2021 NFL Draft: Recap and analysis of every pick for all 32 teams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pick Analysis. . . player. 48. Scouting Report. NFC South
1 (32): Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington
The rich get richer. The Buccaneers truly came into the 2021 NFL Draft with zero roster needs after bringing back the entire team that won it all last season. When you’re not in need, it’s never a bad idea to invest in positions of high value in general, and that’s what they did with Joe Tryon.
Although he opted out of 2020, he’s got EDGE1 caliber traits and should be a factor in the rotation with Shaquill Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul immediately.
2 (64): Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
Trask doesn’t blow anyone away with his arm talent or athleticism, but he has shown incredible grit throughout his football career. He wasn’t his team’s starter in high school but managed to still get a shot at Florida and wound up as one of the most productive single-season passers in SEC history this past season.
3 (95): Robert Hainsey, OL, Notre Dame
As a possible inside or outside player at the next level, I really like Robert Hainsey’s potential. Although there’s no guarantee of this happening, I could see him being Tampa Bay’s eventual starting right tackle with Tristan Wirfs moving to the left side.
If not, he projects well to the inside as well and offers depth.
4 (129): Jaelon Darden, WR, North Texas
In just nine games this past season, Jaelon Darden had 19 touchdown receptions and averaged 16.1 yards per catch. He was a big-time playmaker and despite his small frame, he brings explosive playmaking ability to the next level. This is a very fun pick for a loaded offense.
5 (176): KJ Britt, LB, Auburn
A thick inside linebacker prospect, Britt is more of a two-down run-stopping type than his new peers in the Tampa Bay linebacker corps, who excel on all three downs.
7 (251): Chris Wilcox, CB, BYU
At 6-foot-2, 198 pounds, Wilcox has an impressive frame for the cornerback position and athleticism to match. The big issue with him? Zero interceptions in 41 games at BYU. He didn’t get a ton of balls thrown his way but that is still notable and perhaps a leading reason he fell to the seventh round despite his traits.
7 (259): Grant Stuard, LB, Houston
In the seventh round you want guys whose game can translate to special teams in the NFL, and Stuard is one of those types.