We've come a long way from the days of Vernon Hargreaves and Roberto Aguayo (Sorry for bringing that up). Bucs GM Jason Licht has been building a talented roster via the draft, year by year and this might be his best work yet.
Emeka Egbuka 1st round (19)
Many people were shocked by this pick but with Mike Evans turning 32 this year and Chris Godwin coming off a horrific leg injury, adding a starting caliber receiver was necessary. Egbuka had a stellar career at Ohio State and will likely be a week 1 starter in the Z position for Tampa Bay. EE has received one glowing review after another from players and coaches at One Buc Place thus far. From rookie mini-camp to training camp, he continues to impress everyone, which is always what you want to hear about your first rounders.
"The way he came in and his approach and how he grasps everything and runs the right routes and sticks his face in there to block and he's been very professional in his technique," Bowles said. "He does all the little things."
I was told by an OSU homer that Egbuka is a better version of Hines Ward which is quite the hot take, but an exciting one to dream about nonetheless. Finishing his college career as the ALL TIME leader in receptions at OSU and 2nd in yards is an impressive pedigree, I think he's going to compete for NFC OROY. The idea of Evans, Godwin, Egbuka and McMillian along with our stable of backs has me salivating. Currently his odds are around 30/1 so throw some cheddar on that futures bet, I've got $3 to win $93.
Benjamin Morrison 2nd round (53)
He's got all the measurables, size, speed and production, Morrison brings VERSATILITY. He would have been a first round pick if not for a hip injury that cost him 10 games last year. Has great awareness when the ball is in the air, NFL Network legend and former Raiders GM Mike Mayock would say he's got great hip and ankle flexion, he can guard the opponent's #1 WR and can also come off the edge on a blitz. He locked down Marvin Harrrison Jr (30 yards) when they matched up in 2023, the tape from that game sold me on B-Mo, guy is big time. McCollum seems to be our number one corner but Dean might need to look over his shoulder because this rookie is coming for him. YouTuber JustBombProductions labeled Morrison as "the human seat belt" which is definitely an apt nickname.
Jacob Parrish 3rd round (84)
My FAVORITE PICK Licht made this year. Parrish is going to be our 2nd starting corner longterm, might start the season at nickel but he's better than DEAN already. Size is what slotted him into round 3 but he's an instinctive player who's going to see time right off the bat. First thing that jumps off the screen when watching Parrish is tackling ability and closing speed. HC Todd Bowles gushed about Parrish in this quote from camp.
“It’s hard to say he’s grown because he’s been good since the first day he’s gotten here,” Bowles said of Parrish after practice. “You know, we correct him very little, and that’s a scary thing, especially for me. We don’t say his name much because he’s always doing the right thing."
He's got a nose for the football and had an incredible 50 tackles last year at Kansas State. THE first guy to the ball on gang tackles and on tape he gets into the backfield bringing down big-time running backs like Cam Skattaboo, who's a load. Parrish might be a CB but he plays with the mentality of a LB. LOVE THIS PICK #LICHTYEARSAHEAD
David Walker 4th round (121)
Baffled that he was still available in round 4. Yes, he's a small school guy and a bit undersized but Walker was a 3x conference DPOY, the resume is highly impressive and so is the tape. He EXPLODES off the ball and flashes against top level opponents (Oklahoma State and Ole Miss). Reminds you a bit of Haason Reddick who the Bucs signed this offseason, fans have been yearning for a feared pass rush and it looks like we might just have it this year. Yet another versatile football player which seems to be a theme for Tampa Bay in this draft. Todd Bowles has so many new chess pieces on defense to utilize this year and I'm expecting a dominant unit this season. UPDATE: Absolutely brutal news, Walker will be redshirting this season due to a torn ACL suffered during training camp.
Elijah Roberts 5th round (157)
This is a large man, GREAT HANDS, he uses his hands incredibly well to rip through the arms of OL and QB's, has a great stutter step move as well. He's quick for his size and is very polished for a 5th round pick. Began his career at Miami then transferred to SMU and made an immediate impact with 18 sacks in the past two years. Adds more depth to a very talented defensive line group and could see rotational play early on.
Tez Johnson 7th round (235)
My nickname for Tez is "the illusionist" because when he has the ball in his hands it's magic. Not often do 7th rounders make an immediate impact but Tez isn't your typical final round pick. I'm hoping he's the Bucs week 1 KR/PR but could start on the practice squad before being elevated at some point during the year. By NFL standards he is small (5-9 154lbs) and slow (4.6 40 yard dash) but he plays fast, he's quick and explosive, has great juke moves and protects himself well. Not scared to go over the middle and can take a 5-yard pass and turn it into a 35 yard gain. Flat out impressive production for a player who has physical limitations, in two seasons at Oregon he caught 169 passes for roughly 2,000 yards and 20 TD's.
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