Tampa Bay Buccaneers mock draft 2023: Moving on without Tom Brady

Bringing Tom Brady aboard the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ ship was a wise move back in 2020, as it delivered the franchise’s second Super Bowl. But Brady’s addition, along with several other veterans, created a salary cap issue they’re still trying to recover from.

Last year the bottom nearly fell out completely, with the Bucs sinking from 13 wins down to eight, yet this was still good enough to clinch the dreadful NFC South. Now with Brady moving on, coach Todd Bowles will be relying on either Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask to lead the way.

Related: 2023 NFL mock draft

This is in conjunction with already losing several other veterans to free agency, including Sean Murphy-Bunting and Mike Edwards, while letting go starting left tackle Donovan Smith and key Super Bowl LV contributor Leonard Fournette.

Yet, the Buccaneers have just under $6 million to spend before hitting their 2023 spending limit. According to OverTheCap, Tampa Bay will need roughly $10 million to sign their own draft class this offseason. This means, barring any significant contract restructures, there is very little to no room for any more big free agent additions, leaving the 2023 NFL Draft as Tampa Bay’s best way to improve the roster from here.

The Bucs have plenty of draft capital, yet they also have several key needs to address before the 2023 season kicks off. Before diving into our Buccaneers mock draft, here’s a rundown of their needs and draft picks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft picks 2023

Here are the Buccaneers’ draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Round 1: 19th overall
Round 2: 50th overall
Round 3: 82nd overall
Round 5: 153rd overall

Round 5: 175th overall
Round 6: 179th overall
Round 6: 181st overall
Round 7: 196th overall
Round 7: 252nd overall

Related: 2023 NFL Draft rumors

Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft needs 2023

Here are the Buccaneers’ current draft needs before the 2023 NFL Draft.

OT
CB
S
EDGE

DL
WR
QB
iOL

Related: 2023 NFL Draft order

Tampa Bay Buccaneers mock draft

First round, 19th overall: Bijan Robinson, running back, Texas

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Aside from hiring a new offensive coordinator, we’ve yet to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers do anything to address their league-worst rushing attack last season. While we can expect to see Rachaad White take a step forward in his second season, should Tampa Bay really be counting on the second-year pro to single-handedly take this ground attack from the 32nd-ranked unit to above-average? Probably not.

Yet, adding another dynamic rusher like Texas’ Bijan Robinson may do the trick. Boasting Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will help whoever wins the starting QB job, but having a reliable one-two punch out of the backfield could be even more impactful for Tampa’s scoring attack.

Plus, like White, Robinson can help in the passing game, too, making his presence felt catching passes out of the backfield, turning short gains into touchdowns. Aside from possibly trading down to nab an offensive line prospect the Buccaneers like while collecting a few more assets, it’s hard to find a better option than Robinson with the 19th pick in the first round.

Also Read:
Bijan Robinson draft profile: 40 time, stats, scouting report, and NFL projection

Second round, 50th overall: Matthew Bergeron, offensive tackle, Syracuse

NCAA Football: Syracuse at Boston College — Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

As we hinted at with their first selection, the Buccaneers need to do something to improve their rushing attack from last season. Prioritizing an offensive tackle in the first round may be a wiser move in the long run, but having Tristan Wirfs, who may be able to convert from the right side over to left tackle, may allow the Bucs to be patient when addressing their needs in the trenches.

If so, landing a player like Syracuse’s Matthew Bergeron in the second round could prove to be a steal. Having primarily played left tackle with the Orange, Bergeron also has some experience playing right tackle as well. His work as a pass protector leads many to believe Bergeron can be a Day One starter at the next level while he continues to get stronger as a run blocker.

When it comes to adding a capable starter along the offensive line midway through the second round, it doesn’t get much better than the 6-foot-5 Quebec native.

Third round, 82nd overall: Jordan Battle, safety, Alabama

NCAA Football: Sugar Bowl-Kansas State at Alabama — Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

Another major weakness for the Buccaneers heading into the draft lies in the secondary. With safety Mike Edwards and cornerback Sean Bunting moving on, the Bucs have a total of 17 starts to replace in their defensive backfield and very little depth to rely on for a bigger role.

If a player like Alabama’s Jordan Battle is still available in the third round, Bucs GM Jason Licht should immediately turn Tampa Bay’s draft card. At 6-foot-1, 209 pounds, Battle would bring a bit more size to coach Todd Bowles’ secondary while also bringing the capability of a Day One starter.

Battle has a nose for the football, and he loves to use his physicality to his advantage. He could still improve his ability to cover, particularly in man coverage, but he still has respectable ball skills, picking off at least one pass in each of his four seasons with the Crimson Tide. He’d make for an intimidating safety duo, combining with Antoine Winfield Jr.