The 2015 Buccaneer draft review
The Bucs picked from 1st and 2nd alternately through the
draft. They traded their 3rd round pick and a 4th round pick
to Indianapolis for the additional 2nd round pick. Various
other trades took place to leave the Bucs with a selection
in each of the final four rounds.
DRAFT ANALYSIS - This draft will always be judged primarily on the selection of
Jameis Winston who never developed into the franchise QB everyone hoped that the
first overall pick would be. He was good at times, terrible at times and showed too
much immaturity too. The selections of Smith and Alexander were good and the
drafting of Marpet from a tiny college was truly outstanding.
Jameis Winston
Donovan Smith
Ali Marpet
Kwon Alexander
Kenny Bell
Kaelin Clay
1 - QB - Jameis Winston - Florida State
Spent five seasons as the Buccaneer starting quarterback and face of the franchise having been the first overall pick of the 2015 draft.
Showed great promise with abilities to make big plays but also a penchance for turnovers and led the NFL in that category in 2019 becoming
the first QB ever to have a 30-30 season of touchdowns and interceptions. Was not offered a new deal after 2019 and signed as a back-up
with the Saints. Fittingly his first and last passes as a Buc were pick sixes. Played in the 2015 Pro Bowl as a late replacement. Won the 2013
Heisman Trophy and a national championship with the Seminoles before declaring for the NFL draft as a junior.
2 - T - Donovan Smith - Penn State
Started every game he was healthy for during his eight years with the Buccaneers missing only six starts at left tackle in that time. Did
struggle during the 2022 season and was often the subject of media criticism. Was released in March 2023 as part of a salary cap purge.
Signed a new contract during the 2020 off-season. Did not allow a sack whilst a two-year starter with the Nittany Lions and became the 34th
overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft.
2 - Ali Marpet - Hobart
Was one of the finest offensive linemen in franchise history during his seven years with the Buccaneers and started every game he was
healthy for. Announced his retirement in February 2022 having earned his first Pro Bowl trip after the 2021 season. Was rewarded with a
long-term extension in 2018 when he returned to guard after a one-year experiment at center. Played at Division III Hobart where he started
every game in 2014 and was invited to the Senior Bowl where he earned recognition by NFL scouts.
4 - LB - Kwon Alexander - LSU
Started every game he was healthy for during his Buccaneer career but took a huge free agency offer from the 49ers in March 2019. Things
did not work out so well in San Francisco and was traded to the Saints during the 2020 season. Was placed on IR after six games in 2018
having led the team in tackles to that point. Was named an alternate to the 2016 Pro Bowl team having been a unanimous all-NFL rookie
selection in 2015.
5 - WR - Kenny Bell - Nebraska
Was injured in the pre-season and hence missed the entire 2015 campaign. Did not make the team out of camp in 2016.
6 - WR - Kaelin Clay - Utah
Did not make the team out of training camp but did play for the Baltimore Ravens and had a punt return touchdown in a Monday Night game
against Cleveland.
7 - RB - Joey Iosefa - Hawaii
Did not make the team out of training camp but did see some time with the New England Patriots later in the year.
Joey Iosefa
