Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Jets fly high with Baker Mayfield

By Brad Weiss

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Josh Rosen No. 3 of the UCLA Bruins throws a pass during the NCAA college football game against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Josh Rosen No. 3 of the UCLA Bruins throws a pass during the NCAA college football game against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 32
Next
TALLAHASSEE, FL – NOVEMBER 18: Safety Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles before the game against the Delaware State Hornets at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on November 18, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. Florida State defeated Delaware State 77 to 6. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL – NOVEMBER 18: Safety Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles before the game against the Delaware State Hornets at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on November 18, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. Florida State defeated Delaware State 77 to 6. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

. Defensive Back. Florida State. Derwin James. 7. player. 48

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a pretty disappointing season in 2017, as they never quite got around to playing consistent football. Star quarterback Jameis Winston had to battle through some injuries, and in the process, the team never really got in rolling. As they head into 2018, there is still enough talent on this roster to be competitive, but they need to make sure they get their draft right, especially at No. 7 overall.

When it comes to the Buccaneers roster, they are seriously lacking in their defensive backfield. Outside of Minkah Fitzpatrick, Derwin James may be the most versatile defensive back in this draft class. James has been a standout player at both safety and cornerback during his time with Florida State, and actually left school as the all-time leader in return yards. He can do so much on a football field, and the Bucs need that versatility on their roster.

The NFC South saw three teams head to the playoffs last season, so the Buccaneers have a lot of work to do this offseason. They do have a solid young quarterback in Winston, and will look to turn the page at running back, after releasing Doug Martin already this offseason. The division is loaded, but some experts had the Bucs actually winning it last season, so counting them out from being a playoff contender next season many be the wrong decision.

Home/NFL Mock Draft