JT’s 2023 Buccaneers’ Mock Draft 3.0

The first wave of free agency is over and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster has taken shape. They filled many holes with free agents, but still have several key needs to address in the draft.

While I believe the Buccaneers will continue to add depth free agents in the coming weeks, here is my first post free agency mock draft with the roster as it is today.

19) Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee 

Weight is a bit of a backup option, but could be a realistic one if preferred picks like Broderick Jones or Brian Branch are off the board. It could even be a scenario where the Bucs trade back and pick up Wright in the mid to late 20s. Regardless, it’s a name fans should be familiar with.

Wright moves very well. He’s a great fit for the wide zone blocking scheme the team is planning to install and shines with trap blocks and getting into space. This is that much more exciting when you consider the fact that he’s 6’5 and 330+ lbs.

These movement abilities also translate to pass protection. He is very fluid side to side and should be an above average pass protector. He can provide an anchor on the right side of the offensive line.

50) Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

With only one top tier defensive end in this draft it really feels like the sweet spot for this position will be in the second round. Anudike-Uzomah is one of a handful of guys who could fall in that range who looks like a good fit with the Bucs. If he’s available then I would expect him to be high on Jason Licht’s board.

Anudike-Uzomah is a strong edge rusher who uses a wide variety of pass rush moves. He routinely required a double team in college and projects to continue to be disruptive in the NFL. Despite playing a vast majority of his snaps with his hand in the dirt I think he’ll be a great fit with the Buccaneers as a rush linebacker.

82) Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

If a player of LaPorta’s talent is still available in the third round then it would be excellent value. He tested like an elite athlete at the combine and it’s fair to assume that his best football is ahead of him. 

LaPorta is a flex tight end who makes his impact as a pass catcher. He can threaten the middle of the field and be a vertical weapon. Five years from now LaPorta could be the best pass catching tight end in the NFL and if the Bucs have a chance to get him here then he’d be a slam dunk pick.

153) Brandon Joseph, FS, Notre Dame

The departure of Mike Edwards leaves a need for safety on the Buccaneers roster. Joseph can come in on day one and fill that void. He’s an over the top ball hawk who can be a good part of their defensive back rotation.

175) DeWayne McBride, RB, UAB

One of my favorite running backs in the draft. He has excellent vision and tacklers just slide off him. McBride should thrive in the Bucs new zone blocking scheme and could even turn into the best running back on the team.

179) Puka Nacua, WR, BYU

Smooth and quick, Nacua brings a different element to this wide receiver group. With Dave Canales background as a wide receiver coach I’m confident he could maximize what Necua does well and develop him into a quality depth receiver.

181) Jake Moody, K, Michigan 

The Buccaneers are limited at kicker and we know this front office will invest draft capital into the position. Moody is the best kicker in college football and has a big leg to hit kicks from over 50 yards long. This seems like a natural fit.

196) Troy Brown, LB, Ole Miss

Brown is a versatile linebacker who does some of everything. He was one of the best players in the Mid American Conference before transferring to Ole Miss. He could be a quality depth and special teams player.

252) Tyson Bagent, QB, Shepherd 

If you’re looking to throw a late round dart at quarterback then Bagent is as good as anyone. He was extremely productive at the division two level in college and has physical tools to work with. For a team that has uncertainty at quarterback then a developmental pick late makes sense.