Mock draft season is already in full swing, as the 2023 NFL draft process continues to ramp up.
The latest projection from ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. sends a surprise name to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round: Georgia Tech defensive lineman Keion White.
Here’s what Kiper had to say about the selection:
The Bucs could be in for an offseason of change, depending on what the NFL’s greatest quarterback decides. We already know they’ll have a new-look offense with coordinator Byron Leftwich getting fired. And even with concerns along the offensive line, I’m looking at the end spot in Todd Bowles’ 3-4 defense as their top need with Akiem Hicks and William Gholston both hitting the free agent market. Yes, 2022 second-rounder Logan Hall will get snaps on one side next season, but if they can add a starter here, why not do it?
White dominated at Old Dominion before he transferred to Georgia Tech in 2021. He missed most of that season with an ankle injury but had a dominant 2022, with 7.5 sacks and 57 total tackles. He’s another inside-outside lineman who would bring some interior pass-rush ability to Tampa. White will be at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, next week, and I know scouts are excited to see him up close.
It’s hard to go wrong projecting any defensive position to the Bucs in this year’s first round, considering what they’re set to lose in free agency. Outside of Vita Vea and 2022 second-round pick Logan Ryan, pretty much the entire defensive line group is headed for the open market this offseason.
White is one of this year’s more intriguing interior defenders in the draft, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see him move up the board in the coming weeks with a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, as well as the NFL Scouting Combine.
If that happens, a top-20 slot shouldn’t be out of the question, and there’s no denying he could fit a big need in Tampa Bay.
To check out Kiper’s full mock draft at ESPN, click here.
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