Bucs 2023 Draft Grade Roundup
Day 2: The Buccaneers trade up with the Packers for Mauch after trading 2022 starting right guard Shaq Mason to the Houston Texans this offseason. Mauch played tackle in college and offers inside/outside versatility at 6-foot-5 and was dominant at North Dakota State in a gap rushing scheme with a 91.1 grade. He’ll need to improve as a pass protector, especially if he does stay at tackle, which may not be likely at the outset.
The Buccaneers continue to add to the trenches. Like their first-round pick, Calijah Kancey, Diaby is a tremendous athlete (97th percentile 40-yard dash), but he also adds more size to the edge at 263 pounds. Diaby graded out well against the run at Louisville, finishing in the 75th percentile among qualifying edge defenders since 2020.
Day 3: Dennis is on the small end for the position but has the explosiveness to make up for it with a 42-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-5 broad jump that both ranked in at least the 90th percentile at linebacker. Dennis was elite against the run for Pittsburgh in his final seasons, earning a 92.1 run-defense grade and missing fewer than 5% of his tackling opportunities.
Durham showcased a safe pair of hands at Purdue, dropping just 3.4% of his targets, and showed some wiggle, forcing 10 missed tackles from 56 receptions. He will likely need to develop as a blocker in the NFL, though, after posting a 56.7 PFF run-blocking grade in 2022.
Hayes’ coverage grades aren’t stellar, though he does make plays on the ball when he’s in position. His testing was underwhelming, and he was outmatched in the bowl game against Alabama. He will need to be coached up at the next level after transferring from North Dakota State to Virginia and finally to Kansas State.
Palmer had a breakout 2022 season for Nebraska after transferring from LSU, racking up over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns in his final season. He might be a one-trick prospect but when that “trick” is 4.33 speed, it’ll play.
Ramirez is a smaller edge who was extremely productive against lesser competition at Eastern Michigan. He picked up 90.0-plus PFF pass-rush grades in each of the last two seasons to go along with a pass-rush win rate of 23.2%.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper: B
Analysis: This Bucs class isn’t flashy, but it shouldn’t go under the radar. General manager Jason Licht landed three really good players with his top selections. Calijah Kancey (19) is a penetrating defensive tackle with elite first-step quickness who had 7.5 sacks last season. He might have been a top-five pick if he were a couple of inches taller.
Offensive lineman Cody Mauch (48) impressed by taking a step up in talent level at the Senior Bowl. It sounds like the Bucs see him as guard, but I think he could start at right tackle in time. And defensive end YaYa Diaby (82), who made my pre-draft favorites list, has the tools to become a steal. He had nine sacks last season and was extremely impressive during the athletic testing at the combine.
On Day 3, I liked edge rusher Jose Ramirez (196) as a late flier and tight end Payne Durham (171) as an upside play to find a pass-catcher. Licht did a good job this weekend.
Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer: B-
Analysis: The Buccaneers filled plenty of needs on both sides of the ball, but outside of the great start with Kancey and Mauch to fill voids on their offensive and defensive line, they underwhelmed with GM Jason Licht’s first post-Tom Brady draft. Two glaring omissions from the class is a QB (given just about everyone else took one) and another running back.
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco: B-
Best pick (A-): TE Payne Durham, Purdue (Round 5, Pick 171)
Fun sleeper at the TE spot. Not the best athlete but a horse in the open field. Plus run-after-the-catch skill. Decent blocker. Large catch radius. (Chris Trapasso)
Worst pick (D): S Josh Hayes, Kansas State (Round 6, Pick 181)
Has limited long speed but will get to the football in the air if it’s in his vicinity. Smaller framed corner who could bump inside. Surprised he was picked.
Most interesting pick (C+): LB SirVocea Dennis, Pittsburgh (Round 5, Pick 153)
“Hybrid S/LB type who plays with his hair on fire,” is how Trapasso describes Dennis. A smaller, run-stuffing linebacker that isn’t a coverage specialist. Will be interesting to see how he’s used in Tampa Bay.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler: 15th-ranked draft class
Favorite pick: Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State
For an offensive line in flux, a versatile option like Mauch is a fantastic fit. He projects best inside at guard, but he has the skills to play center and was a three-year starter at left tackle. Regardless of where he plays, Mauch has outstanding movement skills and play personality. He will receive a first-class education from Ryan Jensen in Tampa.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska
I really liked some of the Buccaneers’ defensive additions on Day 3, including SirVocea Dennis and Jose Ramirez. But Palmer gives the receiver depth chart a speedy deep threat and return man in the Ted Ginn Jr. mold. Palmer had one of the best “flying 20” times in this draft class and led the FBS in 2022 with three catches of 70-plus yards.
