2021 NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers seven-round mock draft
By Ian Higgins
Round Seven
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. South Carolina. Sadarius Hutcherson. IOL. 216. player. 48
Although the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rushing attack offered a functional dimension to compliment Brady in their run to the Super Bowl, a distinct lack of dominant interior run-blocking limited opportunities for Jones and Fournette between the tackles throughout the course of the season. Needing to add this element of physicality to the unit, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can take a waiver on a physical prospect at the back-end of the 2021 NFL draft.
At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, Gamecocks’ guard Sadarius Hutcherson is a mammoth on the inside who can attack downhill against the most imposing of defensive tackles and clear lanes for his backs. Despite not being the most explosive off of the snap, Hutcherson leverages his size well to contain opposing linemen.
Having played snaps at left tackle for the South Carolina offense as well, Hutcherson offers unique versatility for a seventh-round offensive line prospect that will make him an attractive swing-backup in case of a bevy of injuries. Hutcherson would be an emergency fill-in for the position though, displaying stiff hips and slow, choppy strides when blocking in space.
Utilized as a mauling interior lineman in the run game, Hutcherson can alter the face of the Buccaneer’s rushing attack.
Scouting Report. QB. Notre Dame. player. 48. College Stats. Ian Book. 224
Although Super Bowl 55 MVP Tom Brady still has a year left on his contract, backup Blaine Gabbert will be hitting the open market this offseason, meaning the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to start making considerations for life post-Brady. Not needing to invest significant draft capital yet, Tampa Bay can still find a prospect within the 2021 NFL Draft sporting a legitimate resume at the end of the seventh round.
A three-year starter for the Fighting Irish, Book is a wily quarterback who thrives with his ability to extend the play outside of the pocket utilizing his mobility. Comfortable rolling to both sides of the field, Book makes throws off of a mobile platform time and time again whilst waiting for his receivers to create separation over the lengthy amount of time secondaries are forced to stay in coverage.
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Book can get antsy in the pocket, sometimes opting to scramble outside rather than bide his time and keep his eyes downfield. Consistently elevated by the play of dynamic exterior threats such as Chase Claypool, Book will need to reign in these escapist tendencies in order to become a viable backup to Brady in his rookie campaign.