NFL Draft 2020: Best pick from each team in the NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Antoine Winfield Jr., Safety, Minnesota

Round 2, 45th Overall

This might have been the toughest one to figure out when it comes to the best pick. The Bucs did really well early on in the 2020 NFL Draft, getting (in this writer’s opinion) a top-five player in the draft at 13 with the selection of Iowa Hawkeyes offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, who will provide plenty of return on investment protecting Brady in their short term window.

But, there’s an even better value that they scored in the second round when they selected Minnesota safety Antoine Winfield Jr at 45.

So how can Winfield Jr. be a better selection than Wirfs? Well, let’s start with some of his scouting notes. He plays the safety position as well as any prospect in the 2020 draft class and provides plenty of versatility. He processes everything in front of him so well when playing in a single-high look, and has great ball skills. Let’s not forget about his ability to work downhill, as he’s a sure tackler near the line of scrimmage.

Todd Bowles’ defense struggled a bit in 2019 giving up big plays, but that happens in an aggressive scheme that leans heavily on the blitz and trusting your defensive backs to win in man coverage. Bowles will love Winfield Jr. to play in man coverage and man the back end of his defense. His recognition skills and physicality will fit in perfectly and he could be a centerpiece in the secondary for quite some time.