The 2019 Buccaneer draft review
The Bucs picked from 5th, 7th and 6th during the draft. They traded
a 3rd round pick to the Rams in exchange for two later 3rd round
picks.
DRAFT ANALYSIS - Another tremendous draft with four starters
from the Super Bowl team including three members of the defensive
backfield. White became a star and Nelson came on strongly. Only one member of the class
did not make the roster and all were contributors.
Devin White
Sean M-Bunting
Jamel Dean
Mike Edwards
Anthony Nelson
Matt Gay
Scotty Miller
1 - LB - Devin White - LSU
Had an up-and-down season in 2023 that saw him demand a new contract and threaten not to play followed by some lacklustre
performances and a benching. But other games saw him play at his previous Pro Bowl level. Led the Bucs in tackles in 2022 and earned a
Pro Bowl selection in 2021. Recorded nine sacks in 2020 including a pair of three-sack games having scored two defensive touchdowns in
his rookie season. His fumble return score against Atlanta was the longest such play in franchise history.
2 - CB - Sean Murphy-Bunting - Central Michigan
Spent four season with the Bucs but was never able to hold down a regular spot in the starting defensive backfield. Led the Bucs in
interceptions in 2019 with three including a 70-yard score in his hometown of Detroit. Had interceptions in all three of the playoff wins on the
way to the Super Bowl. Was selected 39th overall and a two-year starter at college at Central Michigan. Signed with Tennessee in 2023.
3- CB - Jamel Dean - Auburn
Has been a regular member of the defensive backfield during his five seasons with the Buccaneers and started every game he was fully
healthy for the last two years. Moved into a starting role in the final month of his rookie season and ranked second on the team with 17
passes defensed in the process with two interceptions.
3 - S - Mike Edwards - Kentucky
Returned to a regular starting role in 2022 but missed four games through injury and had an interception return score against New Orleans.
Had spent the previous two seasons as the main back-up at both safety positions. Served a three-week NFL suspension for falsifying his
vaccination status. Returned a pair of interceptions for touchdowns against Atlanta in 2021, the first Buc to do it in a regular season game.
Was the first second of two third round selections in 2019 and the 99th overall pick. Signed with the Chiefs in 2023.
4 - DE - Anthony Nelson - Iowa
Did not start a game in 2023 but remains a valuable role player off the bench. Had moved into a regular starting role in 2022 following the
injury to Shaq Barrett and set a career-high for sacks. Had seen more extensive playing time in his third NFL season and ranked third on
the team with five sacks. Made two starts due to injuries in 2021. Has been a key member of the special teams squads since being drafted.
5 - K - Matt Gay - Utah
Had a real hit-or-miss rookie season with some great success from long distance but then three horror games against the Giants and
Falcons twice in which his fieldgoal and PAT misses probably cost the Bucs victory. Did not impress during the 2020 training camp and was
released in the final roster cutdown in favour of veteran Ryan Succop. Was signed by the Rams at mid-season and won a Super Bowl ring
with them.
6 - WR - Scotty Miller - Bowling Gren
Remained a back-up on the receiving corps despite his speed and was seen more as a special teams gunner as the 2022 season wore on.
Was often been used on Jet sweep reverses. His touchdown reception in the NFC Championship win in Green Bay was one of the most
pivotal plays in franchise history. Was not offered a new deal after the 2022 season and signed with the Atlanta Falcons
7 - DT - Terry Beckner - Missouri
Did not make the team out of training camp but did spent a few weeks on the practice squad before earning a four-week NFL suspension for
illegal supplements. Was then released when that ended. Had a brief spell on the Bears' practice squad in 2020 and then dropped out of
professional football.
Terry Beckner