The 2020 NFL draft kicks off next week, and while the event will be fully virtual this year instead of taking place among the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, teams will still need to be ready when it’s their time on the clock.
For the Buccaneers, it’s an especially important draft now that Tom Brady is their quarterback. Tampa Bay will enter the 2020 season with massive expectations, and anything less than a playoff berth will be viewed as a failure. So, it’s imperative the team does everything they can to address any glaring weaknesses come draft time. Last year, it was all about correcting the defense. This year, it looks like offense may take priority.
In Mel Kiper’s latest two-round mock draft over at ESPN.com, he sees the Bucs going offense early by selecting Georgia OT Andrew Thomas with the 14th overall pick in round one.
Per Kiper:
“I’ll stick with offensive tackle here, as it is the best way to help Tom Brady and a Bucs team that is trying to win now. Thomas started the past two seasons at left tackle for the Bulldogs, but he was their starting right tackle as a freshman, so he has some experience there. This is too high for a running back, but Tampa Bay could address that position in Round 2.”
In fact, Kiper has the Bucs doing just that in round two, using the 45th pick to take Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor.
“How about this help for Tom Brady? Ronald Jones II was in and out of Bruce Arians’ doghouse last season, so it wouldn’t be surprising for the Bucs to target a running back on Day 2. Taylor rushed for 6,174 yards in his career, but he also lost 15 fumbles, and that’s how you catch Arians’ ire. Taylor’s 4.39 40-yard dash at the combine was an eye-opener, though, and there’s a chance he’s the top back off the board.”
The Bucs certainly need help in the backfield, but those 15 lost fumbles by Taylor are certainly cause for concern. Tampa Bay used a second-round pick in the 2018 draft to take Jones, which hasn’t really panned out yet. While Taylor is talented, the Bucs will need to make sure ball security won’t be an issue for him if they decide to draft him.
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