32 for 32: NFL Draft Predictions for the Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a young nucleus of talent that is very popular among fantasy owners. But will the addition of Tom Brady help or hinder the value of the players around him? Also, what can this team do in the NFL Draft to make a serious run as a contender? Let's find out in our latest edition of the NFL Draft 32 for 32 series.

The focus of this series is to dive into each NFL team's needs to project their draft picks in this year's draft, which will go on as planned in late April. I will predict the first three selections and give fantasy football owners perspective on how this affects fantasy value. Whether it be a positional player or players on the defensive side of the ball, all selections made can help in some way when it comes to fantasy scoring.

As we have seen in recent memory, some rookies can enter this league and make an immediate impact. Based on the appropriate landing spot, this year's crop of prospects has the potential to create some very fantasy-friendly situations. When you're done here, look back on our previous installments by checking the links at the bottom of this page.

2019 Review

The 2019 Bucs may have been the most fun team to watch in the NFL. From a fantasy perspective, the passing attack held lots of value for owners. Jameis Winston threw the ball with reckless abandon (33 TD and 30 INT) as if he didn't care which team it went to. He also led the lead in passing yardage (5,109) and tied for the league lead in 300-yard games (11). Who this helped the most was the receiving duo of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.

Both wound up missing time at the end of the season, but for most of the season, they were performing at a WR1 level. Both were threats to score (Godwin with nine TD and Evans with eight), but it was Godwin that was the bigger threat in PPR formats (86 to Evans's 67). I would expect for must of this to be the same for 2020. Godwin will be more valuable in PPR formats with his amazing YAC ability (6.74 YAC/REC). While Evans will still hold value, his stock is much higher in standard-scoring formats.

As far as the running game goes, the backfield duo of Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones II had its moments as the workload as nearly split down the middle. As the season wore on, it was apparent that Jones was the better back, but it wasn't until the end of the season before Bruce Arians realized this. Both backs scored six rushing touchdowns but it was Jones' work in the passing game with 31 receptions that gave him an edge in PPR.

Now, with the exit of Barber as a free agent to Washington, the chance is there for Jones to become a back to own in fantasy. Can he hold up to the pressures of an increased workload? That remains to be seen on whether this team makes an addition in the draft.

Looking ahead to the draft for this team now has a new meaning. The acquisition of Tom Brady puts this team in "win now" mode, and the draft will be looked at as a means to fill holes and potentially help Brady get back to the Super Bowl. Solidifying the offensive line will be a must for this team. Adding more protection for an aged QB is essential for any competing team. Finding playmakers on the defensive side of the ball, especially the interior can only help a young and emerging defense. Also, the Buccaneers have to seriously think about a succession plan for Brady to not fall into a rebuild so quickly.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 2020 Outlook

TEAM GRADES
Offense: 78.1 (10th)
Defense: 74.6 (13th)
Overall: 84.4 (11th)

TEAM NEEDS
OT, DL, QB

First Selection (1.14)

Javon Kinlaw, DT South Carolina

Kinlaw is a player with elite traits at the position. He is strong, has long arms, and has an explosive first step. A majority of the time he uses his size and power to overwhelm opponents. But at times he has lapses in his skill and uses poor pad level, which causes him to lose body control and become off balance. But for the most part, he is a beast on the interior of the line.

His explosive first step and physical gifts put him in line to use his hands as a read-and-react type of tackle. As long as he can improve his consistency he should become a mainstay on this Buccaneers Defense. He may never compile a tremendous amount of stats himself, but what he can allow the players behind him on defense to do can not be understated.

Second Selection (2.13)

Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

Which version of Jordan Love will a team be getting in this prospect? In 2018, he was one of the better QBs in the country in a very high-powered offense. But last season, after several coaching changes, his production declined and he looked to take a step back as a prospect. He looks the part in terms of size. He stands tall in the pocket and is a smooth, natural thrower. He has a good open-field vision when he exits the pocket and can extend plays with the best of them. He has a better command of throws in the intermediate area as a play develops.

He still needs work in reading through his progressions to find the open receiver. His accuracy is where his draft stock takes a bit of a hit. He has a long pause from when he sees a throw before making it, causing high throws or ones into coverage. This landing spot would be perfect for Love as he can sit and learn behind Brady. It will make him a better QB and one that in fantasy could become quite valuable in dynasty formats, given his supporting cast.

Third Selection (3.12)

Matt Peart, OT UConn

Looking for upgrades along the offensive line, the Buccaneers settle on Matt Peart. A tackle prospect with great length and athleticism. He is seemingly only scratching the surface of his potential, so some additional coaching will be required. But the physical traits are there to become better. His current play strength and hand usage could be exploited by bigger defensive linemen, but once he builds more strength he should be able to hold his own.

Teams may have a knock on his lack of grit, leading to a dip in draft stock. But overall, he is a solid prospect that can swing and play on either side of the offensive line. His presence can only help the current fantasy values on skill players on this team.

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