In this complete Buccaneers 2019 NFL mock draft, Tampa Bay welcomes a haul of young and talented prospects capable of making an immediate impact as potential starters in the not-too-distant future.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hit the reset button this offseason with the hiring of new coach Bruce Arians and the re-commitment to quarterback Jameis Winston. And that’s a good thing. Winston’s quest to be one of the NFL’s premier players is far from over, and if anyone will help him reach his goals, it’s Arians.
But Winston can’t do it alone, and the Buccaneers need to hit on multiple picks in the 2019 NFL Draft — especially on defense — in order to round out this roster.
Tampa Bay holds the fifth pick overall, and while most analysts are projecting LSU’s Devin White at that spot, there’s a solid chance the Buccaneers will consider trading out to a team trying to jump the Giants (No. 6 overall) for a quarterback.
For purposes of this mock draft, we’ll assume Tampa Bay keeps the pick. Let’s go!
Round 1, Pick 5: Rashan Gary | EDGE | Michigan
Surprise! The pick isn’t Devin White! Instead, the Buccaneers go with pure upside at No. 5 overall in Michigan’s Rashan Gary, a prospect who some would say looks like Tarzan and plays like Jane.
And while this pick is certain to rile up the Tampa Bay fan base, it’s not completely out of the question. Gary is a coveted prospect in NFL circles and he’s going to be a top-10 pick. Not to mention, he’s an ideal fit at the 5-tech for the Bucs.
The main reason fans are skeptical about Gary is his lack of big-time production at Michigan. For as blessed of an athlete as he is, he managed just 3.5 sacks in 2018 and has just 9.5 in his three seasons as a Wolverine. But the former No. 1 high school recruit in the country still has untapped potential as an edge defender.
NFL coaches like to think they can get the most out of players and view guys like Gary as the ultimate coach’s challenge. He’ll be a very high pick, and if he hits, he’ll bring a very high reward to Tampa Bay.