With the 19th pick in the NFL draft the Buccaneers select…

[Grahamburn]

Of the players listed I personally would take McMillan if he actually fell that far. I don't think he does though. I expect they'll be taking Ezeiruaku or Starks, and knowing how Licht prefers to get starters with his 1sts I'd put my money on Starks.

In my mocks I generally have something like this before us:

7 offensive - 2 QB, 3 OL, 1 RB, 1 TE
11 defensive - 3 CB, 3 DT, 4 EDGE, 1 LB

I can see a world where none of the WRs are picked early.

The 3 teams picking directly before us are all hungry for defense and I expect a run on DE/LB there.

Then I’d say we’re in a good spot to trade down.

[Sdbucs]

The play vs Ohio State at 1:41

[GoldenBudda]

I'd say Kenneth Grant would be awesome to essentially split reps with Vea, giving us the ultimate run clogging front. This keeps both players fresh.

The second DT is a bit harder to project. Darius Alexander is probably the guy I'd prefer. Not a fan of the top talent outside of Grant.

I wonder how many of them think with Vea I finally get to face just one player. Some of these DT's could even allow Vea to attack from a different position.

I know Bowles would get really creative with Grant & Vea. Goal line 4 man fronts with Vea, Grant, Kancey and Diaby would be stout. Stop the run, protect the ILB's. Force double teams to increase sacks by teammates. There are so many benefits to having this type of player.

I can't ever remember a team having two behemoths like that. I would absolutely love to see it.

[Doctor]

I take Jihaad. Then Tet.

"Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell's s labrum recovery is something teams are still sizing up. It's not because the injury is complex or an overly concerning procedure, but Campbell had the surgery right after the combine," Yates said. "Teams are still working to get as much information as they can about how ready Campbell will be for training camp or even the regular season. At full strength, I believe he's a top-20 player in this class, but don't be surprised if he slides into the late first or early second round."

I just can't see us taking him when he's not likely able to contribute this season.

LB, especially iLB, already comes with a one year+ learning curve in this system anyway. I don't mind redshirting him.

[__Chef__]

I can't ever remember a team having two behemoths like that. I would absolutely love to see it.

John Henderson and Marcus Stroud
-Jax

[mdb1958]

I can't ever remember a team having two behemoths like that. I would absolutely love to see it.

John Henderson and Marcus Stroud
-Jax

Vea has more QB hits than both of them combined

[Backside]

In my mocks I generally have something like this before us:

7 offensive - 2 QB, 3 OL, 1 RB, 1 TE
11 defensive - 3 CB, 3 DT, 4 EDGE, 1 LB

I can see a world where none of the WRs are picked early.

The 3 teams picking directly before us are all hungry for defense and I expect a run on DE/LB there.

Then I’d say we’re in a good spot to trade down.

By all accounts it will be tough to find a team trying to move up into that range.

[__Chef__]

Then I’d say we’re in a good spot to trade down.

By all accounts it will be tough to find a team trying to move up into that range.

If I'm the Chiefs and this scenario plays out, I'd make a call to see what it would take to snag McMillan or Hunter.

[BucsNBills]

The play vs Ohio State at 1:41

I'm pretty sure his multiple SA accusations take him off Licht's board.

[Grahamburn]

Then I’d say we’re in a good spot to trade down.

By all accounts it will be tough to find a team trying to move up into that range.

In the hypothetical presented no WRs have been taken. If that’s the case it’s a prime spot in front of several teams.

Could also be a great spot for us and I’d probably take McMillan. Defense be damned.

[BucsNBills]

Anyone want draft profiles for specific prospects from Dan Brugler's "The Beast"?

[bucarican]

[mdb1958]

In the NFL a lot of those passes get intercepted

[Grahamburn]

This offense doesn't really use the TE as a focal point. With the state of the defense I couldn't get on board with that kind of selection.

[Grahamburn]

Anyone want draft profiles for specific prospects from Dan Brugler's "The Beast"?

I think we're going with Ezeiruaku or Starks, so those two would be of interest.

[mdb1958]

This offense doesn't really use the TE as a focal point. With the state of the defense I couldn't get on board with that kind of selection.

