It’s high tide for mock draft season, as we’re less than two weeks away from the 2024 NFL draft, and the latest projections are flying in from every direction as we hit the homestretch.
The latest 2024 NFL mock draft from The 33rd Team has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers addressing one of their biggest needs on defense with a talented prospect from a powerhouse program at the college level.
With the No. 26 overall pick in the first round, this mock draft has the Bucs selecting Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Here’s what The 33rd Team’s Ian Valentino had to say about his pick for Tampa Bay:
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a better, deeper roster than given credit for, so the trade of Carlton Davis opened a notable hole. Seeing Kool-Aid McKinstry drop this offseason isn’t shocking because he’s not the best athlete at the position, but he’s a reliable technician who will be effective right away.
Given the NFC South’s status, Tampa Bay should be thrilled to add an immediate impact starter.
It’s hard to argue with the Bucs drafting a polished, pro-ready corner to replace Davis, but it’s not the most dire need on the roster, as Tampa Bay added a couple of solid veterans in free agency (Bryce Hall, Tavierre Thomas) to go along with Jamel Dean, Zyon McCollum and Christian Izien.
McKinstry is a solid prospect who would make sense, but with interior offensive linemen like Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson still on the board, as well as UCLA edge defender Laiatu Latu, the Bucs could have landed a better prospect at a greater position of need.
To check out the full first-round mock draft at The 33rd Team, click here.
