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
Spent five seasons with the Bucs and went from being a Pro Bowler and potential superstar to being benched and becoming an off-field
distraction with contract extension requests. Was not offered a new deal after the 2023 season and signed with the Eagles. Was benched
and then released by Philadelphia and ended the 2024 season with Houston. 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. Was the Bucs' top selection in the 2019 draft
and the fifth overall selection.
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. Switched to the No.23 jersey for the
2020 season. Signed with Tennessee in March 2023 and then the 2024 season with Arizona
3- CB - Jamel Dean - Auburn
Has been a regular member of the defensive backfield during his six seasons with the Buccaneers. Missed five games in 2024 with different
injuries. 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. Was the first of two third round selections in 2019 and the 94th overall pick
3 - S - Mike Edwards - Kentucky
Returned to the Bucs for his second stint as a free agent in November 2024 and made two starts due to injuries. Had previously spent four
years with the Bucs becoming a regular starter in his final season. Served a three-week NFL suspension in 2020 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. Switched to
the 32 jersey for 2020 and then took the 21 jersey on his return in 2024.
4 - DE - Anthony Nelson - Iowa
Took over a starting linebacker spot late in the 2024 season but made one of the plays of the year when he forced a fumble in overtime
against Carolina. 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. Has been a key special teams’
contributor over his six Tampa seasons.
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. Now kicking for the Indianapolis Colts
6 - WR - Scotty Miller - Bowling Gren
Was primiarily a back-up receiver and special teamer during his four seasons with the Bucs. Was often 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 playing there for two years andn then 2024 with Pittsburgh
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