/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54536209/usa_today_9416830.0.jpg)
The 2017 NFL draft is over for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which means they'll get started on adding some undrafted free agents soon.
The Bucs drafted two players today to round out a six-player draft class. The highlights of that draft class: Alabama’s O.J. Howard in the first round, an absolute steal of an all-around tight end. Speedy second-round safety Justin Evans should start competing for playing time immediately, while third-round receiver Chris Godwin was a value pick who will play his way onto the field sooner or later.
Tampa Bay also added a thumping linebacker in Kendell Beckwith at the end of the third round, though he’ll have to recover from an ACL injury before taking the field. Today they added another back to their committee in Boise State’s Jeremy McNichols, and rounded out their draft class
The Bucs will augment that draft class by adding a few undrafted free agents. They'll likely add a couple of defensive tackles and wide receivers, positions they neglected to address in the draft. Most of those undrafted free agents won’t end up making the roster, but there’s always a few who do—and a few who shine onCheck below for the reports on undrafted free agents signing with the Buccaneers so far.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Some of these reports will turn out to be incorrect, mostly because players and agents back out when they get better offers. If you want to have the official list, wait for the team to announce it. That happened on Monday evening the last three years.
- The Bucs will sign some undrafted free agents, and invite others to minicamp for a tryout. The difference between the two isn't always clear in reports, so a player being listed here doesn't mean he's necessarily signed a contract. This difference is somewhat immaterial because the Bucs will simply keep the best undrafted free agents to show up at their minicamp.
2017 undrafted free agents linked to the Bucs
LB Paul Magloire, Arizona
Reported by SB Nation and ESPN’s Jenna Laine). Magloire is an undersized, speedy linebacker who also has some experience playing safety.
TE Antony Auclair, Laval (Canada)
Reported by Justin Dunk of Sportsnet Canada, who notes that this is a priority signing—meaning the Bucs spent some money on him. Here’s Lance Zeirlein’s blurb:
Auclair gets check marks across the board for size, length and athleticism and it doesn't hurt that he plays with some edge as an in-line blocker. While the step up in competition will be substantial and could require an adjustment period, Auclair has all the tools to become a quality NFL backup with eventual starter traits if he reaches his potential.
DB Maurice Fleming, West Virginia
Reported by Greg Auman. Fleming had a very limited role at Iowa for three seasons, then transferred to West Virginia and racked up 48 tackles, one interception and nine passes defensed in one season. At 5’11”, 207 lbs. he can play cornerback and safety, but is probably best fit for the slot.
LB Riley Bullough, Michigan State
Via his Twitter account. Potential special teams demon, but probably not more than that.
Excited for the opportunity with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers!! Can't wait to get down there and prove myself day in and day out! #GoBucs #Next
— Riley Bullough (@RileyBullough) April 29, 2017
DE Darnell Leslie, Monmouth
Reported by Kristian Dyer of Metro New York. Camp invite, not a signing.
QB Sifo Liufau, Colorado
Reported by Mike Klis of 9 News. Big, slow pocket passer, which is always Dirk Koetter’s preference.
OL Korren Kirven, Alabama
Reported by Greg Auman. Top high school defensive tackle who didn’t get on the field much for Alabama until he converted to offensive line in his final year. Could develop into a very good lineman with some patience. See also Roll Bama Roll’s profile.
CB Jonathan Moxey, Boise State
Per Bucs draft pick Jeremy McNichols. Might be a camp invite instead of a signing. Undersized cornerback who started his final two years and had two interceptions in 2015.
WR Thomas Sperbeck, Boise State
Also per McNichols. Might be a camp invite instead of a signing as well. Put up nearly 3,600 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in his final three seasons. Boise State’s all-time receiving yards leader. Ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, and has okay size at 6’0”, 180 lbs.
LB Christian Kuntz, Duquesne
Per WPIAL Insider. Tiny school, had 11.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss in his final season. Might have some potential as a pass-rush specialist, or at SAM linebacker.
WR Jesus “Bobo” Wilson, FSU
Per Riley Auman. Undersized receiver who has some speed. Could turn into a good slot receiver. Here’s Lance Zierlein’s blurb:
Wilson is a slot receiver with the speed to attack the seam or work over the middle on the first and second levels. While his acceleration can create some separation for himself, his routes are too telegraphed and rounded to consistently shake defenders. His experience as both a punt and kick returner could give him the upper hand in a battle for a roster spot.
CB Greg Mabin, Iowa
Per Greg Auman. Got some draft buzz before struggling in his final season, then breaking his leg close to the end of the season. Good size at 6’2”, 190 lbs.
WR Cole Freytag, UTEP
Per his agent.
Longsnapper Drew WIlliams, South Carolina
Per his own Twitter account. Probably a camp invite instead of a signing.
DT Darious Cummings, Florida
Per his Twitter account. Probably a camp invite.
CB Tyquwan Glass, Fresno State
Per Anthony Galaviz of the Fresno Bee. Tryout.
S Alex Gray, Appalachian State
Per the Appalachian State Twitter account.
LB Richie Brown, Michigan State
Per Draft Diamonds.
DE Jamichael Winston, Arkansas
Per Greg Auman. Tryout.