The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the 2024 PML Draft with limited picks but a clear game plan. After investing heavily in free agency, they faced gaps at several depth positions and roster minimums that needed filling. To expand their draft capital, the Bucs executed two trades: sending a future 4th-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for a current-year 5th and a future 5th-rounder for a 6th-round pick from the Lions. These moves ensured that Tampa Bay could maximize its opportunities in the draft, creating flexibility to address both immediate needs and potential future starters. When the dust settled, the Bucs emerged with a series of players who bring a mixture of raw talent, proven college pedigree, and developmental promise.
First-Round Pick: Edge Rusher Nic Scourton
In the first round, Tampa Bay held its position at pick 28, watching as Nic Scourton, one of the youngest (at 20 years old) and most balanced edge rushers in this draft class, unexpectedly slid to them. Despite trade discussions aimed at acquiring multiple second-round picks, the Bucs recognized Scourton as one of their top-three targets and seized the opportunity to add a high-upside player who perfectly aligns with their newly adopted 4-3 defense.
Scourton, a standout from Texas A&M, brings a unique blend of size, power, and agility, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 283 pounds. His frame and skill set make him a formidable presence off the edge, well-suited to be a true defensive end in the Buccaneers’ 4-3 scheme. Known for his relentless motor and sharp instincts, Scourton was one of the nation’s top defensive players, regularly causing havoc in backfields and racking up pressures and tackles for loss. His explosiveness off the line, combined with a powerful bull rush and the ability to bend around tackles, made him a constant nightmare for opposing offenses.
In Tampa Bay’s defense, Scourton is expected to play a crucial role alongside established pass-rushers like Calijah Kancey, Yaya Diaby, and Chris Braswell. Scourton’s three-down capability means he’ll likely pair with Kancey on early downs to set the edge and disrupt the run game, while on passing downs, Kancey can kick inside to the pass rush defensive tackle position, allowing Scourton and Diaby to attack off the edge. There will even be NASCAR packages of the old early 2000 Giants where Scourton and Kancey both kick inside while Diaby and Braswell come off the edge with elite speed / pass rush capability from all four down lineman. This approach promises to make Tampa Bay’s defensive front a disruptive force, capable of both pressuring the quarterback and shutting down the run. With Scourton’s combination of strength and quickness, the Bucs believe they’ve added a future star to anchor their defensive line.
Fourth-Round Selection: Quarterback Kurtis Rourke
With their next pick in the fourth round, Tampa Bay surprised analysts by selecting quarterback Kurtis Rourke from Indiana. Known for his quick release, arm strength, and poise under pressure, Rourke presents an intriguing developmental project who could eventually take the reins from Baker Mayfield. Standing around 6’4″, Rourke has a prototypical build for the position and enough athleticism to escape the pocket and extend plays, a quality the Bucs value in their quarterback prospects.
Rourke was instrumental in Indiana’s recent success, leading the team to a winning season and a dominant 44-6 bowl victory over Georgia State. His leadership and consistency propelled Indiana to finish 37th in the national polls, a ranking largely credited to his impressive performance on the field. Rourke’s ability to make accurate throws under pressure and his skill at reading defenses and executing complex play calls caught Tampa Bay’s attention. The Buccaneers’ scouts were impressed by his football IQ, as well as his command of Indiana’s offense and his calm presence in high-stakes situations.
The Bucs front office kept their interest in Rourke under wraps, knowing that the top quarterbacks were likely to come off the board early. They succeeded in snagging him in the fourth round, confident that with time and development, Rourke could grow into a reliable starting quarterback. Rourke’s selection represents a forward-looking strategy, allowing the Bucs to groom a potential future leader while maintaining Baker Mayfield as the starter in the present.
Fifth-Round Selection: Defensive Tackle Tim Smith
In the fifth round, the Buccaneers turned their attention to the interior defensive line, selecting Tim Smith, a defensive tackle from Alabama. A multi-year starter for the Crimson Tide, Smith brings both size and experience, traits that make him an ideal candidate to develop under the mentorship of Vita Vea. Smith’s college career was marked by his physicality and ability to hold his ground in the trenches, traits that align with the Bucs’ defensive philosophy of controlling the line of scrimmage.
