charlotte’s Alex Highsmith would offer to this defense, a quality back up who has the potential to start should the situation present itself.

While Highsmith is somewhat raw in his game, as well as lacking some length, the upside is worth taking a chance on. On film, Highsmith shows some good power moves despite a smaller-ish frame, with an ability to dip his shoulder underneath opposing tackles.

With their final pick, I have the Bucs taking Texas guard, Zach Shackelford to add some depth as well as potentially start. Shackelford has good size for the position and moves well enough to potentially play on a consistent basis at the next level. He’ll need to improve his overall strength if he wants to find long term success, but his blocking ability is enough to get him starting reps at some point.