This is getting out of hand.
Mockers are starting to show the Bucs passing up Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson for someone else. ESPN is of one them.
In a dual-mock setup, ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. and Todd McShay offer up their opinions on what players each team will draft. Both agree on Tampa Bay’s first and second round selections.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kiper: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Easy choice here, too. The Bucs’ pass defense was woeful in 2017, and Ward is the best true corner in this class.McShay: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
I’m with Mel here. Tampa Bay still needs help in the secondary, so the Bucs take the best man-to-man corner on the board.38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kiper: Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
The Bucs had one of the league’s worst rushing offenses in 2017, and Muscle Hamster is gone. Jones is a threat to score on every touch.McShay: Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
Running back is a glaring hole for Tampa Bay. Jones has home-run potential with the ball in his hands.
The selections aren’t necessarily bad. But is there really a scenario where the Bucs pass on Nelson? Both Kiper and McShay have the Notre Dame product going eighth to Chicago.
There are some that don’t want Nelson, and perhaps that is because he does not play an electrifying position or it’s not flashy enough pick. What some don’t realize is that this pick would solidify the middle of the offensive line for years to come.
If Nelson is still on the board, you’d have to think the Bucs pick him over Ward, right?