The reigning NFC South Champion Buccaneers spent most of the last week evaluating the top prospects entering the 2024 NFL Draft, entering the offseason with a myriad of spots to fill or upgrade on the roster. General Manager Jason Licht and a small army of scouts and front office personnel conducted formal & informal interviews with a “Who’s Who” of the collegiate gridiron to get a better idea of what players will fit in best with the team in 2024. Here are some important notes and names to know for April’s NFL Draft.
Each team is allowed to hold up to 45 “Formal” interviews of 18 minutes maximum with players of their choice. The athletes usually meet with one or several people, including Jason Licht, HC Todd Bowles, coordinators, and position coaches. Many other “Informal” interviews that are much shorter like meet and greets are also permitted.
A heavy focus was put on Offensive Linemen, as the Bucs will need both a center and a guard to bolster their trenches in 2024. Most notably, Tampa Bay interviewed standout C/OL Jackson Powers-Johnson from Oregon who shined at the Senior Bowl and can play every position on the line. Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma), Jordan Morgan (Arizona), and Cooper Beebe (K-State), all with high Draft grades, were on a list of 10 Offensive Linemen the Bucs formally interviewed on Saturday.
During Friday’s festivities, 4 incoming young Quarterbacks formally held interviews with scouts & coaches, including both starting QBs from the NCAA National Championship; Michigan’s JJ McCarthy and Washington’s Michael Penix, Jr. With Mock draft boards all over the country showing both young men being taken between the middle of Day 1 & early Day 2, Tampa Bay could potentially draft one of them, though the likelihood of Baker Mayfield signing a new contract to remain in Tampa far outweighs the odds of the Bucs drafting a 1st round QB.
Defensive players interviewed were nothing to scoff at either, with 17 formal interviews of edge rushers, linebackers, safeties, defensive linemen, and cornerbacks peppered across Days 1 through 3 of the Combine. Two nationally acclaimed EDGE defenders from Penn State, Adisa Isaac & Chop Robinson formally fielded questions from the organization, as did Clemson DB Nate Wiggins, Texas A&M’s DT McKinnley Jackson, and national champion ILB Junior Colston of Michigan, who will make an immediate impact on any team he joins.
Finally, the offensive skill positions. Three tight ends, 2 running backs, and 3 wide receivers rounded out the interview bonanza. Several Top 100 national prospects gave the team the chance to judge them on knowledge of the game, character, & scheme fit.
Only one month remains until the 2024 NFL Draft kicks off in Detroit. Stay tuned to Sports Club Florida for more breaking news on your Tampa Bay Buccaneers!
