The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have quite a few decisions to make in the coming weeks ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
In today’s NFL, the quarterback position reigns supreme. Teams across the league are eager to invest heavily in acquiring top quarterback talent, often willing to trade up in the NFL Draft to secure a prospect they believe can lead them to championship glory.
This year is no exception, with a promising crop of quarterback prospects available. Franchises like the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots are in desperate need of a quarterback to provide immediate leadership.
However, beyond the obvious candidates, there are always surprises when it comes to quarterback selections in the draft.
Enter CBS Sports’ Cody Johnson, who has identified several “mystery teams” that could potentially draft a quarterback in the first or second round of the upcoming NFL Draft in April.
One unexpected inclusion on the list is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite their recent re-signing of Baker Mayfield.
The Buccaneers’ decision to keep their options open with Mayfield’s contract was a strategic move by General Manager Jason Licht and the front office. While Mayfield enjoyed a stellar season in 2023, silencing doubters and proving himself as a capable NFL starter, the future remains uncertain in such a competitive league.
Behind Mayfield, the Buccaneers lack experienced depth at the quarterback position. Both Trask and Wolford have limited or no starting experience in the NFL, prompting the organization to consider bolstering their options.
Although selecting a quarterback with their 26th overall pick seems improbable, using their 57th overall pick on the position is a more realistic possibility. It’s likely that the top quarterback prospects will be off the board by the time the Buccaneers make their first-round selection.
If the Buccaneers do decide to draft a quarterback, it’s more plausible that they’ll do so later in the draft. However, in the unpredictable world of the NFL Draft, surprises are always on the table, especially if a preferred quarterback prospect gains momentum earlier than anticipated.
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