CONFERENCE CALL: Jason Licht’s Draft History WITH The SEC
Updated 3/24/24
In the NFL, teams used to be built in the image its head coach. Defensive-minded coaches tend to prioritize drafting and grooming defensive players while offensive-minded coaches look for young playmakers. In some case, its the general manager who has his fingerprints on the structure of the team. In Tampa, it’s been Jason Licht who has taken on the architect role for the BUCS.
Since 2016, Jason Licht has had full control of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster. It’s safe to say he and his crew have plucked talent from almost everywhere to build the BUCS in his image of competitiveness. Let’s take a look at his draft selection history by college conference.
First up: the SEC.
Licht and his scouts have found pretty solid success when it comes to their selections from the SEC which has long been considered the toughest division in college football. In fact, it’s arguable that they’ve hit on almost pick so far with the notable exception of 2016 1st Rounder Vernon Hargreaves. Some may counter that the 2017 selection of O.J. Howard was a bust. However, O.J.’s potential may finally be realized once he’s with a team that actually utilizes him more. He’ll get that opportunity in Buffalo this fall.
2015 4th Round-Kwon Alexander-This Bayou Bengal came in and let the locker room know he wasn’t there to win any participation awards; he was there to make his presence known and make an impact. He did just that when he wrestled the starting job opportunity away from veteran Bruce Carter who had come in as a free agent in 2014. Kwon Alexander was imperfect. But, he was making his mistakes at 100mph rather than tiptoeing around. He was one of the most active tacklers in the NFL while he was in Tampa. 271 solo tackles 380 total tackles during his time in Tampa. He also made a 2017 Pro Bowl appearance as an alternate.
The duo of Alexander and Lavonte David looked like it could make Tampa’s linebacker unit of the NFL’s best. Unfortunately, Alexander tore his ACL in the 2018 Week 7 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Kwon was in the last year of his rookie deal. Even though Jason Licht had referred to Alexander as “the heartbeat of the defense”, the business of the NFL took precedent and Kwon didn’t get re-signed as he rehabbed his injury.
Kwon Alexander eventually signed a $54M/4yr contract with the 49ers in 2019. He was subsequently traded to New Orleans and played for the Steelers in 2023.
2016 1st Round- Vernon Hargreaves- Struggled to play consistently throughout his three and a half years in Tampa. He lacked the physical talent to keep with the bigger and faster receivers. His choice of technique was often criticized as he would give up big cushions of yardage to alleviate the threat of getting beat on deep routes. Waived in November 2019. Has played for two other teams(HOU, CIN). Got one of the dumbest penalties in Super Bowl history.
2017 1st Round-O.J. Howard- Came in as one biggest boom or bust talents in the draft. Thought of as a potential Top 10 pick. Howard was shunned by some fans who never let go of the fact he wasn’t FSU’s Dalvin Cook. The first two seasons were cut short due to injury after having a promising start. The Bruce Arians arrival in 2019 and subsequent Rob Gronkowski addition saw Howard’s usage decline to almost non-existence. Picked up by the Buffalo Bills via 2022 free agency.
2017 2nd Round-Justin Evans- The former Aggie had one of the brightest futures of all the 2017 draft picks. He came in as a backup to Keith Tandy. But, due to injury, he was inserted as the starter and quickly made it his rightful spot. He played smart and he played fast. His production and his ability lined up favorably when compared to much higher draft picks at the same position. Unfortunately, he suffered an Achilles injury in 2019 that put his career on pause for two seasons. He’s now scheduled to finally make a comeback and play for that team in New Orleans this season.
2017 3rd Round- Kendall Beckwith- Started 9 games as a rookie. Beckwith had all the physical talent that LSU linebackers have been known for. Finished with 73 total tackles. 60 solo. He never saw a second season in the League after a car shattered his ankle in a car accident in April of 2018.
2018 2nd Round-Carlton Davis III- Davis stepped right into the fire as a starter in his rookie season. He got tested by Drew Brees on the road in New Orleans for his very first NFL game action. He got picked on. But it only made him stronger. Since then, he’s become the BUCS #1 CB earning himself a 2nd contract worth $43M over 3 years.
