By: Tom Rodriguez

Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.

Tom Brady has announced his retirement from the NFL after 22 seasons, with the final two coming for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Leaving with him may be Tampa’s chances at making another deep playoff run. The Bucs have several other free agents to take care of and no quarterback to sway veterans to play for less money.

Notable free agents: Chris Godwin (WR), Jason Pierre-Paul (EDGE), Ryan Jensen (IOL), Ndamukong Suh (IDL), Rob Gronkowski (TE), Leonard Fournette (RB), OJ Howard (TE), Ronald Jones (RB), Giovani Bernard (RB), Alex Cappa (IOL), William Gholston (DL), Steve McLednon (IDL). 

With so many potential departures, this off-season could change the future of the franchise forever. Offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich is staying for at least another season. With head coach Bruce Arians pushing 70 years old, it is not out of the realm of possibility that Leftwich will be promoted to head coach before the 2023 season. The 2022 draft will be crucial for their future. 

Round 1, Pick 27: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State 

Antonio Brown isn’t walking through that door. Chris Godwin is hitting the open market coming off of a torn ACL. Mike Evans will be 29 when the 2022 season starts. Scotty Miller will be a free agent after 2022. The wide receiver room needs some young talent. Ohio State’s Chris Olave will bring high level production to the NFL as his game is easily translatable to the next level. Getting open will always have a place in the NFL. Olave just knows how to create separation on all types of routes. A scheme-versatile player, Olave will shine in the Arians and Leftwich offense. 

Round 2, Pick 60: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada 

Who’s QB1? Hell if I know. This quarterback class has yielded nothing but questions. There is a prospect, however, that could be the perfect fit for Tampa. Nevada’s Carson Strong might be able to step in right away and help the Bucs win a putrid NFC South. With a rocket arm, strong pocket presence, and plenty of pre-snap prowess; Strong has everything necessary to start and win as a rookie quarterback. 

Round 3, Pick 91: Cade Otton, TE, Washington 

With Rob Gronkowski’s future up in the air and OJ Howard hitting free agency, tight end becomes a position of need in Tampa. Cameron Brate will be 31 when the season starts and can likely be a fine starter for 2022 with a young player waiting behind him. Cade Otton out of Washington fits any offense and brings a well-rounded skill set that will translate to the NFL level. Otton can block sufficiently and make plays at the catchpoint. Otton has the necessary tools to be a plus starter in this league. 

Round 4, Pick 131: Brian Robinson, RB, Alabama 

Ke’shawn Vaughn showed some life at the end of season for Tampa, but does not appear to be the long term option. With three running backs hitting free agency all at once, it may be time to add some talent to the room. Brian Robinson waited a long time for his turn at Alabama. With countless NFL backs in front of him, Robinson only saw limited action until his fifth season. He got his opportunity in 2021 and capitalized with a dominant performance in the college football playoff semifinal. Robinson is a violent and powerful runner who brings facility to whatever backfield he is a part of. 

Round 5, Pick 169: Chase Lucas, CB, Arizona State

You can never have too many corners. Arizona State’s Chase Lucas is a solid player who can add some depth to a cornerback room that was hammered by injuries last season. With Carlton Davis, Jamel Dean and Sean Murphy-Bunting all needing to get paid at some point, it would make sense for the Bucs to start getting some insurance. 

Round 7, Pick 245: Brock Hoffman, IOL, Virginia Tech

The Bucs have two interior offensive linemen hitting free agency. Adding someone in the later rounds adds some depth as well as some insurance. Brock Hoffman has been a solid player since he first stepped on campus. Hoffman spent two years at Coastal Carolina and two at Virginia Tech with the 2019 transfer rules costing him a season. An experienced pass blocker at center, Hoffman may be able to contribute in this offense as a quality backup.

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