Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Nov 9, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Mike Evans (13) catches a pass and runs for a 75-yard gain against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half at Kyle Field. Texas A&M won 51-41. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Evans, Texas A&M
6’4″, 231 LBs.
The Player
Evans is unrefined in a lot of areas that would really worry me if he couldn’t do one thing… Go after the damn ball. He has insane ability at the catch point with hands, leaping ability and physicality and after the catch, while he is not overly fast, he is incredibly strong as a runner. Issues with his short area quickness and his route running are made up for by the fact that when he is covered, he is open.
The Pick
The Buccaneers need a quarterback from my perspective, but adding another weapon to the team always helps build foundation longterm. I don’t like the value of this pick seeing that Evans is lower on my board and this class is so deep, but he has some dominant traits that Tampa obviously fell in love with.
The Fit
Evans pairs with Vincent Jackson to form a basketball player-like duo on the outside and giving current starting quarterback Josh McCown a similar dynamic to what he had success with in Chicago. Evans ideally starts year one where can can contribute in the red zone, underneath and could play on the outside
Austin Sefarian Jenkins, TE, Washington
6’5″, 262 lbs.
The Player
Sefarian Jenkins is a huge tight end who makes an impact as a blocker and a pass catcher. Though his weight fluctuated last year, when he is at a good weight, he moves very well. He has a strong pair of hands and can dominate in the red zone. He needs to stay at a lighter weight to improve his movement, but he has big time potential.
The Pick
I think this was a bit a reach when looking at Sefarian Jenkins most recent season, but he has a host of intriguing tools that could be used immediately.
The Fit
Jenkins is easily the most talented tight end on the team as a blocker and as a receiver and could be number one on the depth chart by opening day. He is a huge target that puts whoever is starting at quarterback in a comfortable situation with a bunch of huge targets.
Charles Sims, RB, WVU
6′, 214 lbs.
The Player
Sims is a decent runner who can move between and outside the tackles. However, he is the best receiving back in this class. He runs great routes, has soft hands and is very good after the catch at the second level. He is not the type who will be a featured back immediately, but has value as a third down back.
The Pick
This is pretty rich for me for Sims. Top 70 pick for a middle of the road runner and someone who is more of a role player. This pick is even stranger considering their current running back depth chart that saw Doug Martin, Bobby Rainey and Mike James all have success during their careers.
The Fit
Sims could take over as the number 2 back on the depth chart and probably come in on passing downs and be a threat out of the backfield.
Nov 2, 2013; Fort Worth, TX, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Charles Sims (3) dives and scores a touchdown against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Kadeem Edwards, OG, Tenn. St.
6’4″, 313 lbs.
The Player
Edwards is a talented, powerful run blocker who moves very well and can bulldoze defenders. He is still very raw in terms of using his hands and pass blocking, but he is a freak.
The Pick
Edwards was not on my radar pre draft, but his tools are very attractive, especially at this stage of the draft. Good value.
The Fit
The Buccaneers offensive line does not inspire much confidence at this point so Edwards may have a chance at seeing some starting time at guard.
Kevin Pamphile, OT, Purdue
6’5″, 310 lbs.
The Player
A former basketball player, Pamphile is a freak all around and won in college off of pure power. However, he is a mess technically and will need to clean up his hands, feet and his instincts in order to be effective in the NFL.
The Pick
This is a reach for someone as raw as Pamphile, but there is certainly an appeal.
The Fit
I doubt Pamphile sees much playing time, but he is likely a stash player that the Bucs want to develop.
Robert Herron, WR, Wyoming
5’9″, 193 lbs.
The Player
Herron is a very talented downfield threat who moves very well and has soft hands. He needs to be a bit more physical and expand his route tree, but I am a fan.
The Pick
This was a steal.
The Fit
The Bucs really lack a downfield threat and Herron can add that dynamic immediately. At the very least, he will contribute on special teams, but there is a chance he is stretching the field as the number three receiver.
Oct 19, 2013; Laramie, WY, USA; Colorado State Rams defensive back Elliott DeAndre (13) breaks up a pass against Wyoming Cowboys wide receiver Robert Herron (6) during the third quarter at War Memorial Stadium. The Rams defeated the Cowboys 52-22. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports