1 - TE - OJ Howard - Alabama
Was been somewhat of a disappointment in his five Buccaneer seasons having been a 1st round pick in the 2017 draft. Was used primarily as a blocker in 2021 having had his 2020 season curtailed through injury, Was a real
deep threat at times in his first two seasons.
2 - S - Justin Evans - Texas A&M
Was a starter for his first two seasons with the Bucs but then suffered a serious Achilles injury that ultimately ended his career after nearly two years on the IR list. Had led the team in interceptions in his rookie season. Did not
catch on with any other team after being released by the Buccaneers. Was the Bucs' second selection in the 2017 draft having been a two-year starter at Texas A&M.
3 - WR - Chris Godwin - Penn State
Was on his way to breaking the Bucs' single-season receptions record when he suffered a serious knee injury with three weeks remaining and missed the rest of the season. Recorded his second 1,000-yard season and ranks 4th
all-time in franchise lists in receiving touchdowns. Had a real breakout season in 2019 leading the Bucs in receiving and earning his first Pro Bowl trip along with second-team All-Pro status.
3 - LB - Kendell Beckwith - LSU
Had an excellent rookie season playing as the regular strongside linebacker in the 4-3 defense and also made four starts at middle linebacker when Kwon Alexander was out injured. Was the Bucs' third selection in the 2017 draft
taking a chance on his quick recovery from a torn ACL injury sustained in November 2016. Suffered serious injuries in an off-season car accident in 2018 and in spite of two years' rehab, was not able to return and was released,
never playing in the NFL again
5 - RB - Jeremy McNichols - Boise State
Did not make the team out of training camp having struggled with pro concepts as seen during the Hard Knocks series. Was picked up by the 49ers for their practice squad and was activated late in the season.
7 - DT - Stevie Tu'kolovatu - USC
Was injured during training camp and missed the entire 2017 season. Struggled with injuries at the outset of training camp the following year and was released with an injury settlement before the first pre-season game.
The 2017 Buccaneer draft review
The Bucs picked from 19th, 18th and 20th through the draft. They traded their 4th and 6th round picks to the NY
Jets for an additional 3rd round selection. They traded up in the 7th round with Miami in return for a 2018 7th
round selection.
DRAFT ANALYSIS - One truly oustanding selection in Godwin that dominates the others which were a little
disappointing overall. Evans and Beckwith both had promising careers ended with serious injuries and OJ
Howard never panned out to anything like a first round selection. GRADE: B
Jeremy McNichols
Stevie Tu'kolovatu
