Bucs Mock Draft Roundup 2024: Post-Free Agency Edition

The initial wave of NFL free agency has come and gone this week, and the Bucs did some important work leading into it and then throughout it. First, it was about re-signing wide receiver Mike Evans, quarterback Baker Mayfield, kicker Chase McLaughlin and linebacker Lavonte David. Franchise tagging Antoine Winfield Jr. was also part of the important in-house moves Tampa Bay made.

In addition to bringing back some of the bigger names, the Bucs also re-signed running back Chase Edmonds, offensive tackle Brandon Walton, defensive tackle Greg Gaines, quarterback John Wolford and swing tackle Justin Skule.

There were new additions as well, albeit with one being a familiar face as the team brought back strong safety Jordan Whitehead two years after he left Tampa in free agency. Cornerback Bryce Hall and interior offensive linemen Ben Bredeson and Sua Opeta were also among the Bucs’ latest additions.

So, those re-signings and new additions made up the first big wave of free agency for Tampa Bay. There could be more to come, of course, especially as the team looks to maximize value and find the best deals possible to address its remaining needs while staying within its salary cap constraints.

But where does that leave things for the Bucs as they begin to shift gears toward the 2024 Draft next month?

Tampa Bay still has needs, primarily at center, edge rusher and potentially inside linebacker, cornerback and tight end/wide receiver. What do the most recent mock drafts project, then? It’s time for another look in the latest Bucs Mock Draft Roundup, this one being the post-free agency (at least the initial period) edition.

Bucs Post-Free Agency Mock Draft Roundup

Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings (7-Round Mock Draft)

Round 1, Pick 26: Iowa CB Cooper DeJean

“Todd Bowles CBs will press you and get in your grill, but they also need to be able to pedal back in zone and play space. Cooper DeJean could fit well on the boundary in this scheme with his speed and instincts, but he also has the frame and physicality to rotate into the slot.”

Round 2, Pick 57: Alabama EDGE Chris Braswell

“It’s essentially a clean slate for Tampa Bay at EDGE this offseason, and Chris Braswell can assist YaYa Diaby with his speed-to-power and active hands around the arc.”

Round 3, Pick 89: Texas RB Jonathon Brooks

“There are questions about Jonathon Brooks‘ ultimate ceiling at the NFL level, but at his floor, he’s a scheme-versatile runner who can slash through vertical lanes with his speed.”

Round 3, Pick 92: Kansas OL Dominick Puni

“Dominick Puni played tackle for Kansas in 2023, but he projects very well at guard and center with his ability to play square. He could file in wherever Tampa Bay needs him.”

Round 4, Pick 125: Baylor DT Gabe Hall

Round 6, Pick 220: Auburn CB Nehemiah Pritchett

Round 7, Pick 246: Limestone WR Jelani Baker

Pro Football Network’s Keff Ciardello 

Round 1, Pick 26: Penn State EDGE Chop Robinson 

“Known for its vaunted defense over the years, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can’t resist seeing a player like Chop Robinson drop to them despite other pressing needs that should be addressed. The Bucs pull the trigger in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, bagging a dense, explosive pass rusher with loads of burst, twitch, and a violent first step.”

CBS Sports’ Kyle Stackpole

Round 1, Pick 26: Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

“The Buccaneers shipped Carlton Davis to the Lions, which made sense based on Davis’ price tag and Tampa’s previous moves (re-signing Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans). Kool-Aid McKinstry isn’t as highly touted as former Alabama teammate Terrion Arnold, but he has all the tools to develop into a consistent outside corner.”

Fox Sports’ Carmen Vitali & David Helman

Round 1, Pick 26: Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

“The Bucs traded Carlton Davis and some late selections to the Lions for a third-round pick on the first day of legal tampering. They’ll need at least one more corner for a rotation that includes Jamel Dean, Christian Izien (who was a pleasant surprise in his rookie season) and Zyon McCollum. Dean is the oldest of the bunch, but McKinstry adds more big-time experience after playing his college ball at Bama.”

DraftWire’s Curt Popejoy (2-Round)

Round 1, Pick 26: Georgia OT Amarius Mims

NBC Sports’ Kyle Dvorchak

Round 1, Pick 26: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu

“The Bucs ranked below average in pressure rate last year despite blitzing at one of the highest clips in the league. They then released EDGE Shaq Barrett for cap purposes. Laiatu Latu, PFF’s No. 1 graded EDGE in college football last year, would provide an immediate impact for a team looking to push deeper into the playoffs.”

“Tampa Bay has done everything in its power to retain its best players but the offensive line has taken a hit over the past few offseasons losing key players like Alex Cappa, Ryan Jensen, Ali Marpet and Shaq Mason. Graham Barton has played left tackle but projects inside at the next level.”

Sports Illustrated’s Luke Easterling

Round 1, Pick 26: Duke OL Graham Barton

The Athletic’s Diante Lee (2-Round – Subscription Required)

Round 1, Pick 32 (via trade with Kansas City): Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson

“Ryan Jensen’s retirement makes center an immediate need for Tampa Bay. Powers-Johnson has a great anchor and quick feet, and the power in his hands is evident. There are nuances in his pass-protection technique that can get him in trouble, but he projects out as a good starter.”

Round 2, Pick 57: North Carolina State LB Payton Wilson

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