If there is a TE wonder boy and he is there at our pick, give us those three picks to get him!

[mdb1958]

Anyone want draft profiles for specific prospects from Dan Brugler's "The Beast"?

I think we're going with Ezeiruaku or Starks, so those two would be of interest.

Any flags on these Edge rushers that might stop a team from drafting them - just may be an illusion. I think they get drafted anyways. Since you talked about Greens thing he dropped for awhile in the twenty's but now he is getting drafted before we could consider it.

[Grahamburn]

I think we're going with Ezeiruaku or Starks, so those two would be of interest.

Any flags on these Edge rushers that might stop a team from drafting them - just may be an illusion. I think they get drafted anyways. Since you talked about Greens thing he dropped for awhile in the twenty's but now he is getting drafted before we could consider it.

Some teams will care. Some teams won't. We'll know for real in a week.

[Grahamburn]

How far would we be willing to trade back if say Sanders were to fall to our pick? You have to think some team or teams will want to get in front of Pittsburgh if Sanders and/or Dart are available.

Let's say the Giants offered #34, #65, and #99 to get up to #19. Cleveland also has #33, #67, and #94. I think I'd take either of those packages.

#19 is worth 875 by the trade chart. Those packages are ~900. So, for a QB? Might even be able to get some 2026 seasoning on it. But, I'd do those deals.

[BucsNBills]

Anyone want draft profiles for specific prospects from Dan Brugler's "The Beast"?

I think we're going with Ezeiruaku or Starks, so those two would be of interest.

► Show Spoiler

EDGE #6 Donovan Ezeiruaku Boston College, 4SR

HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL BIRTHDAY AGE HT WT NUM
Williamstown, NJ Williamstown Sep 25, 2003 21.58 6024 248 #6

BACKGROUND: Donovan Ezeiruaku (Ezz-AH-rah-koo), the third of four boys, was born in Philadelphia to his parents (Sonyx and Cindy). The familylater relocated to Williamstown, N.J. (20 miles south of Philadelphia). Ezeiruaku got his start in pee-wee football in Glassboro at age 7. He thoughthe wanted to play running back and receiver but discovered he had a knack for finding the ball and tackling, which led him to defense. Ezeiruaku also played basketball through middle school and into high school and competed in 7-on-7.

Ezeiruaku attended Williamstown High, where he was a four-year varsity letterman and played both ways as a wide receiver and edge rusher. His
role expanded as a sophomore, as he helped the team to an undefeated 12-0 record and the 2018 South Group 5 state championship. As a junior,
Ezeiruaku led Williamstown to a 12-1 record and the second of its back-to-back state titles with 53 tackles and 7.5 sacks. His senior season was
disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but he finished with 47 tackles and two sacks in nine games, earning all-area honors. Ezeiruaku also played
basketball as a freshman at Williamstown and lettered in track. He had personal bests of 17 feet, 5 inches in the long jump, 37-5 in the triple jump,
39-7 in the shot put and 80-11 in the discus.

A three-star recruit, Ezeiruaku was the 132nd-ranked linebacker in the 2021 recruiting class and the No. 23 recruit in New Jersey. He didn't have
any recruiting stars following his junior season, but his recruitment started to pick up steam with offers from FCS schools Holy Cross, Stony Brook
and Wagner, and Ivy League programs such as Harvard and Princeton. Ezeiruaku received his first FBS offers in May 2020 from Northern Illinois,
Old Dominion and nearby Temple, followed by his first then-Power 5 offers from Boston College and Vanderbilt. He was unable to go on visits
because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but he took a chance and committed to Boston College and head coach Jeff Hafley. Ezeiruaku was the
22nd-ranked recruit (out of 26) in Hafley's 2021 class. He graduated with a degree (Dec. 2024). Ezeiruaku opted out of Boston College's 2024 bowl
game and accepted his invitation to the Senior Bowl.

