Potential Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft Targets Fits: Quarterback
By JC Allen
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did exactly what they said they would do this offseason and returned all of their high-quality free agents on the team. Back in the fold are Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Lavonte David, Chase McLaughlin, and Antoine Winfield Jr. They added depth and potential starters to the team with the likes of Jordan Whitehead, Sua Opeta, Ben Bredeson, Tavierre Thomas, Bryce Hall, and Randy Gregory while also bringing back core depth pieces in Greg Gaines, Chase Edmonds, and John Wolford.
The moves they made have given them great flexibility in the draft, and while holes remain on the roster, they’ve positioned themselves to where they aren’t pigeonholed into any one position in the draft. In this series, we’ll take a look at each position in the draft and potential prospects they could select in each round. In some rounds, there won’t be any fits due to not having an overwhelming need at the position or no first-round grades on players who could potentially be there at their selection.
At the end of each preview, we’ll break down the Bucs' best roster fits at each position from rounds 1-2, 3-4, and 5-7.
First up is the quarterback position. The Bucs re-signed Mayfield to a three-year deal worth up to $115 million. However, they built in escape clauses in the deal that could get them out of it after the first or second year. The team is banking on getting the same play they got out of Mayfield last year, but if he fails to perform they need to be quick to pull the trigger and move on. While the Buccaneers shouldn't be in the mix for a first-round quarterback, Kyle Trask enters the final year of his contract and Wolford is on a one-year deal. Teams should always be looking to develop quarterbacks behind the scenes as it is the most important position on the field. While a first-round quarterback is likely out of the question taking one in the latter rounds should be on the table for the Bucs.
Round 1
None
With much bigger needs and after investing big money into Mayfield, the Bucs are unlikely to be contenders for any of the first-round quarterbacks.
Round 2
Michael Penix Jr., Washington [6'2, 216, 4.58-40, 6SR]
It's unlikely Penix falls to the Bucs at 57 but if he is there, they will need to take a pause and consider the quarterback. The Bucs had Tom Brady under center when they selected Kyle Trask in the second round in 2021 and while Baker is more in the middle of his career than towards the end they need to protect themselves if he cannot sustain the play he did in 2023. Trask is also in the final year of his deal and teams should always be in the business of developing quarterbacks.
As for Penix, there is a lot to love about his game. He can push the ball deep down the field with tremendous accuracy and can find small windows to fit the ball into. Penix has a good feel for the rush and doesn't back down in big moments. However, he'll be a 24-year-old rookie, he has stiff mechanics and lacks the anticipation others possess in the class. There are also numerous medical concerns surrounding the Tampa native. The Bucs did hold a formal interview with him at the combine so they are at least doing their due diligence on the off chance he could be around when they pick in the second round.
Rounds 3-4
Spencer Rattler, South Carolina [6'0, 211, 4.95-40, 5SR]
Rattler has had an interesting journey to the NFL. After his redshirt sophomore season in 2020, there were talks he could be one of the first quarterbacks off the board in 2023, but a less-than-stellar season saw him benched after the sixth game for potential first-overall pick Caleb Williams. He transferred to South Carolina the following year and struggled to find the same success he did his first year as a starter. Still, there are things to like about Rattler's game that translate to the next level.
Rattler has a big arm and can dot the field. He has a quick release and shows good anticipation of finding receivers as they come out of their breaks. He'll outwork anyone in the building and was voted team captain in his junior and senior years. Rattler can get a little too robotic in the pocket when processing reads and loses accuracy when on the move or forced to throw off base. He has some minor character concerns he seemed to work out but will need to be flushed out by teams. Overall, Rattler has starting potential but will need a team that is patient with his development. He had a formal interview with the Bucs at the combine.
Michael Pratt, Tulane [6'2, 217, SR]
While Pratt doesn't have a cannon for an arm, he makes up for it with a clean release and quick accurate passes that hit his receivers in stride. He's not uber-athletic in the pocket but can extend plays and has a good feel for evading the rush. He rarely turned the ball over with only 26 interceptions and 90 touchdowns through his four years as a starter. Pratt has a good feel for where to place the ball in coverage but can be confused by some of the more intricate disguised defenses. He projects as a backup initially but has the tools to groom into a mid-level starter. He had a formal interview with the Buccaneers at the Combine.
Rounds 5 - 7
Devin Leary, Kentucky [ 6'1, 215, 6SR]
Besides the obvious connection with new Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen, Leary is a big-armed prospect with the ability to make all the throws on the field. He does a good job at protecting the ball with an 87 touchdown to 28 interception ratio over his career. He can extend plays but isn't necessarily a threat with the ball in his hands. However, his timing and accuracy need polish and will limit him to a backup role to begin his career. He'll also be a 25-year-old rookie and can struggle to get through his reads. He had an informal meeting with the Bucs at the Combine.
Best fit rounds 1-2
Michael Penix Jr.
Best fit rounds 3-4
Michael Pratt
Best fit rounds 5-7
Devin Leary
You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.
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