A Who-They’ll-Pick Mock Draft
April 22nd, 2020
Lifelong Bucs fan and Joe’s good friend, Bill Currie Ford general manager Sean Sullivan, happens to be one of the top students of the NFL Draft on the planet. For decades he’s been studying the draft year-round in his free time. Sullivan penned a 2019 column here on his must-have draft pick for the Bucs, and he did a fresh one for 2020, plus he offered a clear all-in fix at tackle.
Please enjoy his Round 1 mock-draft-to-the-Bucs below:
Forget about past failures. This is not the time to feel sorry for ourselves anymore.
We are one day from finding out who gets to play with Tom Brady (and Rob Gronkowsi). It’s so exciting to think Brady will lead our team into the 2020 season with expectations ranging from playoffs to true Super Bowl contender.
We must come out of this draft with instant-impact playmakers.
I have mocked the first 14 picks and who I believe the Buccaneers will pick. (Later, I’ll tell you who they should draft.)
1) BENGALS-Joe Burrow – QB – LSU – (No-brainer. Even the Bengals can’t screw this up.)
2) REDSKINS-Chase Young – DE – The Ohio State – (Best Edge in the draft)
3) LIONS-Jeff Okudah – CB – The Ohio State – (Too high for him)
4) GIANTS-Derrick Brown – DT – Auburn – (They need help everywhere)
5) DOLPHINS-Justin Herbert – QB – Oregon – (Fits their new offense)
6) CHARGERS-Tua Tagovalia – QB – Alabama – (Too good to pass on)
7) PANTHERS-Javon Kinlaw – DT – South Carolina – (Lost many from 2019 D-line)
8) CARDINALS-Tristan Wirfs – OT – Iowa -(Fits offensive system)
9) JAGUARS-Isaiah Simmons – LB/S – Clemson – (Best defender available)
10) BROWNS-Mekhi Becton – OT – Louisville – (Fits locker room)
11) JETS-Andrew Thomas – OT – Georgia – (Might be too smart for them)
12) RAIDERS-Jerry Jeudy – WR – ‘Bama – (Gruden loves Jerry Rice; both incredible route runners)
13) SAN FRAN-C.J. Henderson – CB – Florida – (Best corner remaining)
14) BUCS-Jedrick Wills – RT – Alabama – (Safe Day 1 starter at RT)
My pick: Henry Ruggs – WR – Alabama.
Backup pick (if Ruggs is gone): K’lavon Chaisson – DE – LSU.
–Your favorite Ford GM.
Ira with his good friend Sean Sullivan, general manager of Bill Currie Ford, Tampa’s first family of Ford. Sean will help you personally in any way he can. It’s the Bill Currie way. Click Ira’s nose to visit BillCurrieFord.com.
April 22nd, 2020 at 6:25 am
Ruggs w Evans, Godwin & Gronk would be SWEET!!! Then T in rd 2. How could you stop those 4, sprinkle in a RB in 1st 3rds and now we are talking. Let’s hope….
April 22nd, 2020 at 6:33 am
Strictly for Joe
The sun will come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
‘Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow!
Tomorrow!
I love ya
Tomorrow!
You’re always a day away
April 22nd, 2020 at 6:34 am
Looks good to me….
April 22nd, 2020 at 6:43 am
Would love this pick for the Bucs.
April 22nd, 2020 at 6:44 am
I know we keep wondering/questioning RT but it would be hard to pass on cre dee lamb in this situation. If Lamb or Juedy are there go for the throat. Get your tackle in RD2.
Evans, Godwin, Lamb/Juedy, with Gronk & Brate just a thought
April 22nd, 2020 at 6:59 am
Yah. Willis aint happening guys
He is probably best case scenario for bucs . He played right tackle cause Tua was a leftie (so blind side) but would eventually switch to left tackle in pros
April 22nd, 2020 at 7:02 am
Interesting read from Athletic about why you have to over reach for tackles and that there are so few every year that can really play in the NFL.
“There’s no team that feels good about its two tackles,” an AFC personnel man said. “Maybe one or two teams in the league. Everyone needs to get better.
“Where are you going to get them? You’re not going to get a tackle in the third round or the fourth round. If you want a guy, you’ve got to get a guy.”
