With the 26th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ draft strategy is contingent on what the preceding three quarters of the NFL does first.
The Bucs have some pretty glaring needs, particularly at outside linebacker and cornerback following the losses of Shaq Barrett and Carlton Davis III. Need is not always the driver of Tampa Bay’s draft plan, but it no doubt plays a major role in their overall approach.
Early picks often come with the premium of needing to contribute quickly and substantially. While the Bucs used free agency to fill roster holes and maximize their flexibility in the draft, it’s no secret that Tampa Bay needs to upgrade their edge rush and continue to cycle talent through the secondary.
Here are the prospects the Bucs should be most likely to target on defense in the upcoming draft:
EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
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Somehow, the most polished pass rusher in the draft could be within Tampa Bay’s range in the first round. Latu has methodical but violent hands, and an innate sense for finding a path to the quarterback. If not for his medical history and average athletic profile, Latu would be a top-10 pick.
His low upside is precisely why he will likely be available at or near the 26th overall pick. While the Bucs tend to favor explosive athletes on their defensive front, they need pass rush help now. Losing Barrett left Tampa Bay without their most reliable edge rusher, and Latu is the most likely prospect to make an immediate impact. This also makes Latu the Bucs’ top defensive prospect, as an improvement in Tampa Bay’s pass rush would be felt across the entire defense.
DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
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When it comes to outside cornerbacks, Bucs general manager Jason Licht absolutely has a type. He likes them big, fast and physical. DeJean is all three and then some. He could be the Bucs’ next outside corner, but he has the skill set to play nearly any position in the secondary.
After trading Davis to the Lions, the Bucs are currently rolling into 2024 with Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum at outside corner. DeJean gives Tampa Bay insurance at the position, both in the short-term and for the future. With his positional versatility, DeJean could fill in just about anywhere in Tampa Bay’s secondary while preparing to take over a specific role like outside corner.
CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State
Syndication: The Enquirer
Besides his name, Tampa is another strong fit to replace Davis at cornerback, or at the very least compete with McCollum for reps. Another big, strong corner, Tampa is an especially physical tackler who competes for any ball thrown his way.
Tampa might be a tad rich for a first-round pick, but he likely will not be on the board for the Bucs when they are on the clock in the second round. A trade, either down in the first or up in the second, may be necessary to acquire his services.
EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State
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Robinson made a big impression at the NFL Combine, finishing second in the 40-yard dash, broad jump and 20-yard shuttle among all edge defenders. At 6’3″ and 254 pounds, he’s an impressive overall athlete with loads of upside.
The problem is, his film does not exactly match the hype. Most of his production came against Penn State’s weaker competitors. His pass rush repertoire is pretty barren, as he relies almost solely on being a better athlete than the blockers he faces. If superior prospects like Latu and DeJean are off the board, though, Robinson may be Tampa Bay’s best option with the 26th pick.
EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
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If the Bucs are unable to grab an edge rusher in the first round, they still have options remaining, and Kneeland could be near the top of their list among second-tier prospects. Despite playing against lesser competition in the MAC, Kneeland dominated with his strength and explosiveness.
If his profile looks familiar, it may be due to his similarities with Tampa Bay’s 2023 third-round pick, Yaya Diaby. They are nearly identical in size, build and athletic profile, though Diaby scored a bit better in athletic testing last year. In any case, Kneeland has a blueprint for success with the Bucs already.
