The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the 2019 NFL draft with some gaping holes on their roster, on both sides of the ball. They addressed many of them, adding some talented prospects who should be able to make an immediate impact.
Here’s our full breakdown of every pick from the Bucs’ 2019 draft class:
Devin White | LB | LSU
After losing Kwon Alexander to free agency, the Bucs had a massive need for a three-down linebacker who could not only replace Alexander’s athleticism and play-making ability, but also his presence as a vocal leader.
They did just that by spending the No. 5 overall pick on another former LSU stud in White. While Alexander was a productive player for the Bucs when healthy, his leaner frame and inconsistent tackling kept him from being the complete player White has the potential to be. With a much thicker frame, a more physical playing style, and rare speed/athleticism for his size, White should immediately establish himself as a cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s defense, both on the field and in the locker room.
Sean Murphy-Bunting | CB | Central Michigan
While many fans were clamoring for LSU’s Greedy Williams when the Bucs went on the clock early in the second round, the Bucs opted for a lesser-known corner from a smaller program.
But Bucs fans might end up thanking general manager Jason Licht for spending this pick on a more complete player in Murphy-Bunting, who brings physicality and tackling ability that Williams simply didn’t show on film. He’s a confident cover man who can line up outside or in the slot, giving him a chance to start right away for one of the league’s worst secondaries.
Jamel Dean | CB | Auburn
Speaking of that struggling secondary in Tampa Bay, the Bucs continued adding young talent to that unit by taking a gamble on the gifted but oft-injured Dean.
While durability is the main concern here, Dean’s physical tools are the stuff of first-round picks. He has an ideal combination of size, speed and athleticism, and if he’s able to avoid the injury issues that plagued him in college, he could easily end up being a bargain pick for the Bucs, who landed him in the third round.
Mike Edwards | S | Kentucky
Man, the new coaching staff must have really unimpressed with the defensive backs on the current Bucs roster. With a third straight pick, the Bucs continued to load up on playmakers, this time landing a vocal leader with plenty of swagger.
Edwards was a ball-hawk for the Wildcats, constantly showing off his incredible ball skills, leaping ability, and instincts by forcing turnovers regularly. The Bucs have been missing that kind of presence on the back end for quite some time, and Edwards could end up pushing for a starting job sooner than later.
Matt Gay | K | Utah
Well, at least it wasn’t a second-round pick this time. The Bucs’ kicking woes have become the stuff of legend in recent years, keeping the Matt Bryant curse alive and well.
Licht is taking another crack at it with Gay, who displayed a strong combination of power and accuracy throughout his college career. For now, Bucs fans are likely frustrated with another draft pick spent on a kicker, but if he ends up being the elusive solution to their problem, he’ll be well worth it.
Scott Miller | WR | Bowling Green
The other big free-agent loss for the Bucs this offseason was slot receiver Adam Humphries, who was a reliable target since the team signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Clemson. While he cashed in with a big deal in Tennessee, the Bucs are left trying to replace both his toughness and quickness, as well as the speed of DeSean Jackson.
That’s where Miller comes in, a little-known prospect the Bucs hoped to keep under wraps throughout the predraft process. While his lack of ideal size might be a concern for making tough catches over the middle, Miller has track speed and the ability to stretch the field after the catch.
Terry Beckner, Jr. | DL | Missouri
Gerald McCoy’s future is still in limbo, and the Bucs have little in terms of young depth across the interior of the defensive line. Once a highly touted high school recruit, Beckner’s college career had plenty of flashes, but was held back by injuries and inconsistency.
A promising player with ideal size and impressive athleticism for an interior defender, Beckner could end up being a huge steal in the seventh round if he’s able to reach the lofty potential that made him one of the nation’s top prep prospects.
