The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ first draft after the end of the Tom Brady era will set the tone for the franchise in 2023. After making enough moves in free agency with limited cap space to stay afloat this season, the Bucs’ 2023 draft class will be a mission statement for how general manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles want to remake the roster.
The Bucs have few immediate needs outside of offensive tackle. Even there, the positional flexibility that All-Pro Tristan Wirfs can provide by playing either left or right tackle keeps Tampa’s options open.
With most of Tampa’s starting jobs filled, this draft will be about building depth, particularly on the defensive line and secondary, and developmental projects for the roster two to three years from now at the offensive skill positions.
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Oklahoma OT Anton Harrison is one of only a handful of tackles in this draft with the talent and athleticism to start at left tackle in the NFL. Although he does not have the upside of Broderick Jones or Paris Johnson Jr., Harrison would be a fine bookend across from Tristan Wirfs.
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One of the few “benders” in this edge defender class, Felix Anudike-Uzomah brings all the physical attributes needed to be a successful pass rusher in the NFL. He can develop behind Shaq Barrett and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and provide an insurance policy for 2024 and beyond if Barrett and Tryon-Shoyinka flame out this year.
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No longer stocked with former Day 2 picks in their secondary, the Bucs take Illinois cornerback Jartavius “Quan” Martin in the third round to man the vital nickel corner position. Martin favorably compares to the Bucs’ previous nickel corner, Sean Murphy-Bunting, both athletically and in terms of production.
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With Cam Brate and Rob Gronkowski gone, the Bucs tight end room belongs to last year’s draft picks, Cade Otton and Ko Kieft, and now Penn State TE Brenton Strange. Though he does not have ideal length for a tight end, Strange is an enthusiastic blocker and underrated receiver.
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The Bucs have a viable starting running back in last year’s third-round pick, Rachaad White. Adding Georgia RB Kenny McIntosh shores up depth and gives Tampa one of the better receiving backs in the class, catching…
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