• Jackson Powers-Johnson replaces Ryan Jensen: After Jensen's retirement, Powers-Johnson steps in and brings positional versatility along the interior offensive line.
• Marshawn Kneeland continues to climb the rankings: The Western Michigan edge defender puts his big body on the line every snap, and he doesn't want to run around his blockers; he wants to run through them.
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As the 2024 NFL Draft nears, our seven-round team mock draft series continues with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Round 1, Pick 26: C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
There just aren't many holes in Powers-Johnson's game, especially since he moved to center. He has complete positional versatility along the interior offensive line. He has a fire hydrant-like build with short arms and a barrel chest/belly, but that build makes him powerful. He has the upper-body strength to bench-press 300-pound defensive linemen and the density to anchor quickly and effectively. He is light on his feet for his size, can climb to the second level and has good balance from his wrestling days.
Round 2, Pick 57: EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
Kneeland's film looks like a car crash from an action movie — in a good way. He puts his big body on the line every snap, and he doesn't want to run around his blockers; he wants to run through them. His pass-rush profile is built around an all-out bull rush. He also likes to combine his gap-shooting ability with a good first step and a violent rip move to get free. He has been an impactful run defender, making frequent tackles for loss. He's a bit stiff when it comes to changing direction and doesn't have the deepest bag of pass-rush moves, as he prefers to win with strength more than finesse.
Round 3, Pick 89: WR Malik Washington, Virginia
Washington was one of the most productive players in the country in 2023. He's small, and that has its disadvantages — he lacks natural strength and length for jump balls and blocking assignments. Nonetheless, his footwork is precise and sudden, which makes him an effective separation player from the slot, especially when finding soft spots in zone coverage. He has an excellent first step to chew up a defensive back's cushion. He also has an above-average ability to change direction yet maintain or regain speed. He does not have much experience against press coverage, so he is likely a slot-only receiver.
Round 3, Pick 92: RB Ray Davis, Kentucky
Davis is short, which affects his overall speed, but he has a great center of gravity in addition to nimble and balanced footwork. He also has a quick first step to accelerate and fantastic vision, especially when running behind a zoneblocking scheme. As a third-down back, he has good hands and brings that one-cut agility to routes out of the backfield. When it comes to pass protection, he is a willing blocker who has good fundamentals but is often overpowered.
Round 4, Pick 125: S Cole Bishop, Utah
Despite playing only three years of college ball, Bishop has 35 games and 29 starts under his belt. He is a box/slot safety type of player who does his best work coming downhill. His feet are constantly moving and light, which allows him to break on the ball or a receiver at any moment. He is often square with his form when approaching ball carriers and can wrap up. His slot coverage grade hasn't been great over the last few years, but he is versatile enough to play there. He does not have a good feel for single-high responsibilities, and his overall feel for space in zone coverage is still a work in progress.
Round 6, Pick 220: TE Tanner McLachlan, Arizona
McLachlan is a good enough athlete for his size to get an opportunity as a big slot receiver, but his lack of a blocking profile will make him a liability as an in-line tight end.
Round 7, Pick 246: LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington
Ulofoshio's journey of hard work and perseverance will enamor NFL teams. However, his below-average athletic ability limits his ceiling as a likely Day 3 depth linebacker.
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