Now that the 2020 NFL Draft is in the books, let’s take a look at how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did during the three-day event with grades for every pick.
Following an excellent opening round in the 2020 NFL Draft in which they secured a new right tackle in Tristan Wirfs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers added more pieces to a team that is looking to make a Super Bowl run in head coach Bruce Arians’ second season at the helm.
With Wirfs, quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski already on board, general manager Jason Licht continued to build the team’s talent base throughout the remaining six rounds in the 2020 NFL Draft.
So let’s take a look at the players who will rep red and pewter come 2020 and beyond, handing out a grade for each pick.
Round 2, Pick 45: Antoine Winfield Jr., Safety, Minnesota
The youth movement in the secondary continues here and this selection is another steal. Coming off a season in which he was a unanimous All-American, Winfield Jr. is a defensive playmaker that can play all over the secondary.
He’s tough, fast and impactful and will likely line up at free safety, teaming up with strong safety Jordan Whitehead. He can also line up at both inside and outside corner and is one of the draft’s most versatile defenders. Another home run pick from Licht here. Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles is going to love having Winfield on the back end from day one.
Grade: A+
Round 3, Pick 76: Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Running Back, Vanderbilt
Another round, another need addressed by Licht. With third-year running back back Ronald Jones II finally poised to take over as the lead back, he needed a compliment. After losing Peyton Barber to the Redskins, a tough, physical runner was needed.
Well, Vaughn fills that role. During the last two seasons with the Commodores, Vaughn ran over 1,000 yards in each season and was one of the most underrated backs in the nation.
However, one can wonder why a higher-rated back such as Utah’s Zack Moss or a potential quarterback in waiting such as Washington’s Jacob Eason or Georgia’s Jake Fromm wasn’t selected here. Decent pick, but the value could have been better.
Grade: C+