Is it ever too early to look right into a Bucs mock draft? Most likely, however when a quarterback is hooked up to it, there brings much more intrigue.
With questions nonetheless lingering in regards to the long-term future at quarterback, the Bucs have already got been linke to a possible successor to Baker Mayfield, albeit by way of a mock draft.
In a current mock draft by Justin Melo of Sports activities Illustrated, Tampa Bay was projected to pick Miami quarterback Darian Mensah — a transfer that displays each uncertainty and forward-thinking on the place.
Mayfield is coming into a contract yr, and whereas he has stabilized the place since arriving in Tampa Bay a few seasons in the past, the group has but to make an official long-term dedication for after this season. Mayfield gave a deadline of by the beginning of coaching camp to conform to a contract extension or else he’ll play the this season on the final yr of his deal.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: IMAGN – Jim Dedmon
That actuality makes the concept of drafting a quarterback removed from shocking, particularly if the Bucs discover themselves selecting in a spread the place a high-upside prospect is obtainable. Mensah is probably a participant that’s suits that mildew.
Why The Bucs May Go With A QB
Coming off a standout season with Duke, Mensah threw for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns whereas main the Blue Devils to an ACC Championship. His manufacturing, mixed along with his arm expertise and poise can elevate his draft inventory. Now transferring to Miami, Mensah steps right into a program that has just lately confirmed it will probably maximize quarterback potential — most notably serving to Cam Ward rise to grow to be a No. 1 general choose after which a season later making the nationwide championship sport with Carson Beck. That connection solely provides intrigue to Mensah’s trajectory.
Here’s what Melo mentioned in regards to the Bucs selecting Mensah at nineteenth general.
QB Darian Mensah – Photograph by: Jim Dedmon, Imagn Pictures
“Baker Mayfield is in a contract year and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been hesitant to make a long-term commitment. Darian Mensah threw for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns for the ACC champion Duke Blue Devils last season. Mensah now transfers to Miami, which helped Cam Ward become a No. 1 overall pick at quarterback.”
For the Bucs, deciding on a quarterback wouldn’t essentially sign the tip for Mayfield, however fairly a hedge on the long run. It will create competitors, present insurance coverage, and probably give the group a developmental possibility if contract talks with Mayfield don’t lead to a long-term deal.
Is There A Professional Probability That Mayfield Gained’t Be With the Bucs?
In actuality, the probabilities of Mayfield really departing Tampa Bay can be surprising. Normal supervisor Jason Licht and Baker Mayfield have a ok relationship the place they’ll get a deal finished.
On the similar time, such a transfer would spark loads of debate.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Tampa Bay has different wants, significantly alongside the defensive facet. Utilizing a premium choose on a quarterback would imply passing on fast affect expertise elsewhere. However because the NFL has proven repeatedly, groups are all the time trying to find their subsequent reply beneath middle, even once they have a succesful starter in place.
Mensah’s improvement this yr at Miami will likely be intently watched all through the season, not simply by draft analysts, however by groups like Tampa Bay who may very well be weighing their choices on the quarterback place.
In the mean time it’s only a projection. But it surely highlights a really actual risk: if the Bucs stay unsure about Mayfield’s future, they could not wait lengthy to start out planning for what comes subsequent.
