2013 NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-Round Mock Draft
By John Carey
Dec 1, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; DUPLICATE***Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones (29)***Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Jamal Payette (29) sacks Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback A.J. McCarron (10) during the third quarter in the 2012 SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Team Needs:
CB, TE, DT, C, DE, & OLB
Round One Pick 13: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Jarvis Jones has the potential to be one of the best players in this year’s draft, but due to some major injury concerns, he has slid down some draft boards. If he is still on the board when the Buccaneers are on the clock, they should run to the stage to hand in their card. Not only would Jones fill a need at Outside Linebacker, he would also be able to be the other pass rusher that Tampa Bay needs. He would have to work on defending the running game, but that would be something he could be coached up on. He would serve a Von Miller-like role in Greg Schiano’s defense.
Round Two Pick 12: Jesse Williams, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
Jesse Williams is an interesting prospect; some have him going as early as the mid first round while some have him as late as the third round. I’d personally slot him in the middle of those two. He isn’t developed enough yet to be considered a first round lock, but has the potential to warrant a second round pick. He is not an athletic pass rushing defensive tackle like Gerald McCoy, but more like a Vince Wilfork. He would fit nicely as a nose guard in the Buc’s defensive line.
Round 3 Pick 73: Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State
Gavin Escoabr is one of my favorite prsopects in this year’s class. He is an extremely athletic player who has the athleticism of a Wide Reciever, but the body of a Tight End. Former second round pick Luke Stocker hasn’t done much in his career, and he was a pick of the previous coach anyways. Escobar would be a nice addition to help further develop Josh Freeman.
Round 4 Pick 112: Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State
Jordan Poyer is a developmental Cornerback who wouldn’t be able to start right away, but could blossom into a very good player. He impressed during Senior Bowl practice week with his physical play, banging up on some of the taller Wide Receivers and getting them off of their routes. Greg Schiano likes to play press coverage, and that’s one of Poyer’s better attributes.
Round 4 Pick 126: Zac Dysert, QB, Miami of Ohio
From the way Greg Schiano talks about Josh Freeman, it seems that he isn’t sold on him as his starter for the future. The Buccaneers also need a good backup, so Dysert could be the backup for now and possibly Schiano’s guy in the future should Freeman not develop.
Round 5 Pick 147: Chris Faulk, OT, LSU
Chris Faulk was considered a second to third round pick by many coming into this season, but a season ending knee injury lead to his stock going down a bit. Faulk still has the potential to be a starter at the NFL level, and could be a steal in the 5th round.
Round 6 Pick 181: Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina
Devin Taylor is very intriguing as a physical specimen, but as a football player, he never really had the production that was expected, especially being that he played across from arguably the best college football player at the moment, Javadeon Clowney. He would provide some needed depth at the DE position, and if he could translate his physical attributes to performance on the field, could become a starter.
Round 6 Pick 196: Josh Evans, FS, Florida
Josh Evans was an okay player at Florida, often being outshined by his teammate, Matt Elam. Evans could serve as a nice backup safety along with his other former Florida teammate Amhad Black.