The Buccaneers are in an offseason of change after Tom Brady's retirement, but the roster hasn't experienced as much of an overhaul as it could have. Tampa was able to retain Lavonte David and Jamel Dean, preventing two major holes from opening up on its defense. There's still plenty of work to be done in this draft.
Baker Mayfield is in place as the Buccaneers' likely quarterback in 2023, with the unproven Kyle Trask also set to get a shot at the job in camp. Could Jason Licht add a third signal-caller to the mix?
After Brady suffered behind a porous offensive line in 2022, Licht's first order of business might be to build the unit back up. Tampa still has weapons on the offense in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but they might not be able to make a huge impact if Mayfield doesn't have time to throw.
The Buccaneers stayed the course after losing Brady, opting against a full rebuild. This draft represents their chance to ensure they're still set up for a bright future.
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The Sporting News is tracking the Buccaneers' 2023 NFL Draft selections, from round one to seven. Follow along with the picks below.
Buccaneers draft picks 2023: Who did Tampa Bay take?
- Round 1, Pick 19: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
- Round 2, Pick 50: Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State
- Round 3, Pick 82: YaYa Diaby, EDGE, Louisville
- Round 5, Pick 153: Sirvocea Dennis, LB, Pittsburgh
- Round 5, Pick 171: Payne Durham, TE, Purdue
- Round 6, Pick 181: Josh Hayes, CB, Kansas State
- Round 6, Pick 191: Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska
- Round 6, Pick 196: Jose Ramirez, EDGE, Eastern Michigan
LIVE: Grades & analysis for every pick in 2023 NFL Draft
Buccaneers NFL Draft needs
- Quarterback: The Buccaneers seem set with their quarterback plans, with Baker Mayfield entering as the likely starter and Kyle Trask getting the chance to show what he can do in the summer. That duo shouldn't prevent Licht from taking the right quarterback if he falls into their lap. Whether that means Will Levis at No. 19 or another developmental prospect on Day 2, Tampa couldn't be blamed for taking a flier on a young QB at the start of the post-Brady era.
- Offensive line: The Buccaneers' offensive line took a major step back in 2022. While Tristan Wirfs and Ryan Jensen are locked in as strong starters this season, Tampa needs plenty of help elsewhere. The right side of the line is a significant weakness if Wirfs does indeed start at LT, and it's fair to say both guard spots need help after Luke Goedeke had an unsteady rookie year. A stronger line could help the Bucs re-establish the running game that disappeared last season.
- Tight end: The Buccaneers missed Rob Gronkowski in 2022. With Cameron Brate and Kyle Rudolph now off the roster, there's some need for a veteran at the position. Rookie Cade Otton did show some potential in the passing game last season, but Licht may decide one of the best tight end drafts in recent memory is the perfect opportunity to find a long-term starter at the position.
- Safety: The Buccaneers are thin at safety after losing Mike Edwards, Logan Ryan, and Keanu Neal. Tampa added Ryan Neal to start alongside Antoine Winfield Jr., but there isn't much depth and Neal isn't an ideal long-term solution at the position. This draft could be a good opportunity to replenish talent in the secondary.
Buccaneers mock draft 2023
Here is how the Buccaneers' draft could unfold in 2023, according to TSN's Vinnie Iyer's seven-round mock draft:
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 19 | Will Levis | QB | Kentucky |
| 2 | 50 | Darnell Wright | OT | Tennessee |
| 3 | 82 | Andrew Voorhees | OG | USC |
| 5 | 153 | Marte Mapu | S | Sacramento St. |
| 5 | 175 | Israel Abanikanda | RB | Pittsburgh |
| 5 | 179 | Antoine Green | WR | North Carolina |
| 6 | 181 | Mekhi Garner | CB | LSU |
| 6 | 196 | Tavius Robinson | DT | Ole Miss |
| 7 | 252 | Robert Beal Jr. | EDGE | Georgia |