STRENGTHS:
● Bendy athlete with disproportionately long arms
● Accelerates well around the arc with impressive body dip
● Go-to move is a jab step with a slap/cross-chop to pry open the rush lane
● Uses length to chop down and erase blocking hands
● Explosive laterally to sidestep and maneuver around roadblocks
● Uses quick swim/arm-over moves to blow through tight end blocks
● Long reach helps him maintain space in the run game and stay detached on the move
● Two-year team captain with strong football character
● Durable; started 36 straight games before opting out of the 2024 bowl game
● Led FBS in sacks per game (1.38) and took home the 2024 Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's top defensive end
● Tied Boston College single-season record with 16.5 sacks and joined Mathias Kiwanuka as the only players in school history to reach 30
career sacks

WEAKNESSES:
● Below-average height with a very light frame
● Needs to get stronger in both his upper and lower halves to better match up against NFL linemen
● Doesn't have power in his hands to move blockers with a bull rush
● Needs to develop a more effective low-side counter and when transitioning off his long-arm move
● Will have a tough time two-gapping
● Only average speed and struggles to close the gap in pursuit
● Can shake him in the backfield; needs to stay under control breaking down in tight quarters
● Occasionally lined up as a MIKE on third downs — but as a blitzer, not dropping or as a coverage player

SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Boston College, Ezeiruaku was an outside edge rusher (left and right) in defensive coordinator Tim Lewis' 4-3
base scheme (lined up mostly as a stand-up defender, with 99.7 percent of his snaps coming wide of the tackle as a 7- or 9-tech). After leading the
team in sacks and tackles for loss as a sophomore and junior, he became the 13th consensus All-American in school history as a senior and
finished top three in the FBS in both sacks (16.5) and tackles for loss (20.5).

As a pass rusher, Ezeiruaku is more "dip-and-rip" than he is a force player, with his natural feel for depth points and the different ways he uses jab
steps and cross-chops to soften the corner. He can be overwhelmed at times against the run but flashes the length to get into an opponent's pads,
lock out and stalemate at the point of attack, especially on the move. Overall, Ezeiruaku is a tad light for a stack-and-shed edge setter, but
rushing the passer is his calling card, and he has the arc acceleration, body flexibility and long, active arms to break down the balance of
blockers. He has NFL starter-level talent, and his tape says he is more than a DPR (designated pass rusher).

GRADE: 1st-2nd round (No. 22 overall)

► Show Spoiler

S2 Malaki Starks Georgia, 3JR

HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL BIRTHDAY AGE HT WT NUM
Jefferson, GA Jefferson Nov 13, 2003 21.44 6007 197 #24

BACKGROUND: William Malaki (MAL-uh-KAI) Starks, who has an older sister (Mariah), was raised in Jefferson (a small town in northeast Georgia)
with his parents (Larry and Tisha). While Starks was in grades three through six, his close-knit family of four was homeless and bounced between
temporary solutions. Fishing, hunting and sports were his outlet through those challenges. His "first love" was basketball (Mariah played the sport,
and he wanted to do everything his older sister did). Starks has several uncles who played college football, including former Clemson tight end
Jerome Williams (1986-89).

Starks started playing pee wee football in Jefferson at age 6 and announced himself as a playmaker on both sides of the ball. Because Mariah was
a track standout, Malaki got involved in track early and was named the state's track athlete of the year in middle school. His youth football
highlights are legendary in Jefferson, and he grew to be a local celebrity because of his athleticism and loyalty to the community (especially its
younger athletes). Malaki wears No. 24 because that was the number worn by his cousin (Keion), who died at age 7 in May 2010, when Keion's
father (Keith Gresham) shot and killed both he and his 4-year-old brother (Keionte) in what was determined to be a murder-suicide.

Starks enrolled at Jefferson High and was a do-everything player in all three phases, spending time as a wing-T quarterback, running back, wide
receiver, linebacker, cornerback, safety and returner. He was set to play a major role as a freshman but suffered a broken tibia and was sidelined for
the 2018 season. Starks returned to the field as a sophomore and led Jefferson to a 10-2 record with 848 all-purpose yards, five interceptions and
nine total touchdowns (five rushing, two receiving, two interception returns). Despite battling a thumb injury as a junior, he became the starting
quarterback and led the team to a 14-1 record, with the only loss coming in the 2020 4A state championship game. Starks recorded 569 passing
yards, 1,537 rushing yards and 35 total touchdowns (24 rushing, 11 passing), along with 41 tackles and a pair of interceptions. As a senior, he
finished with 403 all-purpose yards, three interceptions and one forced fumble and was named an Under Armour All-American. Starks also
lettered in basketball and track — he was named the 2021 track athlete of the year as a junior, winning the 4A state championship in the long jump
(despite not having a long jump coach) and finishing top five in the 100-meters. He had personal bests of 10.55 seconds in the 100 meters, 21.67 in
the 200 and 24 feet, 9 inches in the long jump — all Jefferson High records.