2019 1st Round-Devin White- White became one of the rare linebackers to get selected with a Top 5 pick. Usually, the linebackers that are picked that high are designated pass rushers or defensive ends. Again, Licht and his crew found the prototypical linebacker down in the Bayou. White became an immediate starter and gained recognition for his fast and hard play throughout the NFL. He’s been the vocal leader of the Team since he stepped through the door. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2021.
2019 3rd Round- Jamel Dean- Coming out of Auburn, Dean was a relatively quiet prospect. He had suffered a few knee injuries even prior to college. But his size and speed couldn’t be ignored when the draft combine came around. He utilized both in his rookie season becoming known for his closing speed and his ability to contest jump balls against bigger WRs. He’s since been a solid contributor to the defense as he rotates frequently and takes on the CB2 role at some point in every game. He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract and looking to make a case to stay in Tampa long-term.
2019 3rd Round- Mike Edwards-Edwards has been one of the most intriguing players on the roster since his arrival. It seems as though every time he’s on the field, he’s a part of a big play. Reminiscent of Keith Tandy. He’s played spot duty for most of his time in Tampa. But, he’s made the most of it. So far, he’s got 5 INTs, 2 of which were returned for a touchdown. He may find himself as a rotational player again this upcoming season. But, the former WildCat has been a solid draft choice for Jason Licht.
2019 7th Round- Terry Buckner Jr.- Buckner was the 215th pick in the draft. He didn’t make the BUCS main roster. He was instead added to the practice team. He was later released after serving a 4-game suspension for violating the NFL’s PED policy.
2020 3rd Round-Ke’Shawn Vaughn—-Vaughn was considered a reach when Licht picked him in the 3rd Round. He had a solid college career splitting time between Illinois and Vanderbilt. But, he wasn’t a standout. In fact, he transferred to Vanderbilt after getting beat out by fellow Fighting Illini Kendrick Foster.
Still, Vaughn had viable skills as a RB. He ran hard. He was utilized as a receiver out of the backfield. He was a workhorse.
However, he hasn’t been able to find his way on the field regularly. He’s been behind Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette in his first two seasons. With Jones heading to Kansas City, Vaughn had a chance to compete for the RB2 spot and have a true breakout season. However, the emergence of Arizona State’s Rachaad White, Vaughn will enter the final year of his rookie contract with very little expectation of being able to continue his career with the BUCS past the 2023 season.
2021 2nd Round- Kyle Trask-With Tom Brady’s age likely being a factor, the BUCS selected the three-year starter from the University of Florida. Trask has yet to see the field in regular-season action as Brady was, apparently, a vampire who never gonna die or give up the starting spot. He was The Undertaker of the NFL. Trask’s biggest hurdle was getting to the #2 spot on the QB depth chart, where Blaine Gabbert has been for some reason.
Now entering his 3rd year, he may see the field for regular-season action for the first time if he can outplay former #1 Overall Draft Pick Baker Mayfield, the latest free agency QB acquisition for the BUCS.
2021 5th Round - K.J. Britt- This BUCS collegiate scout team loves SEC linebackers. This time, it’s a Tiger from Auburn instead of Louisiana. Britt played for a solid defense at Auburn. He earned 2nd Team All-SEC honors in 2019. With Lavonte David and Devin White in the mix, Britt found himself playing special teams primarily during his rookie season. He’s got a lot of physical talent that could eventually get him on the field. He could be a very interesting watch going forward.
2022 4th Round—Jake Camarda—-In his rookie season, Camarda proved to be one of the most consistent and impressive players on the roster. He repeatedly saved the BUCS when its offense repeatedly failed throughout the season. From booming highlight reel punts to heady game-saving plays, Camarda proved to be another top player from the country’s top collegiate conference.
2022 7th Round—-Andre Anthony— Didn’t make 53-man roster. Waived. Signed to Chicago Bears practice team in September 2022.
RECAP
12 Picks
2- 1st-Rounders
2- Pro-Bowl Appearances(Kwon Alexander 2017, Devon White 2021)
2nd Contracts Earned: 2 (Carlton Davis III, Jamel Dean)
1 BUST
