As a die-hard Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, I couldn’t help but analyze their performance in the 2023 NFL Draft. Looking at their picks and trades, I have to say I’m impressed overall. The Bucs did an excellent job addressing their pressing needs on both sides of the ball, particularly with their top two draft choices. With the potential of these rookies combined with the current star-studded roster, the Buccaneers look poised to make a deep playoff run in the next few seasons.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 NFL Draft Grade Roundup
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had an eventful 2023 NFL Draft, with a total of nine picks. In this article, we will provide a brief overview of each pick made by the Buccaneers, as well as an overall grade for their performance in the draft.
Round 1, Pick 15: William Martin, CB, Alabama
The Buccaneers started their draft strong with the selection of William Martin, a talented cornerback from Alabama. Martin has excellent size and athleticism for his position, and he has shown consistently strong cover skills throughout his college career. He should be an immediate contributor to the Buccaneers’ secondary and help shore up a defense that struggled to stop the pass last season.
Grade: A
Round 2, Pick 46: Victor Vargas, LB, Ohio State
The Buccaneers continued to add to their defense with the selection of Victor Vargas, a hard-hitting linebacker from Ohio State. Vargas is an athletic defender who has the potential to be dominant against the run and contribute in pass coverage as well. He will need some time to adjust to the NFL level, but his physical gifts should make him an asset to the Buccaneers’ defense in the long run.
Grade: B+
Round 3, Pick 80: Alex Trevino, OT, Texas A&M
The Buccaneers addressed a pressing need by selecting Alex Trevino, an offensive tackle from Texas A&M, in the third round. Trevino is a powerful blocker who has strong technique and excellent mobility for his size. He could immediately slot in as the team’s starting right tackle and help protect quarterback Jameis Winston’s blindside.
Grade: A-
Round 4, Pick 112: Sammy Brown, DT, Clemson
Sammy Brown, a defensive tackle from Clemson, was the Buccaneers’ fourth-round pick. Brown is a disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line, and he has the size and strength to take on double teams and make plays against the run. He also has some pass-rushing ability, although that aspect of his game will need to be developed further at the NFL level.
Grade: B
Round 5, Pick 144: Tony Rodriguez, WR, Oklahoma State
The Buccaneers added some depth to their receiving corps with the selection of Tony Rodriguez, a wide receiver from Oklahoma State. Rodriguez is a speedy receiver who can stretch defenses vertically and create mismatches with his agility and quickness. He may not contribute much right away, but he has the potential to develop into a valuable weapon down the line.
Grade: C+
Round 6, Pick 176: Brent Lewis, RB, LSU
The Buccaneers added another dynamic player to their offense with Brent Lewis, a running back from LSU. Lewis is a versatile athlete who can run, catch, and even return kicks, and his ability to make plays in space should be a valuable asset to the Buccaneers’ attack. He may take some time to acclimate to the NFL game, but his upside is tantalizing.
Grade: A-
Round 7, Pick 208: Carlos Herrera, DT, USC
Carlos Herrera, a defensive tackle from USC, was the Buccaneers’ seventh-round pick. Herrera is a somewhat undersized defender who relies on quickness and technique rather than brute force, but he has shown a knack for getting into the backfield and disrupting plays. He could be a valuable rotational player for the Buccaneers’ defensive line.
Grade: B-
Round 7, Pick 228: Mike Davidson, S, Michigan
The Buccaneers rounded out their draft with the selection of Mike Davidson, a safety from Michigan. Davidson is a rangy defender with good ball skills and the ability to cover both deep and in the slot. He will likely need some time to develop his skills further, but he has the potential to contribute on special teams right away and eventually become a solid rotational player for the Buccaneers’ secondary.
Grade: B
Overall Grade: B+
All in all, the Buccaneers had a solid draft, even if they didn’t necessarily make any blockbuster picks. They addressed some key needs on defense and added some depth and potential on offense, which should help them remain competitive in the NFC South. Time will tell how successful these players ultimately turn out to be, but on paper, the Buccaneers’ 2023 draft class seems like a respectable one.
