Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10 Targets in 2020 NFL Draft to jumpstart Tom Brady era

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots talks with the media during a press conference after the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL Draft (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

7. Matt Peart, OT, UConn

Taking an offensive tackle doesn’t have to be a priority for the Buccaneers early on. They do have two veterans manning the tackle spots (if DeMar Dotson re-signs), so the Bucs could wait and draft a project tackle to mold for the future.

A player who has tools ready-made for an NFL tackle with upside due to where he played his college football is UConn offensive tackle Matt Peart is the perfect player for the Bucs. While his pedigree from the Huskies isn’t the highest traditionally, he could see time right away in the NFL.

What jumps off the screen with Peart is his natural athleticism; he’s smooth in his movements with quick feet and mirroring skills. The 6-7, 318-pound tackle had a jaw-dropping performance at the 2020 NFL Combine. His arms measured over 36.5 inches, he ran a 5.0-second 40-yard dash and benched 225 pounds 26 times, garnering the attention of draft aficionados.

The explosiveness he showed at the Combine verified what many saw on tape. Still, Peart isn’t a finished product. He will need some coaching to develop his technique, especially with hand placement. Nevertheless, he has the size and traits to warrant excitement. If the Bucs get through the first round without addressing tackle, Peart should be a surefire option on Day 2.

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