The 2023 NFL Draft is just a couple weeks away. The three-day event kicks off on the evening of April 27, featuring 31 picks, and concludes on April 29 following rounds 4-7 on Saturday. The Buccaneers currently own nine picks and will vie to solidify the roster for another run at an NFC South crown.
Over the next week, we will be diving into potential draft targets for the Buccaneers at six different positions. Some could be first-round possibilities, while others could add depth as a late-round addition. Today, the offensive line will be addressed. Here’s the position-by-position schedule:
Monday, April 17: Quarterback
Tuesday, April 18: Offensive Line
Wednesday, April 19: Running Back
Thursday, April 20: Edge Rusher
Friday, April 21: Defensive Backs
Monday, April 24: Tight Ends
(NOTE: The following is the analysis of the author alone. It is not meant to reflect or reveal thoughts or strategies regarding the 2023 draft by Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht, Head Coach Todd Bowles or any member of the scouting or coaching staffs.)
“Tackles are very hard to find,” General Manager Jason Licht described on the offensive line position in the 2023 class. “There are a few good ones that we like that we’ve spent a lot of time on. It’s a little bit more dominant from the beginning of the draft until the end of the draft this year, I think, with interior linemen. There are some very good ones there I think, too. We love our offensive linemen, so it’s a position that quite possibly we would be addressing. But once again, we have a lot of in-house options, as well.”
The Buccaneers own the 19th-overall pick in the draft and while there is some controversy, most mocks project Tampa Bay to select an offensive lineman in the first round. If the Buccaneers are in fact in the hunt for a blocker, they will encounter competition for the top prospects as many teams will strive to bolster the trenches in a strong offensive line class.
The Bucs will seek to replace Donovan Smith, who posted 137 starts in eight seasons at left tackle. Tampa Bay All-Pro right tackle Tristan Wirfs does have position flexibility and is preparing to line up on either side of the formation. However, in terms of “hitting” on offensive linemen in the draft, the Bucs have a successful history doing just that during Licht’s decade-long tenure as general manager. Strengthening the offensive line is paramount to Licht and co. Licht has drafted eight offensive linemen over the course of nine drafts and six of…
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