At this point, we’ve all seen the usual suspects connected with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in just about every mock draft, but the latest first-round projection from CBS Sports has a name that Bucs fans have only dared to dream about.
In this 2024 NFL mock draft, the Bucs steal Florida State edge defender Jared Verse at the No. 26 overall pick, landing one of this year’s top prospects at the position, and filling their biggest need on defense.
Here’s with CBS Sports’ R.J. White had to say about the pick:
Verse is not expected to be available this deep in the draft, although the betting market has been trending toward him falling further than expected, possibly due to him not having ideal traits for the position. That would benefit the Bucs and help them fill their biggest need while not having to reach for a Chop Robinson type.
While Robinson’s athleticism and upside might be enticing, Verse is a much more complete player, with the polish to make an instant impact for a Tampa Bay team looking to win a fourth straight NFC South title. They’d much prefer to land an instant-impact defender like Verse in the first round instead of a more developmental prospect like Robinson.
Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton was already off the board, and while Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson might have warranted consideration, Verse would just be too good to pass up in that scenario.
To check out the full first-round projection at CBS Sports, click here.
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