Good Morning Football host Peter Schrager has released his first mock draft just weeks before the actual NFL draft. Like many analysts, Schrager expects LSU quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow to go first overall to the Cincinnati Bengals and Ohio State edge Chase Young to go second to the Washington Redskins.
While it remains anyone’s guess how things will actually play out in a few weeks, it’s clear that people believe the Buccaneers, after landing Tom Brady in free agency, will go for an offensive tackle in the first round, where they hold the 14th pick. Names like Mekhi Becton, Jedrick Wills and Tristan Wirfs have been thrown around in previous mocks, but one name that seems to be coming up more and more is Andrew Thomas from Georgia. Schrager likes the big OT going to the Bucs, and believes he can help the running game.
Per Schrager:
“The Bucs may have landed the big fish of free agency in Tom Brady, but bringing back Ndamukong Suh, Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaq Barrett could be just as important in 2020. Keeping Brady upright so he can get the ball to his two 1,000-yard receivers is, of course, a priority. Thomas can play guard or tackle for Tampa Bay and was a dominant run blocker for a host of running backs during his time at UGA.”
Speaking of UGA, there’s also the chance the Bucs could try and draft Georgia running back D’Andre Swift. In Todd McShay’s post-combine mock draft the other month he had the star running back going to Tampa Bay in round one, and in his latest four-round mock draft, Chad Reuter had the Bucs snagging Swift in the second round.
One thing is for sure, the Bucs will need to find some help in the backfield for Brady. Right now, Ronald Jones remains the primary back since Peyton Barber left for the Redskins. The draft might be the best place for Tampa Bay to find a new back.
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