A five-star recruit, Starks was the top-ranked athlete in the 2022 recruiting class and the No. 4 recruit in Georgia (behind Travis Hunter, Mykel
Williams and LT Overton). He was ranked as the No. 19 recruit nationally. Starks first drew the attention of the Georgia coaching staff going into his
freshman year, after he attended a Bulldogs football camp (Athens is only 20 miles from Jefferson). Once he got on the field as a sophomore, he
received four SEC offers (Georgia, LSU, South Carolina and Tennessee). Other national programs including Florida State, Notre Dame and USC
offered him. He narrowed his final choice to Alabama, Clemson and Georgia and officially committed to the Bulldogs in March 2021. Starks signed
as a defensive back and was the second-ranked recruit in head coach Kirby Smart's 2022 class (behind Williams). During his bye week in October
2024, he proposed to his longtime girlfriend (Savannah Jackson), with whom he has been close since fourth grade. Starks skipped his senior
season and entered the NFL Draft.


STRENGTHS:
● Unique athlete with loose, fluid movement skills
● Shows speed to cover wide range of field off the hash
● Clean pedal to mirror/match tight ends or receivers underneath
● Diagnoses well post-snap to key quickly and drive on throws
● Shows body control to make "wow" plays on ball (see interception on slot fade versus Clemson in 2024)
● Large catch radius to high point the football and finish
● Competitive against the run and breaks down in space to react with ball carrier
● Slowest short-shuttle time (4.45) at combine but top mph (14.94) during that same drill
● Served as backup punt returner (four attempts for 39 yards); played full-time on punt coverages all three seasons (272 career snaps)
● Genuine leader because of humble attitude and commitment (secondary coach Travaris Robinson: "He holds people accountable, and he
holds himself accountable. I think that's his greatest trait.")
● Terrific communicator — coaches put extra helpings on his plate by asking him to play every position in secondary
● Reliable player — started 42 straight games to finish career

WEAKNESSES:
● Not a powerful tackler — runners consistently fell forward once wrapped up
● Flies downhill in run support but doesn't consistently protect against cutbacks (three missed tackles on 2024 Alabama tape)
● Overaggressive at times biting on run fakes, leaving him late to recover over the top (see Florida's first touchdown on 2024 tape)
● Gives up inside position too easily in man-to-man in slot
● Can carry in man coverage but tends to overplay multiple breaking routes and stumble in recovery
● Didn't allow big passing plays on his 2023 tape, but gave up three catches of 40 yards or more in 2024

SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Georgia, Starks was a do-everything safety (post, split-field, box, slot) in head coach Kirby Smart's man/zone
scheme, often playing the "Star" nickel position. After announcing himself as a playmaker in his first game as a true freshman, he became a fixture
of the Bulldogs secondary and earned All-America honors each of his three seasons. He quickly established himself as one of Georgia's leaders,
both as a worker behind the scenes and on the field, often getting his teammates lined up properly based on offensive adjustments.

With his length, athleticism and recognition skills, Starks is a strong space defender and plays confident in all aspects of coverage and run support.
Though there are plenty of examples of his range and playmaking skills, he doesn't consistently position himself to be disruptive in man-to-man
situations — that issue led to several big plays allowed in 2024. Overall, Starks doesn't have Teflon tape, especially in man coverage, but his
athletic profile, diagnose skills and intangibles will make him an immediate starter and special-teamer in the NFL. His versatile skill set can
give a defensive coordinator options, although he is best suited for a free safety role.

