Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft Grades
How did the Bucs do in the 2021 NFL Draft? We assign the Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft grades for every pick they made.
Round 1 (No.32 Overall) EDGE, Joe Tryon
Tryon played in a similar defense to Tampa’s at Washington, where he recorded 12.5 tackles for loss along with 8 sacks in 2019. I had assumed Tampa would go with a pass rusher or offensive tackle here, and I don’t fault them for taking Tryon. He can develop for a season as a third pass rusher and hopefully assume JPP’s role when his contract is up.
Grade A-
Round 2 (No.64 Overall) QB, Kyle Trask
The Florida Gator was putting on a show in 2020 recording 43 touch downs to only 8 interceptions. Tampa knows Brady can’t play forever, can he? So looking for the heir apparent doesn’t hurt, especially when you are returning every starter from a Super Bowl winning season. Trask may struggle on deep balls, but he is confident and smart. He attacks defenses and under Brady’s tutelage may become a great steal here. I had Mond slightly higher ranked and would have grabbed him, but I get why Arians and company chose Trask.
Grade B
Round 3 (No.95 Overall) OL, Robert Hainsey
Let me start by saying “I LOVE this pick!” We had identified Hainsey as a sleeper early on in the draft process, read more about him here. Hainsey played amazing at right tackle for the Fighting Irish and has positional versatility. He can back up all five spots on the line, and has potential to develop into an above average starter at guard in the NFL. Once again he was one of our favorite players in our draft database.
Grade A
Round 4 (No.129 Overall) WR, Jaelon Darden
Another small school player receiving some attention in the 2021 NFL Draft. Darden played his college ball at North Texas where he was a big play waiting to happen. Although he has high upside, I don’t see where he gets time in the Bucs’ receiving core. I would have added more secondary depth here.
Grade C+
Round 5 (N0.176 Overall) LB, KJ Britt
The Auburn backer is a thumper who plays well against the run, but leaves much to be desired in coverage. He will add depth to the interior linebacker group and should contribute on special teams. Don’t be surprised if you see him playing early on running downs.
Grade B-
Round 7 (No.251 Overall) CB, Chris Wilcox
I knew it, I knew they would add corner back depth! LOL. They waited longer than I thought they would though so maybe I was wrong. Using a late round pick on an elite athlete like Wilcox is never a bad thing. He ran a 4.31 40 at his BYU Pro Day. He has a chip on his shoulder and an edge to his game.
Grade A
Round 7 (No.259 Overall) LB, Grant Stuard
Some may call him the new Mr. Irrelevant, but one thing is for sure his hair is not irrelevant. Stuard is the type of player who serves as the heartbeat of a team. I assume we will see his wild hair on some special teams plays and I’d assume, if he sticks, he becomes a fan favorite. I love guys like him.
Grade B
Overall Grade B+
