The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a handful of glaring needs heading into the 2024 NFL draft, including two on defense that could battle for priority in the first round.
Many recent mock drafts have the Bucs opting for an edge rusher at the No. 26 overall spot, namely Penn State’s Chop Robinson. But the latest 2024 NFL mock draft from Dane Brugler at The Athletic has Tampa Bay passing on Robinson in favor of Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins.
Here’s what Brugler had to say about the pick:
The Buccaneers have more questions than established answers on their cornerback depth chart, especially after the Carlton Davis trade. Although his marginal play strength is a red flag, Wiggins is a high-level athlete with cover awareness that will appeal to coach Todd Bowles.
Corner is definitely a need following the Davis trade, but it feels more likely the Bucs would err on the side of going that route in the first round if one of the top prospects at the position surprisingly fell to them (Quinyon Mitchell, Terrion Arnold, Cooper DeJean). Wiggins has some upside, but it’s hard to imagine Tampa Bay passing on Robinson to take him.
Especially when you consider the fact that this year’s corner class is much deeper in terms of Day 2 talent than the edge defender group, this pick becomes even more puzzling for Tampa Bay.
To check out Brugler’s full seven-round projection at The Athletic, click here.
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