GRADE: 1st-2nd round (No. 19 overall)

[BucsNBills]

How far would we be willing to trade back if say Sanders were to fall to our pick? You have to think some team or teams will want to get in front of Pittsburgh if Sanders and/or Dart are available.

Let's say the Giants offered #34, #65, and #99 to get up to #19. Cleveland also has #33, #67, and #94. I think I'd take either of those packages.

#19 is worth 875 by the trade chart. Those packages are ~900. So, for a QB? Might even be able to get some 2026 seasoning on it. But, I'd do those deals.

I would absolutely take either of those trade packages to trade back. There will be tons of good players left at 33 and 34 and there's a chance we'll still get the guy we would've taken at 19.

I'm not sure what would need to take place for Sanders to drop to 19, but that would be the dream scenario for us IMO.

[Grahamburn]

How far would we be willing to trade back if say Sanders were to fall to our pick? You have to think some team or teams will want to get in front of Pittsburgh if Sanders and/or Dart are available.

Let's say the Giants offered #34, #65, and #99 to get up to #19. Cleveland also has #33, #67, and #94. I think I'd take either of those packages.

#19 is worth 875 by the trade chart. Those packages are ~900. So, for a QB? Might even be able to get some 2026 seasoning on it. But, I'd do those deals.

I would absolutely take either of those trade packages to trade back. There will be tons of good players left at 33 and 34 and there's a chance we'll still get the guy we would've taken at 19.

I'm not sure what would need to take place for Sanders to drop to 19, but that would be the dream scenario for us IMO.

If he gets past the Saints none of those teams need a QB.

[__Chef__]

Chills ... Are we in for a repeat?

[Grahamburn]

He looks so young.

[__Chef__]

He looks so young.

People forget when we drafted Mike, we had Vincent Jackson on the team ... funny looking back at Mike's draft profile: possession receiver with playmaking ability who projects as a No. 2 in the pros ... 4th best WR combine ranking in the 2014 draft class.

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/mike-evan ... 8233f6fea5

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tetairoa- ... 4e646a998f

[Phantom]

Do all the NFL draft experts have some connection with Licht? Almost all analysts predicted that the Bucs would select Campbell.

[Phantom]

He looks so young.

People forget when we drafted Mike, we had Vincent Jackson on the team ... funny looking back at Mike's draft profile: possession receiver with playmaking ability who projects as a No. 2 in the pros ... 4th best WR combine ranking in the 2014 draft class.

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/mike-evan ... 8233f6fea5

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tetairoa- ... 4e646a998f

he’s clearly the best wide receiver in that class.

[__Chef__]

People forget when we drafted Mike, we had Vincent Jackson on the team ... funny looking back at Mike's draft profile: possession receiver with playmaking ability who projects as a No. 2 in the pros ... 4th best WR combine ranking in the 2014 draft class.

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/mike-evan ... 8233f6fea5

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tetairoa- ... 4e646a998f

he’s clearly the best wide receiver in that class.

Crazy how close Davonte Adams stats are though ...

12,684 105TDs
10,781 96TDs

Nobody else is even in the conversation.

[Grahamburn]

Do all the NFL draft experts have some connection with Licht? Almost all analysts predicted that the Bucs would select Campbell.

It’s weird how much his injury/surgery is ignored. He’s probably falling to the 2nd round.

Unlikely Licht takes another iLB with a shoulder injury.

[Doctor]

Watch Jihaad be my Branch this year. An S tier player that will fall for dumb reason but still go before us in round 2. Sigh.

[Grahamburn]

A torn labrum is not a dumb reason, and the guy has plenty of issues even if healthy.

[Grahamburn]

If you want your Brian Branch player draft Barron or Starks.

[mdb1958]

If you want your Brian Branch player draft Barron or Starks.

How many of the top DB's are thinking - coach I can't play your style of defense

[mdb1958]

Our improved IDL!

[Doctor]

If you think that is the injury is bad bad, sure. Take him off your board. Heart breaking but injuries ruin players all the time.

But if not, and you think he's legit, "missing week 1 of this rookie year" is a dumb reason to pass on a franchise player. Other dumb reason is people just devalue off ball LBs, I disagree.