It’s that time again and with only 16 days left until the 2024 NFL Draft, I put another Mock Draft together for your favorite Florida gridiron group. Unlike my first mock, this run contains no tradeups/downs for the Bucs not counting the third rounder received from Detroit in the Carlton Davis III deal. This Draft will garner 7 new rookies to cleanse your offseason pallette. Let’s get started!
First Round/Pick #26
Jackson Powers-Johnson (C/Oregon)
I’ve been high on this kid since the Senior Bowl. While Robert Hainsey was serviceable last year, it’s no secret the Bucs would like an upgrade at Center. JPJ is a plug & play offensive lineman that does his best work snapping the ball. He plays with an anger and nastiness that is sort of a hybrid of Jason Kelce and Larry Allen. Tipping the scales at 6’3″, 318 lbs, he’s the type of player that once he gets his hands on you, it’s too late to even consider your next move. Quick off the line with an elite level of play diagnosis, Powers-Johnson has strong anchor in both run blocking and pass protection, exploding off the ball the way a pass rusher does. It’s not hyperbolic to say that landing this behemoth at #26 would be a home run pick before he plays his first snap.
Jackson Powers-Johnson to the Buccaneers Please#GoBucs #NFL https://t.co/k9iWy3ndMw
— Bucs Report (@BucsReportNFL) February 8, 2024
Round 2/Pick #57
Adisa Isaac (EDGE/Penn State)
Isaac stands 6 foot 4 inches and has an explosion akin to Micah Parsons off the snap. Whether speed rushing or bull rushing, his athleticism is almost never matched by the opposition. His incredibly long frame gives him the rare ability to reach up and swat balls away at the line of scrimmage if he doesn’t physically overpower his man and get home. He’s got a great arsenal of twitchy, fluid movements that will translate nicely to the pro game.
Round 3/Pick #89
Dominick Puni (OG/Kansas)
6 feet 5, 303 pounds of raw discipline here with the 89th pick. Puni’s best attribute arguably is his ability to adjust in real time when things go badly and a rusher gets leverage on him. This is one of the hardest things to master for young offensive linemen, because once you’re beat in the trenches, it’s near impossible to recover. Puni does that in spades by resetting his hips, adjusting his hand placement, and getting a second or sometimes third attempt at getting hold of rabid defenders.
Round 3/Pick #92 (From Lions)
Jonathan Brooks (RB/Texas)
Considered by some to be the most pro-ready back in the class, Brooks at #92 was less about need and more about the best possible athlete available. He has elite cuts, disciplined run lane diagnosis and sometimes is thinking two or three steps ahead of the play when he’s running the football. A stocky frame and insane workout regimen have made this young man a monster on the field with the ability to punish defenders at the second level that try to body tackle him. Look for this kid to explode every time he touches the ball in 2024.
Round 4/Pick #125
Malik Washington (WR/Virginia)
The first thing fans will noticed about Washington is his height. He stands 5’8″, which might be a concern for a number one outside receiver, but I would bet money in the pros he’s going to be used mostly in the slot and even potentially on trick/gadget run plays, as he is viewed as somewhat of a specialist. Smart coaches utilize guys like Washington in as many aspects of the offensive scheme as possible, because they’re usually fast and very hard to tackle. That combination alone mixed with this young man’s incredible work ethic would match him nicely in Liam Coen’s new offense.
Best receiving grade on short TGT:
Malik Washington: 90.7
“The specialist was nearly automatic when targeted between 1 & 9 yards downfield, hauling 86.4% of his targets, the best rate of any receiver prospect with 25 or more opportunities.”
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) April 7, 2024
Round 6/Pick #220 (Compensatory)
Jarius Monroe (CB/Tulane)
After the Carlton Davis trade, Bucs fans in the know got increasingly insecure about their cornerback room. This young man would not only fit perfectly in the NFL, he seems uniquely suited to Todd Bowles’ defense. His 6 foot, 204 pound frame allows him to be physical with receivers yet he has a certain grace he plays with that stands out. He has great ball skills and is a fantastic communicator, something that will help his teammates at the next level. Under the tutelage of Todd Bowles, this young prospect could become a major contributer early if selected by Jason Licht on Draft Night.
Round 7/Pick #246
McCallan Castles (TE/Tennessee)
Castles is an interesting pick here in Round 7. He’s lean and quick, hitting his stride almost instantly after catching passes. He is a good route runner with better than average speed that would make a great target for Baker Mayfield. His strength is run blocking with a knack for getting upfield in front of his back to punish second level defenders before they can make a move to stop big gains on the ground. His upper body strength is a bit of a question but like alot of young tight ends, getting into the weight room with other pros will do him alot of good and this young TE certainly has the drive to do it.
That’s it for our most recent 2024 Mock Draft. Stay tuned for more offseason news and updates as they happen here in Tampa. Thanks for reading! Make sure to go check out our other awesome contributors’ stories on all your favorite Florida sports teams!
