The 2024 Buccaneer draft review
The Bucs picked alternately 26th and 25th through the draft.
They gave up a 5th round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for a
2023 selection. They obtained a 3rd round pick from the
Detroit Lions in the Carlton Davis trade and gave up a 6th
rounder in the process. They were awarded a compensatory
selection in the 6th round.
Graham Barton
Chris Braswell
Tykee Smith
Jalen McMillan
Bucky Irving
Elijah Klein
Devin Culp
1 - C - Graham Barton - Duke
Barton started 34 games at left tackle in college and has the traits to quickly develop into a starter at center (where he started five games
in 2020) or guard if he kicks inside as is widely expected. He's smooth getting set, changes directions well and flashes the ability to
recover when gets caught out of position in pass pro. He has the size and strength to drop an anchor when he wins with his hands, and
he explodes off the ball and gets good pop in the run game. Barton overwhelms defenders in space, and his range makes him a good fit
for zone-heavy schemes. He plays with an edge and blocks to the echo of the whistle. The Buccaneers needed a replacement for Ryan
Jensen, and Barton is just that. He can fit at both center and guard, and with a shorter QB like Baker Mayfield, adding blockers who can
set the depth of the pocket is essential. Barton is a Day 1 plug-and-play starter at center for a Tampa Bay team that was 22nd in pass
block win rate last season (54.5%).
2 - Edge - Chris Braswell - Alabama
Braswell started only two games at Alabama but had a career-high 8.5 sacks and forced three fumbles in 2023. He has the explosive
power, active hands, closing burst and motor to make immediate contributions and continue to develop as a pass-rusher. He's on the
lighter side with average length, but Braswell can set the edge against the run when he plays with good pad level and flashes the ability
to disengage in time to make plays. The Buccaneers ranked 24th in pressure percentage and 15th in sack percentage, despite having
the third-highest blitz percentage last season, according to ESPN Stats & Info, so they need players who can get after the quarterback.
Braswell is a perfect fit at outside linebacker in Tampa's base three-man fronts and he has the traits to quickly develop into an effective
edge rusher.
3 - S - Tykee Smith - Georgia
Smith has the instincts, burst and balance to stay in phase with slot receivers and tight ends. He takes excellent angles undercutting
routes, he flashes the ability to pluck the ball out of the air and he picked off four passes in 2023. Smith is an aggressive run-defender
who wraps and flashes good stopping power. He primarily played near the line of scrimmage at Georgia and grades out as a nickel
safety who contributes on special teams early in his career. However, he has the length and speed to play over the top and the potential
to develop into a starter in time.
3 - WR - Jalen McMillan - Washington
McMillan is an instinctive route runner with the burst and change-of-direction skills to get open quickly. He flashes the ability to make the
first defender miss, accelerates well and runs hard after the catch. He's a natural hands catcher with big hands and good length.
McMillan is a lean receiver who missed four games and was limited in several others in 2023, but finished third in the Pac-12 in receiving
yards in 2022 and has Day 2 tape.
4 - RB - Bucky Irving - Oregon
Irving ran for 1,000-plus yards in both seasons at Oregon and led all FBS running backs in catches with 56 in 2023. He's a natural pass-
catcher in stride and threatens after the catch. He has the quick feet to sift through traffic in addition to a good burst through the hole and
around the corner. Irving makes defenders miss without losing much forward momentum, and he runs well on tape. He's not built like a
team's primary ball carrier or power back, but he runs hard and has good contact balance.
6 - G - Elijah Klein - Texas El-Paso
Klein was a five-year starter at UTEP. He has the long arms to keep defenders off his frame in pass protection and the big hands to latch
on to defenders in the run game.
7 - TE - Devin Culp - Washington
Culp was the only tight end to run a sub 4.5-second 40-yard dash at the combine. He has the potential to be more of a big-play threat at
the pro level than he was in college. He can pluck passes out of the air and make contested catches. He is lean and there are concerns
about his ability to compete as an inline blocker at 231 pounds, but he works his hands inside, stays square and moves his feet as a
blocker. He drove an Oregon defender into the sideline in the Pac-12 Championship Game.