Smith’s size and power make him an effective run-stopper, and he has the potential to develop as an interior disruptor on passing downs. With rumors circulating that Vea may be in his final season with the team unless a restructured deal can be arranged, Smith’s selection represents a proactive move to ensure continuity on the defensive line. Tampa Bay hopes that by learning from Vea, Smith can evolve into a player who can anchor the middle of the line for years to come.
Sixth-Round Selection: Offensive Tackle J.C. Davis
The Bucs’ sixth-round pick, J.C. Davis from Illinois, adds depth and potential to an offensive line that has seen significant turnover in recent years. Davis, regarded as a “project pick,” is a raw prospect with intriguing physical tools but limited polish in his technique. Standing at 6’6″ and possessing good length, Davis has the foundational traits of a tackle capable of developing into a contributor, though he will require dedicated coaching and time to refine his skills.
Tampa Bay sees Davis as a potential swing tackle or even a future starter if he can progress through the developmental stages. The Bucs’ assistant coaches expressed enthusiasm about his college tape, noting flashes of power and athleticism that make him worth a late-round investment. Although there’s no guarantee that Davis will make the roster, he adds competition to the tackle position and gives the Bucs another young lineman to mold.
Seventh-Round Selection: Offensive Lineman Seth McLaughlin
In the seventh round, Tampa Bay opted for Seth McLaughlin, an interior offensive lineman from Ohio State. McLaughlin, a multi-year starter with experience at both guard and center, is known for his versatility and football intelligence. His time at Ohio State exposed him to high-level competition, and his ability to read defenses and execute blocking schemes make him a valuable late-round selection.
McLaughlin’s versatility aligns with the Bucs’ need for depth along the interior offensive line, particularly given the importance of having reliable backups in case of injuries. His skill set and experience with a powerhouse program like Ohio State suggest he could be a dependable backup with the potential to develop into a starter. Tampa Bay’s coaching staff values linemen who can play multiple positions, and McLaughlin’s ability to slide between guard and center provides much-needed flexibility for the team’s depth chart.
Coach Casper on the Buccaneers’ Draft Class and Future Outlook
“Look, we didn’t have a massive stack of picks this year, but I’m proud of what we accomplished. This class is all about filling some immediate gaps while giving us a few big building blocks for the future. Every pick was made with a purpose, and I feel we’ve strengthened some key areas while also setting the table for what lies ahead.
Starting with Nic Scourton, that young man is going to be a force on our line. He’s got this blend of power and speed that’s hard to find, and in our 4-3 scheme, he’s the type of edge rusher who can make an immediate impact. We’re counting on him to bring some serious heat off the edge and even from inside in certain situations, and pairing him with guys like Calijah Kancey, Yaya Diaby, and Chris Braswell gives us a dynamic rotation that can keep the pressure on all game. Nic’s going to be a guy other teams have to game-plan for, and I love that for us.
Then, with Kurtis Rourke, I know folks might have been a little surprised with that pick, but we see him as a solid investment for the future. He had an outstanding season with Indiana, led them to a bowl win, and he’s got the arm and the athleticism to grow into a really special quarterback. We’ve got Baker Mayfield under center right now, but having Kurtis waiting in the wings gives us flexibility and options moving forward. It’s no secret we’re looking to keep this team competitive for years, and having a young quarterback we believe in is a big part of that.
Tim Smith was another guy we felt could bring immediate value while preparing us for the future. Learning under Vita Vea, Tim has the chance to sharpen his game and eventually take on a bigger role. His run-stopping ability and physicality are exactly what we want in our defensive tackles. And with Vita’s contract situation in mind, Tim’s development is something we’re watching closely.
J.C. Davis is a bit of a project, but his physical traits make him worth the investment. He’s got the size and length we like in a tackle, and while he needs some refinement, we’re going to give him every opportunity to grow and develop. He’s here to compete, and I’m excited to see where he goes with it.
Finally, we added Seth McLaughlin late in the draft. This guy’s a leader, spent time as a starter at Ohio State, and can play multiple positions along the line. We value that versatility, and having someone like Seth who can move between guard and center gives us more depth and flexibility in the trenches. He’s a smart, hard-working lineman, and that’s exactly what we need in our backups.
Overall, I feel like we struck a good balance. We didn’t just pick guys to meet roster minimums – we selected players who fit into our broader plans and who can make a difference now and down the road. Every one of these guys was drafted with the goal of keeping us competitive and growing, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they each step up this season and beyond. These rookies are here to help us stay atop of the NFC South, and I have high expectations for what they’ll bring to our team.”
