Even after adding veteran Randy Gregory late in free agency, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers still need more long-term help at outside linebacker, and they could end up using their top pick in the 2024 NFL draft to that end.
Currently slotted to pick 26th overall in the first round of this year’s draft, the Bucs might have to move up to land one of this year’s elite edge rushers. That said, if the board falls a certain way, Tampa Bay could luck out and land a bargain.
That’s what happens in the latest 2024 NFL mock draft from Pro Football Focus, which has Florida State’s Jared Verse falling to Tampa Bay at the No. 26 spot.
Here’s what PFF’s Nathan Jahnke had to say about the pick:
Jason Licht isn’t afraid to trade up to get his guy, but he probably won’t need to in order to find his Shaquil Barrett replacement. Last season, they had Barrett with his 56 pressures, and three players with a PFF grade around 60. They added Randy Gregory, who is coming off a down season, but even if Gregory rebounds, they could still use an upgrade across from him.
One of the most complete defenders in this year’s draft class, Verse was a dominant force for FSU last season. He can win with power and speed off the edge, but Verse is also a stout run defender who can stay on the field for all three downs in every situation.
To check out the full first-round projection at Pro Football Focus, click here.
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