As the Bucs have continued to win the last three weeks, their positioning in the 2024 Draft has dropped. Tampa Bay is currently slotted at No. 19, according to Tankathon. Not long ago, the team was all the way up at No. 7.

Bucs’ Current Needs Ahead Of The 2024 Draft

Bucs GM Jason Licht – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

With better play out of Baker Mayfield and a later draft pick, the Bucs may not be in the market for a first-round quarterback. Rather, they could wait and take advantage of what should be a pretty deep quarterback class and pair a rookie with a returning Mayfield. Of course, how the rest of the season plays out and the ensuing market will determine the direction for general manager Jason Licht and Co.

The Bucs badly need a high-end pass rusher, plus they may need a replacement for Devin White at inside linebacker — or even two of Lavonte David calls it quits. A safety to pair with Antoine Winfield Jr. and a new nickel cornerback appear to be needs on defense as well.

Offensively, a new No. 1 tight end or an upgrade at wide receiver behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin could also be in play. A running back to complement Rachaad White — while not necessarily a first-round need — should also be in the team’s plans.

So, with the Bucs picking later in the first round and the current landscape of their needs, what do the recent mock drafts have in the cards for them? Let’s take a look at some of the latest.

Sports Illustrated’s Luke Easterling 

UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu Photo by: USA Today

Round 1, Pick 19: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu

“While rookies Calijah Kancey and YaYa Diaby have brought some juice to Tampa Bay’s pass rush this season, the Bucs should still target another dynamic edge rusher here. Latu’s got top-five talent and tape, but his injury history could leave him on the board longer than he might deserve. If he’s able to stay healthy, he could be a massive steal as the Shaq Barrett’s new understudy.”

Round 2, Pick 53: Minnesota S Tyler Nubin

Round 3, Pick 84: West Virginia OL Zach Frazier 

The Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy

Round 1, Pick 19: Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner

Round 2, Pick 51: Iowa State CB T.J. Tampa

Round 3, Pick 83: Texas QB Quinn Ewers

FanNation’s Joe DeLeone 

Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner Photo by: USA Today

Round 1, Pick 19: Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner 

“The Buccaneers’ roster has been progressively aging since their Super Bowl run, especially along their defensive line. Shaq Barrett’s production has dropped significantly, signaling it’s time to add some juice to the group. Dallas Turner is freakishly explosive, and can eventually develop into a highly productive pass rusher in the NFL.”

Pro Football Network’s A.J. Schulte

Round 1, Pick 19: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu

“Tampa Bay will also likely look to figure out their long-term QB situation this offseason. For now, the team has struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks all season and needs some help on that side of the ball. Laiatu Latu slips a bit here due to his concerning medical history, but he can be the top pass rusher for a Buccaneers defense that needs one to emerge.”

The 33rd Team’s Connor Livesay

Round 1, Pick 19: Iowa CB Cooper DeJean

“Adding to the secondary is a must for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Adding the talent and versatility of Iowa DB Cooper DeJean immediately upgrades a Tampa Bay defense that has struggled to stop opposing passing games all season. DeJean’s athletic profile and position flexibility will allow him to play all over the field for Tampa Bay’s defense.”

CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards

Florida State WR Keon Coleman – Photo by: USA Today

Round 1, Pick 19: Florida State WR Keon Coleman

“Mike Evans could potentially hit free agency after the season. Tampa Bay is currently in playoff position but no one expects the Bucs to make a lot of damage. Adding draft assets for Evans and bringing in a more affordable skill player like Keon Coleman could set the franchise on a healthier trajectory.”

Walter Football’s Walt Cherepinsky 

Round 1, Pick 19: Georgia OT Amarius Mims

“If the Buccaneers aren’t in a position to obtain a franchise quarterback, they’ll need to give Baker Mayfield better protection. Amarius Mims has gotten lots of positive feedback from the scouting community. He has a tremendous skill set and lots of upside.”

Walter Football’s Charlie Campbell

Round 1, Pick 19: UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu

“Shaq Barrett is aging, and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has not established himself as a lead edge rusher. Here’s a young rusher to go with YaYa Diaby.

Latu totaled 49 tackles, 13 sacks, two interceptions, two passes batted and two forced fumbles in 2023. He recorded 10.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 2022. Latu has proven to be a dangerous quarterback hunter. The 6-foot-5, 265-pounder has very good instincts, motor, and hand usage.

At Washington, Latu had injury issues that cost him the 2020 and 2021 seasons. A serious neck injury caused former Huskies coach Jimmy Lake to say that Latu’s career was over, but he transferred to UCLA after Lake and his staff were let go. Latu then received medical clearance from UCLA before resuming his career.”

South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler Photo by: USA Today

Round 2, Pick 53: South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler

“Tampa Bay grabs a young quarterback with the potential to be their starter.

Rattler completed 69 percent of his passes in 2023 for 3,186 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He recorded four rushing touchdowns as well. Despite both games being losses, Rattler played well against North Carolina and Georgia. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder flashed some big-time ability in 2022 while completing 66 percent of his passes for 3,026 yards, 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also rushed for three touchdowns.

Team sources say they see Rattler as a high-upside pick. They like his big-time arm talent, instincts, athleticism, and irrational confidence. They also love Rattler’s ability to ad lib and make plays off script. The big knock on Rattler is his erratic decision-making. He has made huge improvements on decision-making and while at South Carolina. As a redshirt freshman starter in 2020 at Oklahoma, Rattler completed 68 percent of his passes for 3,031 yards, 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions. In 2021, he did not play as well for the Sooners and was replaced by Caleb Williams.”