NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2015 NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Way Too Early 7-Round Mock

2015 NFL Draft: Buccaneers' Way Too Early 7-Round Mock

Lovie Smith Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers look destined for yet another early pick in the upcoming draft. There are many areas that need an upgrade, but a franchise quarterback is something the Bucs have lacked for their entire existence. Will 2015 be the year that all changes?

Round 1: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

Jameis Winston Florida State Seminoles
Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

Jameis Winston Florida State Seminoles
Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

On one hand, Marcus Mariota is a physical freak of nature and he's smart with the ball; on the other hand, Jameis Winston just doesn't lose. When I look at what’s working in the NFL right now, Winston’s skill set is better served for the Bucs. Admittedly, I think Mariota is the safer play of the two, but with Winston already playing in Florida and a fanbase needing something to believe in, the Bucs go with last year’s Heisman winner.

Round 2: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT – Texas A&M

Cedric Ogbuhei Texas A&M Aggies
Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT – Texas A&M

Cedric Ogbuhei, OT – Texas A&M
Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive linemen will play musical chairs on the big board from now until the draft starts, so this is merely an educated guess. It’s no secret that the Bucs need help on the offensive line, so they take Cedric Ogbuehi out of Texas A&M, a school which has an outstanding pedigree of offensive line talent. Ogbuehi has versatility as he played at left and right tackle. While he is a work in progress, his upside is high.

Round 3: Stefon Diggs, WR – Maryland

Stefon Diggs Maryland Terrapins
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3: Stefon Diggs, WR – Maryland

Stefon Diggs Maryland Terrapins
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

I have watched a couple Maryland games this year and Stefon Diggs always stands out. His speed and playmaking ability are tremendous qualities that would elevate this Bucs offense to another level. In 10 games this season, Diggs has 52 catches for 654 yards and five touchdowns. He reminds me a lot of Emmanuel Sanders.

Round 4: Preston Smith, DE – Mississippi State

Preston Smith Mississippi State Bulldogs
Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4: Preston Smith, DE – Mississippi State

Preston Smith Mississippi State Bulldogs
Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

There hasn't been much production from Bucs defensive ends over the last few years, so it's that time of year again to take another crack at it. Preston Smith is having a solid senior season in the SEC thus far with 11.5 tackles for a loss, seven of them being sacks. Tampa's defensive scheme requires pressure from this position so having a rotation of bodies up front on the edge is necessary.

Round 5: David Cobb, RB – Minnesota

David Cobb Minnesota Gophers
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Round 5: David Cobb, RB – Minnesota

David Cobb Minnesota Gophers
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

At the beginning of the season it looked like the Bucs would have a solid running back committee. My oh my, how the times have changed. With Doug Martin and Bobby Rainey on pace for career-low numbers, the team could let them go and add a youthful running back like they did last year with Charles Sims. David Cobb out of Minnesota is currently seventh in the nation with 1,350 rushing yards.

Round 6: Connor Halliday, QB – Washington State

Connor Halliday Washington State Cougars
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Round 6: Connor Halliday, QB – Washington State

Connor Halliday Washington State Cougars
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Just in case the Jameis Winston project doesn’t work, it wouldn’t be bad to have a young quarterback to groom. Connor Halliday from Washington State suffered a horrible broken leg setback in a game against USC, and I feel like he’ll come back with a chip on his shoulder. Halliday led a high-powered offense for the Cougars where he put up video game-like numbers before the injury.

Round 7: Ronald Martin, S – LSU

Ronald Martin LSU Tigers
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7: Ronald Martin, S – LSU

Ronald Martin LSU Tigers
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Bucs could use depth at safety with the departure of Mark Barron, so they take a chance on one of this year’s Jim Thorpe Award semifinalists. Ronald Martin has played well for LSU, but he was dinged up most of last year. Another guy with some versatility, he played both free and strong safety in his collegiate career.

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