And then Bob McGinn’s poll of 17 personnel people over the last two weeks showed four juniors packed together at the top with almost no separation. Scouts were asked to rank their top six offensive linemen, with a first-place vote worth 6 points, a second worth 5 and so on. Thomas led with 78 points and seven firsts but tight on his heels were Becton (75, five), Wills (71, two) and Wirfs (71, three). There was a precipitous drop off to fifth place in this year’s poll. That was Cesar Ruiz, who totaled 16 points. Others receiving votes were Austin Jackson (12), Isaiah Wilson (10), Josh Jones (five), Ezra Cleveland (four), Lloyd Cushenberry (four), Matt Hennessy (four), Hakeem Adeniji (three), Matt Peart (two) and Robert Hunt and Shane LeMieux, each one.
April 22nd, 2020 at 7:02 am
People need to think about the lines – O and D. There’s only one football to go around. There’s quality depth at WR, DT and RB in this draft. The value at OT drops off significantly after the 1st rd so get one of the big 4 OTs at 14 or trade back and get Jones or Cleveland and a day 2 pick. Get an RB, S and DT on day 2. Then look at WR, G/C, LB and a Pounding RB on day 4. There will be WRs with 2nd or 3rd round grades available in the 4th round.
Stick to the plan.
April 22nd, 2020 at 7:04 am
If we stay at 14 and Wills is there, Absolutely! Wills is my guy for Oline, RT.
But I want Simmons and Clyde! We can get a RT later. Remember, Brady gets rid of the ball quick!
Keep the other team from scoring……SIMMONS!!!!
April 22nd, 2020 at 7:06 am
Didnt Joe post years ago Licht does not draft offensive linemen especially in round 1? Sorry but I just dont see Tampa going oline with their 1st pick unless one of the big 2 or 3 drop to them. I hope they go dline or trade back and pick up some extra capital. In this draft they MUST GO rb in 1st 2-3 rounds.
April 22nd, 2020 at 7:22 am
Trade back in the first and get Jones or the RT from Boise. Then load up on defense. With Gronk and a new RT,the running game is night and day better. RoJo will be great. We need a safety and depth in the secondary and defensive line to be serious contenders. We could also use a guard to compete with Cappa.
April 22nd, 2020 at 7:26 am
Joes
You guys always kill it as the Bucs best website
Yet …Pretty sure you guys are going to feel the extra clicks with the additions from Brady and Knucklehead Gronk
The excitement on this site is absolutely blowing up
Congrats gentleman !
Now if we can just play some dang football Joe loves the additions, but Joe also knows that if the Bucs open, say, at Atlanta and then come home for the Chiefs and be 0-2 and then recover to a 3-5 record, then the shine will wear off in a hurry. There’s no easy ride here to get to 10-6 and the playoffs. Joe is hopeful and excited, but mindful that nothing wins on paper.–Joe
April 22nd, 2020 at 7:30 am
And Im also all for getting Wirfs if he’s there. Id rather play him at Guard so we can still use that beast.
Like I said the other day, imagine Wirfs at FB blocking for Big V at RB in a short yardage goal line situation. Jeeze, you cant stop almost 700 lbs of muscle, its just not going to happen.
April 22nd, 2020 at 7:47 am
The $10mil for Gronk makes a likely trade situation for Brate….$$$…….we don’t need Gronk, Brate & Howard…..there aren’t enough balls to go around….so, using Brate to move up or an extra pick would be good.
Do we know yet which 4th rounder we gave up for Gronk?
April 22nd, 2020 at 7:52 am
Between signing Brady and Gronk plus keeping the front 7 together Licht and BL have been on fire this off season, so I’m good with whatever decisions they make during the draft!!!
What does the addition of Gronk get us, 8,9,10 prime time games!!!
April 22nd, 2020 at 7:56 am
@TBBF, it was our second 4th.
April 22nd, 2020 at 8:02 am
Been a Bucs fan since the early 90’s and now live out of market but thinking this year I’m not even gonna even have to get Sunday Ticket to watch given how many times Bucs will be the 4:25 PM AGotW or play on TNF/SNF/MNF.
I really do want them to spend three of their first four picks on OL (1) and secondary (2). If we have two secondary pieces and an OL by the end of round 4, I’ll be ecstatic. I know it’s not typically the JL/BA way to draft OL early but they have to understand we have a QB whose only weakness compared to our previous one is mobility and moving the pocket.
Setting up the deep routes BA loves so much requires this as well. Hoping in the 5th or beyond we can pick up a speed merchant who can just run go routes to force safety coverage with Gronk down the seam to take more attention and give Evans and Godwin tons of single coverage.
