Another day, another mock draft, and another offensive tackle going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round.
The Bucs landed the biggest free agent in franchise history when they inked quarterback Tom Brady to a two-year deal, and now the priority becomes finding protection for him up front. Former Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston was sacked 47 times last season, while Brady was sacked just 27 times in New England.
In the fourth edition of Touchdown Wire’s mock draft, Mark Schofield likes the Buccaneers using the 14th pick on Alabama offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., believing his size and strength will help take some of the pressure off Brady.
Per Schofield:
“Alabama’s Jedrick Wills Jr. is a rock solid pass protector. Under charting from Pro Football Focus, he allowed a pressure rate of four percent or less in each of the past two seasons. He is a dominant run blocker, and comes from a diversified set of schemes that makes him ready on day one to handle the tasks asked of an offensive lineman in the NFL. The 34.5-inch vertical he posted at the Combine also speaks to his explosiveness.”
Some mock drafts have had Wills going in the top 10, so if he fell to 14 the Bucs may have no choice but to grab the talented Crimson Tide star. Tampa Bay is in “win now” mode with Brady on board. Protecting the Golden Boy is a key part of ensuring their future success.
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