2020 NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round targets

Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

Scouting report found here

At 6-foot-7, 368 pounds, Mekhi Becton is one of the most physically imposing tackles in the 2020 NFL draft and can bring a new dimension to the offensive line. Similarly to Raiders tackle Trent Brown, having a player with such overwhelming size is something that can’t be coached, and when paired with proper technique is nearly unbeatable.

Even at his size, Becton displays quick feet to get outside and seal the edge against edge rushers. His massive reach allows him to get into the chest of rushers with ease and control their path back inside. At 368 lbs, many scouts may say Becton needs to slim down to at least 345 lbs to be suitable at offensive tackle, but his game tape shows the mobility needed for a zone-blocking scheme which demands mobility from all offensive linemen.

Across from Demar Dotson, Tampa Bay has lacked the franchise left tackle to protect Winston throughout the years, and Becton could uproot Donovan Smith from his place as a starter in 2020 with a good summer, showing the technique to handle the popular speed-rushers of today’s NFL.

Shaquill Barrett displayed the value of smaller pass-rushers with his 2019 season, collecting 19.5 sacks (1st in the NFL) at only 6’2″ by working under larger blockers and using leverage with his pad level. Pass-rushers adept at using hip-bend to cut the corner around the outside of larger tackles (ex: Von Miller) will be a struggle to block at 6’7″, but can be addressed with the right coaching and matchup-planning.