Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2017 Draft

by HardHittnOzone | 8 years ago | 0 Comments

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2017 Draft


Even though the Bucs only had 5 weeks of drafting under the new coaching staff, the 2017 draft was successful for the team’s future building plans. The war room’s strategy was to draft “need” in the first round, “best available” in 2, 3, and 4, and try to hit on some “fliers” with 5, 6 and 7 picks.

Pick 1 – OL Sergio Guerrero (Miami)

Guerrero was a position of need for the offensive line. After losing the wildcard round in the playoffs against the Rams, it was obvious that the o-line needed help at the edge. Guerrero who comes in at 296 pounds played center in Miami is slated to make the transition and start at tackle. What Guerrero lacks in size, more than makes up in strength and physicality. He has the skills to play both the run and the pass and talent to become one of the elite offensive linemen in the league.

Pick 2 – HB Parrish Mayberry (Baylor)

Mayberry comes to Tampa with the second round pick as best available on the board (based on scouting). Mayberry shows great signs of speed, agility, and hands. He is only 22 years and has plenty of room to grow as the team moves forward.

Pick 3 – HB Anton Towns (Georgia Tech)

Towns’ explosive play potential is what caught the eyes of the coaching staff. Combine that with his athletism and his potential in becoming a bruising back and this could be a player that could develop into a “Doug Martin” clone.

Pick 4 – S Rashard Waller (Vanderbilt)

Waller is a balanced safety that can bring the lumber in run support and play coverage during the passing game. This is prototypical pick that the coaching staff was looking to complement the defensive scheme.

Pick 5 – CB Johnathan Watts (Central Michigan)

The 5th round was when the Buc’s coaching staff started switching to a more of a speculatory strategy. Watts comes in as a developmental corner with potential to become a nickel back by year 2. He displays wide receiver type hands and has good starting points to build on agility and coverage.

Pick 6 – LB Christian Connelly (Florida)

Connelly provides good attributes to be a day one starter for some of the teams currently in the league. He comes with good speed but his strength and physicality is what makes him excel. If Connelly’s development continues (and he takes serious) he has a really good chance in becoming the strong side linebacker for season 2.

Pick 7 – S Jarrell Jenkins (Hawaii)

What seemed to be a project 7th round pick for the Buccaneers turned out to be the Buc’s gem of their draft. Jenkins already possess the attributes and abilities the coaching staff values for their defensive scheme. Jenkins is a day 1 starter and at 21 years old he is sure to become one of the league’s elite safeties in the future. 



Team Draft Rating - “B”

Based on the amount of scouting available this draft exceeded expectations. The need was accomplished, best available paid off with “safe” picks, and the flier picks will be contributors sooner than expected. The only down grade has to come from picking back to back half backs based on the best available strategy. If the draft pans out as forecasted, that grade could easily be elevated to an “A-“.