Bucs Mock Draft Roundup 2023: Post-Super Bowl Edition

Keeping with the theme of the Bucs adding to their pass rush in the first round, Bleacher Report’s post-Super Bowl mock has Jason Licht drawing from another school he has often turned to in the draft.

Round 1, Pick 19: EDGE, B.J. Ojulari (LSU)

“With Tom Brady retiring (again), the Tampa Bay Buccaneers must find a new identity. It’s likely to start on the defensive side of the ball.

The Buccaneers struggled on offense last season, even with Brady leading the way. Now, they need to find a new quarterback, new coordinator and new scheme to maximize what the roster still features on that side of the ball.

The defense, meanwhile, is much further along with the likes of Vita Vea, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Devin White, Carlton Davis and Antoine Winfield Jr. Another explosive piece to the puzzle can be added with the selection of LSU’s BJ Ojulari.

“With William Gholston and Carl Nassib are set to be free agents, leaving Tampa Bay razor-thin on the edge,” Holder noted. “While fans will certainly want to get Brady’s replacement in the first round, the four highest-ranked quarterbacks were off the board at this point. So, the best option is to fill another need.

“Ojulari fits in nicely with Vea and Tryon-Shoyinka to give the Bucs a young defensive line to build around.”

The edge-defender provides quickness and a plethora of pass-rush moves to bookend the front and gives head coach Todd Bowles what he prefers: A talented and aggressive defense.”

The Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling

Easterling’s post-Super Bowl mock dropped within an hour of Harrison Butker’s game-winning kick in Super Bowl LVII. In it, he stayed consistent with his past mocks and gave the back end of the Bucs’ defense a major boost.

Round 1, Pick 19: Safety, Brian Branch (Alabama)

SB Nation’s Joseph Acosta

And finally, let’s get whacky. Acosta’s latest mock projects a trade-up scenario for Tampa Bay, with the Bucs sending the 19th, 50th and 182nd picks to the division rival Falcons for the 8th overall pick. With that newly acquired pick, he has the team selecting its quarterback of the future.

Round 1, Pick 8: Quarterback, CJ Stroud (Ohio State)

“Stroud goes to Tampa Bay at No. 8, where he can operate from the pocket behind what should be an offensive line that’s improved from last year, and multiple weapons to throw to. When he’s in the pocket, Stroud is a buzzsaw, throwing with touch and accuracy, with good arm strength (though not elite). Against Georgia, he showed the ability to create under pressure and outside of structure, but his ability to do it consistently is the big question.”