The trade of longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis III pushed the potential need to draft a corner to the forefront. While the Bucs will want to see if Zyon McCollum has what it takes to start, they’re not likely to start the 2024 season without a backup plan, or at the very least some added depth.
When it comes to defensive backs, Bucs general manager Jason Licht definitely has a type. Out of the 13 defensive backs Licht has drafted in his 10 years as general manager, just one was under 195 pounds: Special teams ace Ryan Smith. Licht likes his corners big, tall, and usually, fast.
This strategy has largely worked out for head coach Todd Bowles and his defense, as the secondary played a key role in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl LV victory and the defense’s overall resurgence since 2019. Bowles’ aggression and frequent blitzing forces his cornerbacks to be well-rounded, versatile defenders.
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Of all the top cornerbacks available, DeJean not only meets the traits thresholds, but he is a perfect fit for what Todd Bowles wants from his defense. At six feet and 202 pounds, DeJean is at worst a little short for an ideal Bucs cornerback, but he plays with every ounce of his being.
The Iowa corner is one of the best run defenders in this year’s draft class, and can play multiple positions in the secondary. While the Bucs need an outside corner most of all, DeJean would be an overall weapon for Bowles not unlike All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. If he falls to the 26th pick and the top pass-rushers are off the board, DeJean should be the pick for Tampa Bay.
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McKinstry is a relatively safe pick. He has the requisite traits to play cornerback in the NFL, and his play for the Crimson Tide indicates he is a smart and instinctive defensive back. The only real problem is he does not have a ton of upside, which is less than ideal for a potential first-round pick.
At 5’11” and 196 pounds, McKinstry just meets the Bucs’ typical threshold for a cornerback. He has NFL-quality cover skills, but his run defense leaves much to be desired. Overall, he is an awkward style fit for Todd Bowles defense, but he would give them a boost as a cover corner.
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If Jason Licht’s historical drafting patterns are any indication, Hart is a bulls-eye target for the Bucs this year. He brings ideal…
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