AJ Turn-Up’s Buccaneers 7-Round Mock Draft 1.0

Pros:

Sideline-to-sideline motor – put up gaudy tackle numbers. Routinely cleans up plays all over the field.

Textbook wrap-up tackler with minimal whiffs, serving as a reliable last line of defense against the run.

Plus coverage skills for an off-ball backer, showing the chops to hang in nickel packages at the next level.

Stout at the point of attack, consistently winning the leverage battle and stuffing inside runs with authority.

Natural field general, quarterbacking the defense and earning the trust of the coaching staff as a team captain.

High-floor prospect who brings it every snap, logging double-digit tackles in most outings during his breakout year.

Special teams ace early in his career, offering immediate four-phase value as he develops into a defensive contributor.

Football IQ off the charts, displaying uncanny anticipation and always seeming to be around the rock.

Cons:

Lacks ideal bulk for an inside backer, potentially struggling to stack-and-shed against NFL-caliber road graders.

Straight-line speed is pedestrian, potentially limiting his ability to recover if caught out of position at the next level.

Minimal production as a blitzer, raising questions about his ability to impact passing downs as more than a coverage defender.

One-year wonder as a full-time starter, leaving scouts wondering if he can replicate his production consistently.

May need time to adjust to NFL offensive complexity after thriving in Iowa’s relatively straightforward defensive scheme.

Summary:

Jay Higgins has the potential to excel as a three-down WILL linebacker in a 4-3 defensive scheme. His exceptional instincts and coverage skills enable him to remain effective in various packages. Higgins’ tackling ability and proficiency in stopping the run should make an immediate impact, allowing him to contribute significantly from day one in both run defense and passing situations.

While his size and athleticism may be average, limiting his adaptability to various defensive schemes, Jay Higgins is well-suited for a 4-3 defense that features a strong front four. His experience on special teams will provide an opportunity for early playing time as he adjusts to the faster pace of professional football.

Although Jay Higgins may lack elite physical attributes, his impressive production, football intelligence, and versatile skill set establish him as a reliable prospect with a high floor. He’s likely to be selected on day two and projects as a sturdy starter with the potential to exceed expectations due to his consistency and multifaceted abilities.

Round – 2, Buccaneers Pick 53

Fentrell Cypress, CB, FSU

HT: 6’0
WT: 188 lbs

Accolades:

First-team All-ACC (2022)

Video:

Pros:

Shows fluid footwork and smooth transitions, allowing him to stay in phase with receivers throughout their routes

Demonstrates strong instincts in both man and zone coverage, anticipating routes and quarterback intentions

Versatile defender capable of contributing in multiple phases of the game, including special teams

Shows excellent reactive athleticism, adjusting quickly to sudden changes in receiver movement

Utilizes hands effectively to disrupt timing at the line of scrimmage in press coverage

Displays patience when defending deep routes, maintaining proper position and leveraging the sideline

Communicates well in zone coverage, relaying signals to teammates and identifying offensive concepts

Nice ball hawk, had pass breakups in a single season

Cons:

Lacks ideal play strength, which can be exploited by more physical receivers in press coverage and run support

Struggles with consistency in redirect ability, sometimes showing sluggish transitions in man coverage

Inconsistent in taking proper pursuit angles against the run, limiting his effectiveness as a tackler

Frame could use additional bulk to withstand the physical demands of the NFL game

Can get overpowered at the line of scrimmage when facing larger, more aggressive blockers

Summary:

Fentrell Cypress is a scheme-specific defensive back prospect, ideally suited for a zone-heavy defense. His fluid athleticism and instincts in coverage make him an attractive option for teams seeking secondary depth. Cypress has flashed high-level play, particularly in zone coverage, where he excels as a playmaker on the ball.

While he offers versatility with experience in both press and off-man coverage, Cypress may struggle in man-to-man situations at the NFL level unless he improves his ability to redirect and adds play strength. However, his well-rounded background and propensity for creating turnovers will likely appeal to teams seeking a developmental cornerback with long-term potential.

