2017 NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-round mock
Tyler Orlosky
Center, West Virginia
The Bucs go back to the offensive, this time drafting on the offensive line. They also may be able to find another starter with their fourth round pick in this loaded draft. The team has been revamping their line since they drafted Jameis Winston and drafted two offensive line starters in the same year as their franchise signal caller. They now have a young group of linemen who are starting to mold together and develop continuity.
The Bucs re-signed Joe Hawley, and he should be able to start at center next season. Still, it was a cheap deal the Bucs signed him to, they have an out in 2018 to cut him with zero dead money, and it was just a two-year deal anyways.
Orlosky is a three-year starter at center and was voted the team captain at West Virginia for his senior season. He does not move well, but he understands the game and is a center who could turn into a long-term starter. Orlosky is a run first mauler, which fits what the Bucs want to do. He can start to develop a relationship with Winston and Foreman, and the team will have a young and hopeful group of talented players down the middle of their offense.
The team can ease him in, see what they have with him, then decide if 2018 or 2019 is the time to insert him into the starting lineup. Even if he is inserted into the lineup earlier, they are not wasting assets on Hawley, as he is getting paid close to back up money as it is. It is a fit and great value making him easily worth their fourth round pick.