Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2017 NFL Mock Draft

Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws a pass in the first half against the Oakland Raiders at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL Draft is far from the present, but let’s take an early look at who the Buccaneers might be targeting.

Next in the series of 2017 Team Specific Mock Drafts, is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last season, the Bucs made good use of their picks to fill very obvious team needs.

In the first round, they selected Vernon Hargreaves III out of Florida to fill a need at CB. They then took Noah Spence with their 2nd pick, a player that had fallen down many draft boards as he was suspended indefinitely and ruled ineligible by the Big Ten.

They then made a very surprising move in which they traded up into the 2nd Round to select Kicker Roberto Aguayo out of Florida State. This move perplexed many as Kickers typically aren’t taken this high in the draft, not to mention that he wasn’t projected to be taken until much later in the draft.

But, when you want a player, you make it happen in the NFL. The scrutiny is coming on now however, as Aguayo has struggled mightily this season.

Tampa Bay rounded out the 2016 NFL Draft with selections of Ryan Smith (CB), Caleb Benenoch (OT), Devante Bond (OLB), and Dan Vitale (FB).

The Bucs have a lot of talent, but this team is still young and inexperienced. They still need to upgrade at a few positions and we will see if they can use the draft to enhance their roster.

Sep 24, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) is seen during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

#1. Jabrill Peppers – LB/S – Michigan

With the Buccaneers first pick, I have them selecting Jabrill Peppers, a player that is flying up draft boards, and even emerging as a Heisman Candidate.

It is possible (probable) that Peppers may not be available by the time the Bucs have their first pick in the draft. That being said, most of the bad teams in the NFL that are predicted to pick before the Buccaneers, won’t have as large of a hole to fill at the hybrid safety/linebacker position.

In addition, I think that Tampa Bay may see Peppers as a must have, and may be willing to trade up a few picks to make sure that happens. We saw them do this last year, and I wouldn’t put it out of the question.

Peppers is quite possibly the most versatile and athletic player in college football this year. For Michigan, he is currently taking snaps at: Linebacker, Safety, Cornerback, Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receiver, and Punt/Kick Return.

The man has incredible athletic ability, but he backs this up with high IQ on the football field. He is rarely out of place, and makes great breaks on the ball, in the run game and in pass protection. While he can play linebacker at the college level because of his strength and tackling ability, his speed and play making ability translates to an NFL Safety, which the Bucs could use badly.

I think we see this pick from Tampa Bay next year.

Oct 15, 2016; Akron, OH, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) tosses the ball after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Akron Zips at InfoCision Stadium. Western Michigan Broncos won 41-0. Mandatory Credit: Jason Mowry-USA TODAY Sports

#2. Corey Davis – WR – Western Michigan

Staying in the state of Michigan, the Buccaneers choose to upgrade at WR, giving Quarterback Jameis Winston another weapon in the passing game.

While it has been known for a couple years now, Vincent Jackson has lost a step or two, and is consistently landing on the injury report. With a young gunslinger at the helm, the Bucs need to give him more elite weapons in the passing game.

Mike Evans is a top NFL talent, but he is the only concern of opposing defenses at the moment, and Winston targets him….a lot. He currently sits at 3rd in the NFL in targets with 75 passes thrown his direction.

Teams can hone in on Evans, and make life difficult for Jameis. With another dangerous weapon, this could open up the passing game even more, and help Evans as well.

Corey Davis could very well be the solution to this problem. Davis isn’t currently a household name, not at all. He plays for Western Michigan in the MAC, but he has quietly been destroying the competition week in, week out.

If I said that a WR in college has 284 receptions, 4,524 yards receiving, and 44 touchdowns for his career, would you want that player on your team? My short answer is yes. That player is Corey Davis.

Davis is a great route runner with excellent speed for his size. At 6’3″ 213 pounds, he has great size for the position at the NFL and can be another big target for Winston. He also fits into the scheme in Tampa Bay, as they like to move their receivers around, which Davis does frequently for Western Michigan.

Some question the competition he has faced, but against Big Ten teams, Corey’s numbers haven’t dropped at all, with multiple 100 yard games and 4 touchdowns. There is no doubt that this would be a superb add for the Buccaneers Offense.

Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (94) reacts after the play during the first quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

#3. Carlos Watkins – DT – Clemson

The Bucs have some good quality across the Defensive front with Robert Ayers and veteran Gerald McCoy. But most would be willing to bet that they wouldn’t mind upgrading at the position.

Especially when McCoy is bringing in close to $16 million per year, developing talent under him is important.

In the 3rd Round, the Buccaneers could target someone more versatile, like Chris Wormley from Michigan, but I think they have to go with the big, but fast moving DT from Clemson, Carlos Watkins.