Round – 3, Buccaneers Pick 84

Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan

HT: 6’1
WT: 248 lbs

Accolades:

CFP national champion (2023)
Second-team All-Big Ten (2024)
Second-team All-Sun Belt (2022)
First-team All-Sun Belt (2021)
Freshman All-American (2021)

Video:

Pros:

Explosive first step causes instant problems for tackles, consistently winning the edge

Masterful hand technician who sets up rushes with euro-steps and stems, keeping blockers guessing with a deep arsenal of rips, swims, and cross-chops

Natural leverage player who plays with outstanding pad level, allowing him to get under bigger tackles’ pads despite lacking prototypical size

Elite motor shows up constantly on film – routinely makes hustle plays 15-20 yards downfield and racks up coverage sacks through pure determination

Sophisticated pass rush plan demonstrates high football IQ, consistently setting up counter moves and adapting mid-game when initial approach gets stymied

Surprisingly stout at the point of attack against tight ends, using natural leverage and compact frame to hold his ground better than size suggests

Quick processor who sniffs out screens and draws, showing ability to quickly transition from rush to pursuit when plays develop away

Scheme versatile player who’s shown ability to play both standing up and hand in dirt, while also displaying comfort dropping into shallow zones

Cons:

Undersized frame at 245 pounds (6th percentile) creates issues against power-oriented offensive tackles who can absorb his initial burst and reset anchors

Below-average arm length (32 3/4″) limits ability to consistently separate from blocks once offensive linemen latch on with proper technique

Struggles to maintain gap integrity against double teams and down blocks, occasionally getting washed out of his run fit on power schemes

Limited ankle flexion affects ability to bend the corner at sharp angles, forcing him to take wider angles that give quarterbacks time to step up

Can get overeager as a rusher, occasionally running himself out of plays by getting too far upfield against mobile quarterbacks

Summary:

Stewart’s skills would be maximized in a Wide-9 technique, leveraging his explosive first step, or as a stand-up rusher threatening both inside and outside tracks. His performances against top competition justify a second-round pick. Although his frame may restrict his potential as an every-down player, Stewart’s polished pass-rush skills and competitiveness make him an asset for immediate pressure. Notably, his improved hand usage from Coastal Carolina to Michigan suggests ongoing technical growth.

Round – 4, Buccaneers Pick 121

Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State

HT: 6’0
WT: 212 lbs

Accolades:

All-Big Ten honorable mention
Second-team All-Big Ten

Video:

Pros:

Displays exceptional instincts when playing downhill, showing quick diagnosis skills and the ability to navigate through traffic while maintaining proper pursuit angles

Brings the thunder as a tackler despite average size, consistently wraps up and drives through contact with impressive functional strength in the box

Versatile chess piece who can legitimately line up at multiple spots – shows enough range for deep safety while bringing the lumber closer to the line

Natural feel for run fits and gap integrity when playing in the box – rarely gets caught out of position and maintains disciplined edge control

Accelerates through his tackles with excellent closing burst, showing the ability to break down quickly in space without sacrificing momentum

Film study shows consistent improvement in reading quarterback eyes and pattern matching – growing comfort in zone coverage concepts

High football IQ evident in pre-snap communication and alignment adjustments – often gets teammates in proper position

Special teams demon who brings same intensity to coverage units as defensive snaps – projects as immediate four-phase contributor

Cons:

Can be overaggressive attacking downhill, occasionally taking himself out of plays by committing too early to his initial read

Man coverage skills remain a work in progress – tight hips show up when forced to turn and run with more athletic tight ends and backs

Despite solid testing numbers, doesn’t consistently show elite range when working as a single-high safety in coverage

Could improve block shedding technique – tends to get stuck on blocks longer than ideal when working through traffic

Sometimes loses leverage pursuing outside runs – needs to maintain better outside shoulder discipline to force plays back inside

Summary:

Reed is a physical, versatile defensive back who can fill multiple roles and make an instant impact on special teams. As he develops into a defensive contributor, his ability to quickly diagnose plays and aggressively attack downhill will be valuable assets. Reed’s explosive contact, reliable tackling technique, and effectiveness in the box or as an overhang defender will serve him well at the next level.

Reed offers reliable value in the middle rounds, boasting a high floor as an immediate contributor with starter potential. While refining his coverage skills will be key to reaching his ceiling, his special teams expertise and versatility ensure a secure floor. He brings contagious energy, consistently making an impact and setting a physical tone that elevates both practice and game day intensity.

Round – 5, Buccaneers Pick 157

Tommi Hill, CB, Nebraska

HT: 6’0
WT: 214 lbs

Accolades:

Honorable-Mention All-Big Ten (2023, Coaches, Media)
Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll (Fall 2024; Spring 2023)
Brook Berringer Citizenship Team (2023)
Tom Osborne Citizenship Team (2023, 2024)

Video:

Pros:

Tied for Big Ten lead with 13 passes defended. Shows natural ability to track the ball and make plays on it in the air. Instinctive when the ball is in flight.

Two-way player experience at CB, WR, and returner. Adds value as a Swiss Army knife for creative coordinators. Versatility increases roster flexibility.

