Will the Bucs Trade Up Into the First Round? 2023 NFL Draft Outlook

April 22, 2023

2023 NFL Draft outlook, predictions, and team needs for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Which positions do the need the most help in? Will they trade up in the first round?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold the 19^th overall pick in the NFL Draft. While it is a decent position to get potential starters, they could explore moving up the draft board. But will there be a great reward for doing so?

Tom Brady’s departure created a massive void that the Buccaneers haven’t adequately addressed. As of writing, Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask are the only quarterbacks in their depth chart. Both player-callers haven’t manifested the consistency to reinstate the team as a legitimate contender.

Therefore, the Buccaneers could explore trading up to get one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2023 class. They can engage the Houston Texans in a conversation for the second overall pick, giving them a chance to land either Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud. Getting a young quarterback can help sustain the steady production of All-Pro wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Going for this approach will also mask the holes their offensive line has. It could also put them on top of the NFC South, considering that the race for the division title is wide open.

The Buccaneers’ draft day moves remain a mystery

The price for trading up to the number two pick won’t be cheap. They would have to surrender several picks through multiple years to come up with a package that the Texans will consider. Are they willing to sacrifice the team’s future to open another championship window?

If the Buccaneers choose the win-now mode, how sure are they that the quarterback they land will be an exceptional cornerstone on offense? Therefore, it would be better for the Buccaneers to stay put at 19 and address other roster concerns.

Besides, they have other needs to address other than quarterback. Improving their offensive line will buy any quarterback more time to execute plays and give their running backs more space to operate. The Buccaneers also need some improvement in their secondary, especially after Sean Murphy-Bunting joined the Tennessee Titans.

Getting another defensive end will take some pressure off Shaquil Barrett, who is dealing with an Achilles tear. The Buccaneers can answer any of these positions of need with the 19^th overall pick. It’s also the wiser approach, considering they only have $1.8 million of cap space.

More Fantasy Football Analysis