Way-too-early Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Draft preview

The 2023 NFL Draft is April 27-29 in Kansas City. Here is the projected first-round order, per Tankathon.

2022 record: 8-9 | Potential first-round pick: No. 19 | Team needs: LB, RB, TE

Snapshot: Tampa Bay is happy to be living in Tom Brady's world for as long as he lets it. The Buccaneers were among the many 2022 disappointments, but unlike the Broncos, Packers, or Rams, Tampa Bay is in the postseason. It can thank a horrible division for that. By qualifying for the playoffs, the team will pick no higher than 18th overall. If Brady leads the Bucs deep into the playoffs, the pick will lose even more value. 

Potential first-round picks: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame; Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas; Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

Brady could blow up Tampa Bay's offseason by leaving in free agency, thus putting the Bucs in the market for a QB.

Mayer, the top tight end prospect, is projected to go to Tampa Bay, per Tankathon. He ranks as the 11th overall prospect, according to ESPN, and is the rare TE who's worth a first-round pick. Mayer was Notre Dame's most reliable offensive weapon, finishing 2022 with 67 receptions, 809 yards, and nine touchdowns.

Robinson is ranked ninth, per ESPN's rankings. He's a crafty runner with exciting potential. While running backs have lost their value in the draft over the years, he would be a strong choice. One of his best highlights is this touchdown run against Oklahoma that's reminiscent of Reggie Bush's cutback ability.