If we don’t draft a downfield WR, Kenny Stills would look amazing in a Bucs uniform on this offense and his GM is Bill O’Brien so you know he can be had :).
April 22nd, 2020 at 8:14 am
I think we could trade back and still maybe get a guy like Becton who might slide a bit. Gotta work my mock draft scenarios today.
April 22nd, 2020 at 8:17 am
@Joes – I mean this in all sincerity. With the new traffic you can expect for the upcoming season, please for the love of everything Holy. UPGRADE THIS COMMENTING SECTION if not the whole site. It’s 2020 guys, level up this site. We love you.
Joe likes it. Therefore it stays. Secondly, Joe’s traffic already is extraordinary. It’s a nice thought, but unless the Bucs win, all the big names are rather meaningless to Joe and business here ultimately. Let’s find a way not to 3-5 first.–Joe
April 22nd, 2020 at 8:43 am
I don’t see the rationale behind picking WR at #14. Yeah, I know we need depth but, that can be obtained later. We have priority positions that need to be upgraded. Not to mention there’s only so many balls to go around between Evans, Godwin, and now Gronk.
OL/DL is the right pick.
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:03 am
Word on the street is they might take Tyroil Smoochie Wallace out of University of Miami.
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:07 am
Jeagan1999 Says:
April 22nd, 2020 at 8:14 am
I think we could trade back and still maybe get a guy like Becton who might slide a bit. Gotta work my mock draft scenarios today.
– Super risky!!! I think if Becton is there @14… No way you pass on him. Don’t pull a Tunsil again!
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:08 am
WR is just an option if Juedy or Lamb are still on the board. I don’t believe the Bucs are as “pigeonholed” as everyone seems. I believe the table is truly open for them, let the draft play out if anything don’t move up. Kinlaw, a RT, Taylor, Judy/Lamb, are all options at 14 if available and I wouldn’t be upset with any of them. Bottom line is there is going to be a player available that will make in instant impact at 14, yes even if it were to be our 3rd number 1WR.
The there aren’t enough balls to go around narrative is false, Winston threw for 5k last year, with only two receivers going over 1k
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:09 am
I think Buc’s brass got their eyes on Okudah, Simmons and CJ Henderson as prospects they’re going to move up to draft
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:09 am
If Becton, Kinlaw or Simmons are on the board, DAMN… Now that will be a tough one.
This is going to be intense!!!!!!
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:18 am
please realize:
we have basically swapped out jameis and perriman for brady and gronk…
think about that for a moment…
let it marinate…
and settle in…
yeahhhhh…licht got it done!
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:21 am
Percy Harvin, who wants to make a comeback, said he had a dream of playing with Tom Brady.
If we could get Percy Harvin cheap, that would be fun to watch. Instant upgrade to KR and we’d get the deep threat WR.
Hopefully he’s got those migraines under control.
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:31 am
My expectation is that either Willis or Becton will be there. If NONE of the OLs are there…not sure where we go. Kinlaw and Simmons are likely gone by then (in my head anyway). I doubt we trade up.
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:36 am
Chan:
Don’t see anything wrong with it. It is simple and user friendly. There is certainly not enough issues from what Joe can see for Joe to break his motto of “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” Comments are in chronological order.
If you are referring to the moderation element, Joe would have to start from scratch with a brand new software, system, network, etc. You cannot imagine the hassle, most and potential problems that would create. And it may not be better.
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:38 am
This would be my move (think this Licht’s thought process too), secondary (Safety) is Bucs weakest unit. There’s no bonafide 1st rd Safety prospect. They got young CB’s on the roster that they like but they aren’t legit #1 CB’s. T. Bowles wanna bring heat but u gotta be able to trust DB’s. Jason figures he can draft solid OT in rd 2, but he wants a dog at CB. They good w/ ROJO, really want a receiving RB, he can draft RB position in Rd 3 or trade back into the 2nd rd.
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:38 am
Brown over Wills for the Giants?!? And this guy’s opinion is Ruggs over Wills?!?! Wow.
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:40 am
Lol. Doesn’t matter who they draft. Bucs gonna implode.
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:42 am
becton, kinlaw, ruggs…
cool with any of these ballers at 14
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:48 am
Chaisson is the pick
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:51 am
I think this is what Im hoping for in the coming days/weeks/months
– Renegotiate Gronk’s deal to a 2 yr deal, freeing up cap space this year.
– Trade a Day 3 pick + OJ Howard to get back into 3rd round.
