The Pressure is on Jason Licht to Hit on 2023 Draft Class

After back-to-back subpar draft classes, the pressure is on Jason Licht to find some gems in the 2023 NFL draft.

Although his overall body of work is solid, it's tough to deny the fact that Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager, Jason Licht, has put together two underwhelming draft classes in a row.

Coming off the franchise's second-ever Super Bowl victory in 2020, while managing to bring every starter back in hopes of repeating the following year, Jason Licht was in a very comfortable position. 

His draft philosophy that year (2021) appeared to be focused on improving the Buccaneers' special teams unit, while at the same time, taking some shots on high-upside, developmental prospects.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2021 NFL Draft Results

• Round 1 (32) – Joe Tryon, LB, Washington
• Round 2 (64) – Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
• Round 3 (95) – Robert Hainsey, G, Notre Dame
• Round 4 (129) – Jaelon Darden, WR, North Texas
• Round 5 (176) – K.J. Britt, LB, Auburn
• Round 7 (251) – Chris Wilcox, CB, BYU
• Round 7 (259) – Grant Stuard, LB, Houston

Aside from Robert Hainsey in the third round, it's tough to make the argument that the Buccaneers got any real value in the 2021 draft. That's not to say that Joe Tryon-Shoyinka doesn't have the time (or ability) to develop into an impactful NFL edge rusher — because he does — but as of this moment, he's not there yet. 

Sure, Tom Brady was in the building, but Kyle Trask is about to enter his third NFL season. And for a second-round pick who's been unable to earn the backup quarterback job over Blaine Gabbert in either of his first two seasons, it's tough to justify that investment. 

Although we're only one year removed, the 2022 draft class has a bit more promise than 2021. Still, though, it's nothing to write home about.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2022 NFL Draft Results

• Round 2 (33) – Logan Hall, DL, Houston
• Round 2 (57) – Luke Goedeke, G, Central Michigan
• Round 3 (91) – Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State
• Round 4 (106) – Cade Otton, TE, Washington
• Round 4 (133) – Jake Camarda, P, Georgia
• Round 5 (157) – Zyon McCollum, CB, Sam Houston State
• Round 6 (217) – Ko Kieft, TE, Minnesota
• Round 7 (248) – Andre Anthony, OLB, LSU

Logan Hall had a disappointing rookie campaign. But similar to Licht's previous first-round DL pick, Tryon-Shoyinka, he still has plenty of time to establish himself. 

Luke Goedeke wasn't necessarily pegged as a second-round talent leading up to the draft, but Jason Licht has a strong track record when it comes to identifying value in the form of OL prospects, and he obviously felt strongly about taking Goedeke in that spot. Ideally, Goedeke would have had a season to settle into his role, but due to Ali Marpet's unexpected retirement, and several injuries along the Buccaneers' OL, he was thrown into the fire as the team's starting left guard immediately. It was an uphill battle for Goedeke from the get-go, and he was eventually relegated to a bench role in favor of a once undrafted player (Nick Leverett), whose presence was a significant upgrade at the position.

The positive takeaway from this 2022 draft is that each of Licht's picks in rounds 3-4 look like they're cut out to be quality starters. Rachaad White appears to have all the traits needed to be an important part of the offense moving forward. The same goes for Cade Otton, whose steady contributions as a blocker and receiver bode well for his future. Camarda was the second punter selected in the draft, and his performance as a rookie supports that decision. 

Despite those positives, a recent article by NFL.com ranked the 2022 rookie class for each team. The Buccaneers came in at number 21. 

Which NFL team had the best 2022 rookie class? The worst? @Eric_Edholm and @TheNickShook rank every group, from No. 1 to 32, providing accompanying grades and analysishttps://t.co/298p4KabPs pic.twitter.com/aitbA5pWbe

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 23, 2023

When we re-visit the quality of players selected across the last two drafts for Jason Licht, the results are lackluster. 

There are a few solid starter-caliber players, sure, but I don't believe that is the goal of any NFL front office. The fact is, you'd be hard-pressed to argue that any of the players selected in 2021 or 2022 NFL drafts are on the verge of becoming stars for the Bucs. 

Looking back on Licht's previous draft history also supports the notion that these most recent draft classes aren't on par with the impressive crop of players he accrued in previous years. 

If you go back to 2020, Licht drafted two players who are truly elite difference-makers at their respective positions in Tristan Wirfs and Antoine Winfield Jr. 

In 2019, Licht drafted four long-term starters with his first four picks, when he selected Devin White, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Jamel Dean, and Mike Edwards. 

In 2018, he drafted Vita Vea, Carlton Davis, Alex Cappa, and Jordan Whitehead. All of whom turned out to be exceptional starters for years, with each earning lucrative second contracts in the league for their stellar performance. 

If anything, revisiting these older drafts should inspire some confidence in those who may be losing faith in Jason Licht's drafting prowess. If his draft history tells us anything, it's that there's a good chance he bounces back in 2023, re-captures some of the magic that saw him assemble a roster that was good enough to lure Tom Brady in free agency, and then win a Super Bowl in 2020. 

Still, the pressure is (and should be) on Jason Licht to draft a formidable crop of rookies this year. With so many free agents, and so little cap space, the future of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers literally depends on it. 

The pressure is on. 

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