This is the time of year we see mock drafts change constantly. Some even change it several times throughout the week. If you really think about it, mocks are really a waste of time. No one knows what a team will do since it is all predicated on what teams do ahead of the team you follow.
However, there are some that are particularly interesting, like the mock draft from NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah. What sets his apart from some of the rest? He based his latest mock off of what he is hearing throughout the league.
At No. 7, Jeremiah has Tampa Bay selecting Florida State safety Derwin James. For a team that needs much help in the secondary, this isn’t that far-fetched.
Jeremiah has running back Saquan Barkley, defensive end Bradley Chubb, and defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick going in Picks 2, 3, and 4 to the New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts, and Cleveland Browns respectively. Guard Quenton Nelson is penned at No. 9 to the San Francisco 49ers.
Tampa Bay gave up the most passing yards in the league in 2017. Although the defensive front plays a role in that statistic as well with applying pressure, the same can be said about a solid defensive backfield – if they can make the lives of opposing receivers hell, they may buy time for the defensive line to get to the quarterback.
Other than James, the general consensus is fans are clamoring for the Bucs to have a chance at selecting Chubb, Barkley, or Nelson. Some even want Fitzpatrick. But James may be a solid pick when it comes time for the Buccaneers to select.