Bucs Add Multiple Defensive Starters in Latest 7-Round Mock Draft
By Hunter Haas
Tom Brady announced his retirement last month, bringing one of the most successful eras of Tampa Bay football to an end. The Bucs still employ several members of the Super Bowl-winning squad, but will the team go all in for a Brady replacement this offseason? The latest 7-round mock draft sees the front office add talent to other parts of the roster instead.
Bucs Add Multiple Defensive Starters in Latest 7-Round Mock Draft
Round 1, No. 19: Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa
The Bucs boast some impressive pieces on defense, but they need more firepower on the defensive line. Lukas Van Ness is versatile, showing the ability to play inside and on the edge at Iowa. Tampa Bay will deploy the jack-of-all-trades in several alignments, boosting the pass-rushing corps and run defense in one fell swoop.
Round 2, No. 50: Kelee Ringo, DB, Georgia
Kelee Ringo’s draft stock is all over the place right now, with some mocks having him come off the board in the top ten while others have him closer to the middle of day two. At No. 50 overall, he is still available on the simulator I’m using and would fit in with Tampa Bay’s scheme.
Ringo is a better safety prospect than a cornerback prospect according to my Big Board; with a need at multiple spots in the secondary, the Bucs can utilize the former Bulldog however they see fit. Surrounded by veterans is the best way to cover up the shortcomings in Ringo’s game.
Round 3, No. 82: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
The Bucs continue retooling the defense in this mock draft by adding a high-upside player at linebacker. Devin White has yet to live up to his lofty draft status, but Daiyan Henley can make an instant impact as a rookie. The Wazzou alum is athletic as it gets and never takes a snap off.
Round 5, No. 155: Emil Ekiyor, OL, Alabama
Tampa Bay’s offensive line was dismantled by injury last season, but even with perfect health, the unit could use some youth on the interior. Emil Ekiyor is a low-ceiling, high-floor offensive lineman that will give the team serviceable play during his rookie contract.
Round 5, No. 175: Chase Brown, RB, Illinois
The Bucs saw steady contributors from Rachaad White down the stretch, but selecting Chase Brown makes for a formidable one-two punch out of the backfield. Brown is a freaky athlete who runs angry and possesses game-breaking speed when he turns the corner.
Round 6, No. 181: Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
I expect the Bucs to add a veteran starter for 2023, with Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo leading the group of names in contention. Perhaps the team even takes a look at the former second-round pick, Kyle Trask, as the starter behind center. Either way, it should not stop Tampa Bay from looking to the future at quarterback.
Jake Haener balled out at the Senior Bowl, turning in one of the most impressive weeks in recent memory. Unfortunately, questions around his size and overall arm talent will push him to day three of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Bucs benefit in this mock draft, adding a potential future starter in round six.
Round 6, No. 196: Jartavius Martin, DB, Illinois
Jartavius Martin is another versatile piece for the secondary. He can play the slot, boundary, or either safety position, even if his upside is lesser relative to his peers. A steady contributor on day three is all you can ask for this late in the mock draft.
Round 7, No. 232: Brayden Willis, TE, Oklahoma
Cade Otton sits atop the depth chart, but the depth behind him leaves much to be desired. Brayden Willis is an exceptional blocker in space and shows real upside as a pass catcher. Whoever ends up at quarterback should have no shortage of weapons at their disposal.
Round 7, No. 253: Deuce Watts, WR, Tulane
The Bucs have shown a willingness to take athletic receivers late in the draft. Although the return on investment has not always been there for Tampa Bay, they take another shot here with Tulane’s Deuce Watts. He is creative with the ball in his hands and profiles as a gadget player in an NFL offense. Add his experience as a special teams standout, and it makes for a home run pick at the end of the mock draft.