– Come out of the draft with a starting RT, rotational DT with pass rush upside, WR3, Safety depth, 3rd down RB, IOL depth, LB depth.
– Sign Tony Jefferson and Carlos Hyde (pending physicals)
It would be a winning offseason imo if this happened.
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:53 am
Trade for Trent Williams get tua to learn behind Brady… if he’s close go get him.
Williams would rather play for Brady than baker I bet. Get perine or Akers a safety. Zuniga for depth
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:53 am
And a safety
April 22nd, 2020 at 9:59 am
Ruggs? You must be drinking toilet water …. panthers -kinlaw ? Lol. Panthers want and will trade down.
April 22nd, 2020 at 10:07 am
Think about it. The Bucs trying to trade OJ, leaving Cam & Auclair as the 1&2 TE’s. So signing Gronk I would trade OJ & Brate leaving Gronk & Auclair as 1 & 2 TE’s plus saving cap space. In this scenario the Bucs are exchnging Gronk for Brate. Hope this makes sense.
April 22nd, 2020 at 10:18 am
I think Wills is the best tackle in the draft. However, i think some teams will pass on him because he played on the right side. Not having a lot of tape on him from the left side will make some teams look at the other tackles. This could be a real possibility unless one of the teams in front of us have a lefty quarterback. Can wills play left in the NFL? maybe. Theres a real chance he falls to us.
April 22nd, 2020 at 10:59 am
Capt obvious mock draft.
Stop allowing used car salesmen to write on your page.
April 22nd, 2020 at 11:17 am
@joe fair enough, we love you guys anyway!
April 22nd, 2020 at 11:35 am
kinlaw then willis….
GO BUCS!!!!
April 22nd, 2020 at 1:01 pm
I always appreciate a take from someone who understands the game well but just to keep things in perspective, last year Mr. Sullivan said Brian Burns was THE best edge rusher PERIOD in last years draft and he ended up ranking 4th among rookie DE’s. Just sayin…Clearly a great talent but also clearly, not the best.
I also believe (like seemingly EVERYONE else) That the Bucs will take any of the “Big 4” OT’s left on the board at #14 should one of them still be there. I think the biggest question is who they take if one of the is not.
I feel like this year because of Brady and now Gronk we will have an even greater need at picking players (especially in first 3-4 rounds) that have the best hope of helping us immediately as well as the next several years. Yes, every team wants to draft those kind of players but NONE of them are playing with TB12 the next 2 years! This would be a great year for our draft room to have “The Best Draft Ever”, don’t ya think? lol
#1 We HAVE to improve our O-line for Brady now and obviously for whomever our QB of the future will be in a couple of years. Winning teams usually don’t have below average O-lines. Our best chance is taking one in the 1st round. Football Outsiders ranked our O-Line 22nd at Pas Pro and 23rd in Run Blocking. USA Today ranked us #30. So yeah…clearly we need to get better THIS year and for the future.
#2 I feel like if RB’s CEH or Dobbins is there at pick #45 we will and absolutely should take them. A strong, shifty, pass catching RB has always been key to Brady’s success. Drafting one of those guys gives us the best chance at continuing that success. If not I could live with Zack Moss or Cam Ackers in the 3rd.
#3 BPA for Safety, number 3 receiver (with back up #2 potential) and DT with the rest of the picks with one exception: QB. I think they would love to draft someone like Nate Stanley in 5th. Maybe even someone a little better sooner!
2 years of training under Brady is dream come true for whoever that QB might be!
#4 Honestly, I’m just excited the fricken draft is finally here! We all need a positive distraction from all this craziness so I can’t wait to see what happens and who we actually get! Stay safe you guys! GO BUCS!!!
April 22nd, 2020 at 1:13 pm
Is it just me or are draft choices just like women:
Top 4 OL is like a decent looking girl who’d be a great mom. Safe choice, can’t really complain about it but you know it not going to generate much excitement.
Top RB, WR or Simmons is like that smokin hot blonde. You know for sure it isn’t the safest bet and some risk involved. But you know it is wayyy more exciting and the one you want to be seen out in public with.
Tough choice…..right?????
April 22nd, 2020 at 2:12 pm
Another pro for taking Juedy/Lamb, the Bucs tan roughly 70% of their plays with three WRs, so a high draft choice wouldn’t be a bad investment especially if you can get one of those two
April 22nd, 2020 at 4:10 pm
Henry Ruggs? Really?? WR is one of our strongest if not the strongest positions. We really need to get the Oline up to strength, gotta protect the QB and help out the RB.