After a surprising season that saw them find their franchise QB in Baker Mayfield, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers now face an interesting problem in shaping the team into a legitimate contender in the NFC.
While they’re struggling to sign their most important players to long-term contracts, their preparation for the upcoming NFL draft should be hindered. Selecting a capable rookie that fits their culture might be the push that Mayfield and Mike Evans need to re-sign on more team-friendly deals.
The hot topic for many Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans is the kind of players the team will be targeting through the draft. The injection of right talent can transform the team into an incredible unit that can play on even footing with some of the best teams the league has to offer.
Pewter Report’s Adam Slivon listed out several exciting rookies that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be interested in, and we’ll take a look at their college numbers to see how they’ll fit in.
Potential Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie to watch out for in the 2024 Draft Combine
Payton Wilson
Payton Wilson of North Carolina State was one of the standout performers during the Senior Bowl, and his numbers show why he’s garnering attention. The senior completed 69 solo tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, three picks, for 19 yards and a TD, six pass deflections, two fumble returns for 10 yards, and one forced fumble.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah had this to say about Wilson:
“I love him as a player,” Jeremiah said. “That’s going to be everything with him with the evaluation. It’s just going to come down to what that looks like from a health standpoint because the tape is really, really good. I love the background stuff.”
Troy Franklin
Troy Franklin enjoyed a steady rise in production ever since he entered the Oregon program in 2021. In his third and final season with the Ducks, he caught 81 passes for 1383 yards and 14 TDs on 17.1 yards per reception.
He’ll be a solid contributor for the Bucs regardless of whether Mike Evans stays or moves elsewhere. Jeremiah is just as in love with his physical tools as much as his catching ability:
“It’s hard to find guys that big that can move like that,” Jeremiah said. “He’s 334 pounds. You can’t get through him. He just kind of catches guys and absorbs them. In pass pro, he is quick to the second level and good on combo blocks. He has some nasty to him. He is a bulldog. Got some real snap and pop in his hands.”
Jackson Powers-Johnson
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need reinforcements for their offensive line, and they could get Jackson Powers-Johnson with the 26th pick if he’s available. Franklin’s teammate also had a great season as he played in all 13 games he was eligible for.
Jeremiah had plenty of praises for him as well as other linemen in the draft:
“I think the top three centers are guys that fit that [versatile] mold as well with Jackson Powers-Johnson, Graham Barton from Duke, Zach Frazier from West Virginia. All of those guys can move you at the point of attack and are all over 310 pounds and they’re athletic.”
Which players will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pick?
These are just some of the players the Bucs can choose to go for in the upcoming draft. Fans who are interested in their rookies should observe their performances in the draft combine, look up their highlight reels, and see how they will drastically improve Tampa Bay’s game.
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