2021 NFL Draft: 5 Teams that could surprise everyone in the first round
By Randy Gurzi
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been a team willing to make moves. Since signing Tom Brady last season, they showed they were willing to add just about anyone — and even take some risk — in pursuit of a title.
Tampa Bay added tight end Rob Gronkowski in a trade with the New England Patriots despite the fact that he had taken the previous season off. They also signed Leonard Fournette following his release from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Their biggest risk, however, was bringing in Antonio Brown who is a bit of a character that could have been a problem in the locker room.
So far this offseason, they have continued to impress. They retained the majority of their free agents as this team is ready to go after another title. But, the status quo is never the way to win it all. Instead, teams need to always be improving.
With the Bucs picking at No. 32 in the first round, they could still land a talented player but an impact rookie isn’t guaranteed at this spot. For that reason, this could be a franchise to watch in the draft.
Tampa Bay could be looking to make a move up in the first round for someone who could help them defend their title. Tom Brady will be 44 this season, and the window will eventually close. Adding another playmaker — especially someone who can keep that defense trending in the right direction — might be the difference between them winning another title or having just one in the Brady era.