The first wave of free agency has been kind to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not only did they re-sign both Ndamukong Suh and Jason Pierre-Paul, as well as franchise tag Shaq Barrett, but they also landed the biggest fish on the market: QB Tom Brady.
With Brady now Tampa bound, the Bucs are looking to end their postseason drought and hopefully become the first team ever to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium. Super Bowl LV will take place at Raymond James Stadium next year, and Brady would love nothing more than to get back to the big game with his new team.
But, in order to have a shot at making history, the Bucs will have to make sure they keep the 42-year-old Brady upright. Offensive line was a major issue for Tampa Bay last year, evident by the 47 sacks Jameis Winston took. Mock drafts everywhere have the Bucs taking an offensive tackle in round one of next month’s draft, the only question is which one? Charley Casserly of NFL.com thinks Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs will be the pick, but Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports thinks it will be Houston’s Josh Jones, though he suggests it might be a reach at No. 14.
Per Trapasso:
“This is probably the highest you’ll see Jones, but the Buccaneers have to take the offensive line seriously with Tom Brady in the mix.”
It’s interesting Trapasso thinks Jones at 14 could be a reach. In Will Brinson’s most recent mock draft, he predicted the Bucs traded down in the first round with the Las Vegas Raiders from 14 to 19, where they then snagged Jones. If Tampa Bay can acquire more picks by trading down and still grab an OT in round one, it might be worth the risk.
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