2020 NFL Draft: Grades for all 32 first-round picks
Scouting Report. Offensive Tackle. 48. player. Pick Analysis. Iowa. Tristan Wirfs. 13
Grade: A-
After a run on offensive tackles, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers jumped up one spot to secure Tristan Wirfs with the No. 13 overall pick. Considering they’d like to do whatever they can to keep Tom Brady upright, this was just the move the Buccaneers needed.
Honestly, it’s all about making sure their franchise quarterback is protected. While Donovan Smith isn’t the worst left tackle in the league, Brady was likely looking for a better blindside blocker. By drafting Wirfs, the Buccaneers give him exactly that.
Wirfs is an otherworldly athlete given his size and position, having blown away the NFL Combine with his measurables. He works hard, wins at the point of contact and possesses the movements skills to be an excellent starter on the left side. Assuming that’s where Tampa Bay uses him, the future seems bright for the former Hawkeye.
When you have Tom Brady under center, you need to protect him. That’s exactly what the Buccaneers are doing with this pick.