Buccaneers’ General Manager Jason Licht continues to hit home runs this weekend, bolstering the defending NFC South Champions roster with multiple top tier prospects between Round 2 and the final rounds of the NFL Draft. After drafting Center Graham Barton out of Duke on night 1, the excitement continued to build headed into the last two days of the NFL Draft. Here’s our roundup of the next class of Tampa Bay Bucs picked after Barton.
Beginning in the second round, the Buccaneers picked up Alabama EDGE rusher Chris Braswell, who had a monster 2023 season. Braswell lead the Crimson Tide with 3 forced fumbles and was the only Alabama defender to score a touchdown with a pick-6 in a game against Mississippi State. Playing on the same team as Dallas Turner and managing to get scouts’ attention is a stellar accomplishment; and playing under Todd Bowles will certainly set this young superstar up for success.
Bucs new EDGE Chris Braswell has got freaky hops pic.twitter.com/wOAiVbMB8P
— Steven Cheah (@StevenCheah) April 27, 2024
Next up, Tampa shifted their focus to Safety Tykee Smith, who was one of two safety prospects that had an official visit with the Bucs during their “30 visits”. Smith is a two-time National Champion from his three seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs and led them in tackles last year. The trio of Smith, Jordan Whitehead, and All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr. might be the most potent in the NFL.
With the 89th Pick, the Buccaneers select DB Tykee Smith from Georgiapic.twitter.com/pI6YNgltwO
— 704 Dawg (@FSFRecruits) April 27, 2024
With the 92nd pick, near the end of the third round, Tampa upgraded their wide receiver room with Jalen McMillan from the University of Washington. Having Michael Penix Jr. throwing him the ball certainly prepped him for elite play, but he is also a very astute route runner, he’s strong with the ability to make contested catches against larger defenders, and can rack up yards after the catch with shifty moves. He will match well with veteran Mike Evans.
Baker Mayfield is getting a weapon in Jalen McMillan ????pic.twitter.com/xRFB0aziXE
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) April 27, 2024
The Buccaneers went running back in Round 4, selecting Bucky Irving. Irving is coming off back-to-back 1000 yard seasons, even considering he was part of a tandem backfield with Jordan James. He tied the team leading 11 touchdowns and tallied 1,180 rushing yards on an eye watering 6.3 yards per carry in 2023. At 5’9″ and 192 lbs, he can run through arm tackles and even catches the ball well enough. 2024 looks like a year the Buccaneers may be a running back by committee type of squad.
Buc wild. @BuckyIrving ???? @Buccaneers #ProDucks pic.twitter.com/UVstkRI6b4
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) April 27, 2024
At pick number 220, near the end of the sixth round, Jason Licht and company went with a young project offensive lineman in Elijah Klein from Texas El Paso. His 6 foot 4 inch, 306 pound frame and diverse skillset saw him able to play both Guard and Tackle in college, making First Team All-Conference USA. Klein needs to work on setting his pad level against bull rushers especially, but he has alot of potential and can potentially work himself into a rotational role by seasons beginning.
If Elijah Klein becomes an impact starting guard when will Jason Licht win executive of the year. pic.twitter.com/XWQ4Mp9REw
— JC Cornell (@CornellNFL) April 28, 2024
Finally, with their 7th round pick the Bucs selected another Washington Huskies target in Tight End Devin Culp. Culp has insane vertical speed for a big tight end, but struggles holding onto balls with zip on them. Baker Mayfield is known to throw balls with plenty of mustard behind them, so it will be something to watch. He has decent football IQ but is considered lacking in strength, making the offseason weight room a top priority for this young man. He does tend to make highlight reel circus catches though, so the possibility of him snagging some Sportscenter Top 10 worthy balls in the future.
Bucs new TE Devin Culp at 6’3” 231 lbs. BLAZING a 4.47 40 at the Combine pic.twitter.com/TD1eLWOLNP
— Steven Cheah (@StevenCheah) April 27, 2024
That concludes our coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft. Thanks for getting your Buccaneers news here at Sports Club Florida. Make sure to go check out our other great contributors for more on your favorite Florida sports teams!
