TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Round 1 (No. 26 overall) — Graham Barton, C, Duke A left tackle for the Blue Devils, the twotime All-ACC selection is likely headed inside in the NFL due to his relatively short arms. Regardless, his ability to play anywhere on the line will be quite a boon to the Bucs, who appear especially susceptible between the tackles at the moment.
Round 2 (57) — Chris Braswell, LB, Alabama: A nice addition to the pass rush following the departure of Shaq Barrett. Braswell had eight sacks and 101⁄2 TFLs last season. The 6-3, 251-pounder posted a 4.6 40 at the combine.
Round 3 (89) — Tykee Smith, S, Georgia: Should compete immediately to play in Tampa Bay’s nickel package. Good blitzer who also had four INTs in 2023.
Round 3 (92, from Lions) — Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington: The Huskies’ WR3 – though he had a 1,000-yard campaign in 2022 – he could compete for a similar role in Tampa.
Round 4 (125) — Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon: Irving is a smaller back with two 1,000-yard seasons on his resume and could struggle to find similar production in the NFL. He is a strong receiving back as well with 56 career catches and could be a complementary back to Rachaad White in Tampa Bay. At No. 125 overall, this doesn’t feel like too much of a reach, but the Buccaneers could’ve addressed other needs first.
Round 6 (220, compensatory selection) — Elijah Klein, G, UTEP: Klein has years of experience with a run-focused scheme with the Miners. He has an NFL frame and long arms that will make him a positive in the run game as a rookie. He will need lots of time to develop as a pass blocker, though, but could eventually become a swing interior offensive lineman for the Buccaneers.
Round 7 (246) — Devin Culp, TE, Washington: The Buccaneers end up with another late-round tight end, like they did last year with Payne Durham. Culp’s speed is outstanding at 4.47 in the 40-yard dash. That speed comes through on the field. But he lacks blocking skills and needs to improve his consistency at the catch point. Right now, he projects more as a wide receiver, and the Buccaneers are loaded at that position.