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Tampa has now completed their draft, with the following bounty of new seafaring buccaneers.
1-14, Justin Herbert, QB, OR
2-45, Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
3-76, Lucas Niang, RT, TCU
4-117, Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech
4-139, Leki Fotu, DT, Utah
5-161, Tyre Phillips, RT, Mississippi State
6-194, Oluwale Betiku, DE, Illinois
Coming into the draft, our main needs were running back, the right side of the offensive line, and a long-term quarterback. We're happy with how things turned out.
Herbert was an opportunity grab since we have an ancient starter. He'll sit for a year, but that's a good thing.
Taylor is a Week 1 starter, most likely.
Niang is a likely Week 1 starter, though Phillips will compete with him. Phillips will likely move in to right guard, though, where he's well suited to compete for the starting job.
Robertson was a luxury pick since we've got good young CBs on the roster, but we think he'll be a great slot corner in nickel and dime situations.
Fotu will move into the rotation with Vita Vea at nose tackle.
Betiku is purely a developmental pick. He's got the measurables of a first round guy, but he has no experience. We can afford to have him as a backup for a year or two to develop.
We had some secondary needs at TE and WR, but didn't find the right value in the right place. If Herbert hadn't been available, we likely would've gone OT in the first or second round and then grabbed a receiver later instead of a quarterback. But Herbert gives us a long term plan.
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