Quick learner who adapted to position changes. Reads offenses well in zone coverage. Processes information rapidly on the field. High football IQ evident.

Four picks in conference play. Stepped up in big moments. Not afraid of the spotlight in crucial situations. Thrives under pressure.

6’0″, 195 lbs with room to add muscle. Has the length to matchup with bigger NFL receivers. Can improve play strength with pro-level conditioning.

Excels in zone schemes. Anticipates routes well. Consistently puts himself in position to make plays on the ball. Reads QB eyes effectively.

Experience as kick returner. Willing tackler. Projects as immediate contributor in the third phase. Adds value beyond defensive snaps.

Battled through position changes. Improved tackle numbers each year. Shows desire to compete and get better. Coachable player with upside.

Cons:

May struggle to keep up with elite NFL receivers in man coverage situations.

Only one full season as a starting cornerback. Relatively raw in terms of defensive snaps. Will need time to develop technique and positional instincts.

Performance fluctuated throughout college career. Needs to demonstrate more consistent play at the next level. Must improve week-to-week reliability.

Much more limited in man-to-man coverage compared to zone. May need a scheme-specific role initially. Could struggle if asked to play press-man frequently.

Average agility may lead to challenges against quick, shifty receivers in the slot. Change of direction skills need refinement for NFL-level route runners.

Summary:

Tommi Hill is an enticing prospect for NFL teams seeking a cornerback with developmental upside. His exceptional ball skills and versatility are major assets, but concerns about his top-end speed may initially limit his role. Hill is best suited for a zone-heavy scheme, where he can leverage his instincts and ball-hawking abilities.

Initially, Hill can contribute as a rotational cornerback, special teams standout, and valuable practice asset. His experience on offense allows him to mimic gadget plays on scout teams and provide unique insights from both sides of the ball, refining his technique and adjusting to the pro game’s speed.

Round – 7, Buccaneers Pick 235

Tyler Batty, DE/EDGE, BYU

HT: 6’6
WT: 272 lbs

Accolades:

First-team All-Big 12 (2024
Second team All-Big 12 (2023)
Independence Bowl Defensive MVP (2021)

Video:

Pros:

Anchor monster in the trenches, showcasing plus play strength to stack and shed against the run with consistent leverage.

Motor runs hot; relentless pursuit to the ball carrier with sideline-to-sideline effort, often making backside plays.

Toolsy pass rusher with a developing arsenal; flashes a powerful bull rush and an intriguing spin move to keep tackles off-balance.

High-level processor with quick play diagnosis; rarely bites on misdirection or play-action, allowing for rapid reaction time.

Uses his pterodactyl wingspan effectively to press blockers and disrupt passing lanes, creating batted balls at the LOS.

Scheme-versatile defender; comfortable playing in multiple techniques across the defensive front with consistent production.

Natural field general; demonstrating cerebral pre-snap adjustments and on-field communication skills.

Violent hands at the point of attack; consistently wins the hand-fighting battle to disengage and penetrate the backfield.

Cons:

Lacks that twitch off the snap; initial explosion is adequate but not elite, limiting his ability to consistently threaten the edge.

Can get engulfed by size when kicked inside; occasionally struggles to maintain his gap against combo blocks and down blocks.

Tackling technique needs refinement; tendency to lead with the shoulder instead of wrapping up, resulting in whiffs in space.

Hip tightness evident when cornering; ankle flexion and lower body pliability limit his ability to flatten to the QB.

Frame maxed out; may need to redistribute mass to improve functional strength for anchoring against NFL-caliber power.

Summary:

Batty is a high-energy edge defender with the potential to contribute on all three downs. He brings a blue-collar work ethic to the trenches, setting a firm edge and effectively stacking and shedding blockers in the run game. This skillset will likely earn him early rotational snaps.
In passing situations, Batty’s developing rush skills and quick play recognition enable him to be disruptive. However, his lack of elite bend may limit his ceiling as a speed rusher.

Batty’s versatility is a major strength. He’s comfortable playing various techniques across the defensive front, making him a valuable asset in both 4-3 and 3-4 systems. His exceptional processing skills and on-field communication abilities suggest he could quickly become a defensive signal-caller.
One potential concern is that Batty’s frame may be at its maximum development, which could limit his ability to add significant functional strength at the next level.

The Buccaneers get defensive in this Mock Draft. I mean, have you seen where the Buccaneers defense was ranked last year? This particular Mock for the Buccaneers fearures some names you might not be familiar with. At least not yet. Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht has a penchant for finding diamonds in the rough. AJ was able to do the same in this Buccaneers Mock.