The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will join the throng of NFL teams in Indianapolis this weekend for the start of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. After finishing 7-9 in 2019, the Bucs hold the 14th pick in April’s draft, and until we know what they do in free agency, it’s anyone’s guess which way they are leaning.
Still, it’s always fun to speculate with mock drafts, and if you’re a Buccaneers fan, you’d better hope this latest three-round mock from Chad Reuter of NFL.com is true. In the first round, Reuter has the Bucs selecting Iowa edge A.J. Epenesa at 14.
Per Reuter:
“Even if Shaq Barrett returns, as is expected, the Bucs could use another big body like Epenesa on the defensive line.”
But, it’s Reuter’s second-round selection by Tampa Bay that should have Bucs fans excited. Reuter thinks the Buccaneers will select Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins with the 45th pick. Dobbins rushed for 2,003 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. The Bucs could certainly use that type of threat out of their backfield.
In round three, Reuter has OT Ben Bartch out of Saint John’s going to the Bucs at No. 76, because let’s face it, if you take a guy like Dobbins, you are going to need some blocking for him up front.
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