2014 NFL Mock Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Round 1, Pick 7: Mike Evans WR

*This is, of course, in the scenario that Sammy Watkins is off the board already.

With Mike Evans starting across from Vincent Jackson, opposing defenses will be faced with the task of stopping two big-bodied, 6’5” receivers. Evans has good speed for his size and uses his body well to come down with contested balls and make tough catches in traffic. Displaying sure hands and physicality, Evans could be a nightmare for defenders to deal with, especially after he works on his route running.

Round 2, Pick 38: Gabe Jackson, G

Jackson is a big man and upon being drafted by the Buccaneers would give the Buccaneers a massive pair of guards—if optimism surrounding Carl Nicks’ health comes to fruition and he gets back to 100 percent—to bookend new center Evan Dietrich-Smith. With Jackson, Dietrich-Smith and Nicks in the inside, with new acquisition Anthony Collins bookending underappreciated Demar Dotson, the Bucs could have the making of a very good offensive line—something that Lovie Smith very rarely had during his tenure as Chicago’s head coach. Guard is currently the weakest position on the offensive side of the ball besides receiver, and Jackson could definitely alleviate the frustration that many fans feel while thinking of the possibility of Oniel Cousins and Jamon Meridith starting on the offensive line.

Round 3, Pick 69: Stanley Jean-Baptiste, DB

SJB is a big defensive back who offers great ball skills and the versatility to play cornerback and safety. Standing at 6’3” Jean-Baptiste can come up to the line and press bigger receivers and is strong enough to disrupt their routes. He has also displayed a nose for the ball and has drawn comparisons to Richard Sherman. With a lack of top-end speed but good ball skills and size, Jean-Baptiste could be an ideal Cover 2 corner, and can also be an effective safety. Lovie Smith loves versatility, and SJB’s ability to effectively play at least two positions could make him a very appealing player to the defensive-minded coach.

Round 4, No Pick

Round 5, Pick 143: Yawin Smallwood, LB

Yawin has expressed confidence in himself when he stated that he believes he is the best linebacker in the 2014 class. Smallwood offers plus size (6’2”, 246 lbs) and  ability, and was a three year starter at the University of Connecticut where he posted 337 tackles, 8.5 sacks,, five forced fumbles and 17 pass deflections (stats obtained from sports-reference.com). He also has the athleticism to drop back in coverage, a big responsibility for Tampa-2 middle linebackers.

Round 6, Pick 185: James Wilder, Jr.

Why not bring in the son of one of the team's best running backs in history?

Round 7, Pick 221: Tahj Boyd

With this draft, I believe the Bucs would address several needs, while also providing depth and size to several positions. If developed properly, this draft could land four potential starters in Evans, Jackson Jean-Baptiste and Smallwood. Obviously, no one is sure about how the draft will play out, but I believe this would be a promising draft that would be building on an already strong offseason.