Alright. The dust has settled from the much-anticipated free agency period.
Most of the hottest names were swept up in the early hours of the legal tampering period(Tampa’ring amirite?). We mostly got a feel of how the BUCS’ offseason roster moves were going to be setup within the first three days of free agency. While there wasn’t a huge spending spree in Tampa, there were key additions and re-signings that changed the outlook of the upcoming draft.
Here, we take another look of potential players who could make sense for the BUCS.
The Mock Draft simulator used for this exercise is via PFF.
1st Round
Round 1, Pick 19: Mike Green 6’4 248 LB Marshall- BPA approach. The Bucs have shored up every position to at least serviceable. The brass brought back Nelson for depth and signed Reddick to start and be the immediate impact. This pick is likely more about getting off the field on 3rd down. Personal opinion: I’m thinking NASCAR package on 3rd down and longs of Reddick, Yaya, Kancey, and Green. The talent was too good to pass up, regardless of position. ( Other options: Edge Donovan Ezeiraku, safety Malaki Starks, Defensive Lineman Walter Nolan)
2nd Round
Round 2, Pick 53: Tre Harris 6’3 210 WR Ole Miss- In OC Josh Grizzard’s opening press conference, he stated that adding to the vertical game was what he wanted to do. Harris averaged north of 17 yards per catch the past two seasons, so his ability definitely does that. In his 5-year career, his lowest yards per catch was 14.1 in 2021.
Harris averaged just over 7 TDs a season over his last 4 years in college, split between Louisiana Tech and Ole Miss. He’s known for making the tough catches, as he brought in 61.5% of contested balls. (Linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr, Linebacker Carson Schwesinger, Corner Darian Porter)
3rd Round
Round 3, Pick 84: Jacob Parrish 5’10 198 CB Kansas State- Jacob Parrish is a potential day 1 starter at Nickel, but can also be serviceable on the outside. With Tykee Smith likely moving back to the starting role of Safety, the starting role of Nickel is now open. Either he or Christian Izien, as a defensive backfield depth piece, makes the secondary that much better. Even if Izien has to start early, having the flexibility to insert Parrish there and move Izien around makes the defense that much better. He adds excellent tackling ability and 4.35 speed. ( LB Chris Paul Jr, S. Kevin Winston Jr, LB Jefferey Bassa)
4th Round
- Round 4 Pick 121: TRADE: Baltimore makes an offer to move up 8 spots. BUCS Acquire Pick 129 and 203.
- Round 4 pick 129: Barrett Carter 6’1 230 LB Clemson- Barrett was once viewed as a potential day 1 or early day 2 pick. As his production numbers and everything else at Clemson dipped, so did his draft stock. The BUCS would love to bring that guy back out. Immediately, he could carve out a role on special teams and be an early down linebacker while being spelled with Sir Dennis or Anthony Walker in pass coverage, as they thrive in those situations. He’s very solid in the run game and adds value as a blitzing backer.
5th Round
- Round 5, Pick 157: Jonah Monheim 6’5 310 C USC- Versatility is key here. He's played a quality amount of snaps at every position up front besides LG, which fits perfectly with Jason Licht’s history of drafting versatile Offensive Linemen. He’d serve as a reassurance for the team’s future O-line development.
6th Round
- Round 6, Pick 203: Ollie Gordon 6’2 225 RB Oklahoma State- A year ago, there’s no way Gordon would’ve been predicted to see the light of the 6th round. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry on 285 carries in addition to his 39 receptions that went for 8.5 per. Then, last year, as Oklahoma State fell off the map, his production also declined. Still, 4.5 yards per tote and 30 catches. Taking a shot on him in the 6th makes a ton of sense, as he can contribute Day 1 on special teams. With Rachaad White in his final season under contract, the selection could be a smart financial move for the very near future..
7th Round
- Round 7, pick 235: Marques Sigle 6’0 197 S. Kansas State- Taking a shot on the speedster from Kansas State could make a ton of sense. He played a bit all over, slot box and a little deep. He could be the gunner opposite of another K state alumnus in Josh Hayes. Also adds depth.
What say you, BUCS fans? How would you react to the players/positions priortized in the Draft after the free agency period has settled down?
Would you prefer this outlook over the the previous Mock Draft 1.0?
Leave reactions in the comments below.