3 QBs the Buccaneers could draft in 2020 NFL Draft

The Buccaneers just landed Tom Brady, but given his age and short-term contract, they could still target a young gunslinger to groom in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The main problem with letting 26-year-old Jameis Winston walk in favor of Tom Brady is the age difference. At 43 years old Brady has two, maybe three years left. So with the departure of Winston, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to focus on the young gunslingers to find Brady’s replacement and with a loaded 2020 NFL Draft class this is the perfect year. A lot of talent at quarterback will be entering the NFL in 2020 but who could fall to Tampa?

Let’s take a look at three potential quarterbacks the Bucs could take in this year’s draft, even after landing the GOAT in Tom Brady.

Option 1: Justin Herbert

The former Oregon Duck could potentially fall to the Buccaneers in the 14th spot of the first round if they decide to not go offensive tackle in that spot. The 6-foot-6 inch Herbert is a strong armed QB with good deep ball accuracy and the mobility to extend plays. Herbert has shown he can really launch the ball and with big deep ball threats like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin already in Tampa, he could find a home there.

More from With the First Pick

While for some a comparison to former pewter and red quarterback in Jameis Winston might seem like a negative, him and Herbert are quite similar. Both are strong quarterbacks who sometimes let the ball get away from them, both struggle with progressing through reads and tend to look for their first option. His ceiling, however, is through the roof and yet to be reached.

Justin Herbert has shown to panic a bit under pressure while with Oregon and needs work with blitz pick up. If these are things the quarterback whisperer Bruce Arians think he can work through, him and Herbert seem like a solid match. He may not be on the board by the time the fourteenth pick in the draft rolls around, he may not be there when the seventh pick rolls around, but if he is on the board the Bucs must consider Herbert.

Option 2: Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts is not going to be a first round pick, so this could be a great day 2 option for Tampa Bay. Hurts is a great option in Today’s NFL because what he lacks in his arm he makes up for in his legs. Jalen would likely flourish in an RPO type system and Tampa could easily transfer to that.

With the size of players like Evans, O.J. Howard, and Chris Godwin, the slant RPO type plays with a QB that could take off seems lethal. Like Herbert, Jalen struggles to go through his progressions as well. What could really help him is his pocket awareness. He seems to have a feel for every player on defensive line and finds holes to step into. He does struggle with his accuracy a bit. Having big targets to go up and get the ball is a huge plus for him.

Option 3: Nate Stanley

Obviously if given the chance the Bucs would try to get a quarterback like Jacob Eason in the 2020 NFL Draft if he is still on the board. However I picked Stanley as a project quarterback the Bucs could take very late. The reality is Bruce Arians and Jason Licht might want to wait a year before they take an early quarterback.

Taking a chance on a quarterback late in the draft like Stanley has very little risk and possibly a high reward. Nate played in a pro style offense at Iowa and he is the typical pocket passer type. He lacks in the ability to move around and extend plays. If the pocket collapsed in college for him the play was all but over. Stanley would be a major work in progress but so was Tom Brady right?