Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Media Praise for Bucs' 2017 Draft Class

Members of the media loved the Buccaneers' selections in the 2017 NFL Draft.

May 05, 2017 at 05:44 AM

The 2017 NFL Draft has come and gone, with the Buccaneers adding six new players to their roster. Among those picks was O.J. Howard, a tight end out of Alabama who many analysts believed could have been a top-five pick. The Buccaneers selected Howard at No. 19, a pick that many media members considered to be the best of the entire draft. ESPN's Mel Kiper said that the Bucs' first-round pick was "in the running for the best pick in the draft" while NFL.com's Adam Schein declared that the Buccaneers are headed for the playoffs after a successful draft.

Here is a look at what Kiper, Schein and other analysts are saying about the Bucs' draft class:

ESPN: O.J. Howard was the cornerstone in a draft class ESPN's Mel Kiper considers to be one of the NFL's best. He graded the Buccaneers' class as an A-, with anyone earning an A or higher being "exceptional." Only five teams received an A- or an A… **[READ

](http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/Mel-Kiper-Grades-Buccaneers-Draft-Class/13d486f0-d42e-4db2-8086-287f9f77bb3f)* * NFL Network:Who was the biggest steal of the 2017 NFL Draft? Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks believe it was the Buccaneers' first-round pick, O.J. Howard… **WATCH** * NFL.com:The Buccaneers had the sixth-best draft of any team in the league, according to NFL.com's Power Rankings… **VIEW NOW** * NFL.com: *Adam Schein believes the Buccaneers are headed to the playoffs after the moves they made in the draft… **READ NOW** * **Bleacher Report:In grading every NFL general manager's offseason, Jason Licht received an A. The grades account for both free agency and the draft… **READ** * Pro Football Focus:"While Bucs fans are likely excited about the skill players Tampa Bay drafted in the first and third rounds, the selection of Justin Evans in Round 2 may be the most important." … **READ MORE** * The Tampa Bay Times:The Buccaneers could have signed a star with their seventh-round draft pick, Stevie Tu'ikolovatu… **READ** * Sports Illustrated:The Buccaneers' draft class wasgraded a B+by SI's staff. They also believe the Buccaneers are one of themost improved teams in the league so far this offseason.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Latest Headlines

Baker Mayfield vs. Lamar Jackson: Duel of the Heisman Trophy Winners | Brianna's Blitz

In Week Seven, back-to-back 2016 and 2017 Heisman Trophy Winners will face off. Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield and Ravens' Lamar Jackson will go head-to-head in a showdown at Raymond James Stadium

Baker Mayfield Using His Legs "Intelligently"

Buccaneers-Ravens Injury Report Oct. 17: Evans, Dean, Durham Among Non-Participants

A look at Thursday's injury report ahead of the Week Seven matchup

Glazer Family Doubles Hurricane Relief Donation to $2 Million

Mike Evans Held Out of Practice After "Tweaking" Leg in New Orleans | Updates

Keep informed with our daily updates: News, notes and more throughout the month of October

Baker Mayfield: Need To Set The Tone vs. Ravens | Press Conference

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback Baker Mayfield spoke to the media following Thursday's Week 7 practice. QB Mayfield discussed his relationship with Ravens TE Mark Andrews, his decision making when it comes to running the football and finding balance in the offense.

Todd Bowles on RB Rotation: 'Go With The Hot Hand' | Press Conference

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles spoke to the media following Thursday's Week 7 practice. HC Bowles discussed opening up the running lanes, preparing to face the Baltimore Ravens and the impact the Glazer Family has had on the organization & the community.

Zyon McCollum Mic'd Up vs. the Saints

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cornerback Zyon McCollum was mic'd up for the Week 6 game against the New Orleans Saints. Hear from the CB as he makes plays all over the field, including his second interception of the season, throughout the 51-27 victory.

Bucs Offense Erupts, MNF Preview | Bucs Insider

Team Reporter Casey Phillips, Staff Writer/Reporter Brianna Dix and Senior Writer & Editor Scott Smith talk about all the latest Bucs news in this week's edition of Bucs Insider. The team discusses the 50+ point performance in NOLA, the impressive play of the secondary and what to expect Monday night when the Ravens come to town.

Chris Godwin & Sean Tucker on Winning For The City | Press Conferences

Hear from Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin & RB Sean Tucker as they speak to the media following Thursday's Week 7 practice.

Todd Bowles on Team Win & Being Resilient | The Todd Bowles Show

Reporter Casey Phillips sits down with Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles after Week 6's victory vs. the New Orleans Saints. They talk about the team's impressive adjustments at halftime, the depth and versatility of the running backs, and the strong defensive performance in critical moments.

WR Rakim Jarrett Returns to Practice

Rakim Jarrett, who made the active roster as a rookie in 2023, has been designated to return from injured reserve, opening a 21-day window in which he can practice with the team

Rondé Barber Breaks Down Best Plays in Big Win vs. New Orleans | Film Session

Legendary Buccaneers DB Rondé Barber breaks down the key plays from the Bucs' big NFC South 51-27 win vs. the New Orleans Saints.

Sean Tucker Wins NFC Offensive Player of the Week Award

Second-year RB Sean Tucker nabs the first Player of the Week award for the Bucs in 2024 after a breakout 192-yard, two-TD performance in Sunday's win over the Saints

Ravens-Buccaneers: Top Storylines & Key Matchups in Week Seven

The Buccaneers will tackle the NFL's best rushing attack in Week Seven but will look to build on their own recent improvements in running the ball and rushing the passer

Skip Peete Talks Complementary Running Back Styles of Three-Headed Monster

Against the Saints in Week Six, the Buccaneers' ground game exploded. Running Backs Coach Skip Peete dished on the complementary running styles of the room and cohesion with the offensive line via Bucs Total Access

CB Keenan Isaac Promoted Back to Active Roster

With Jamel Dean's hamstring injury potentially impacting the team's depth at cornerback, the Buccaneers signed first-year man Keenan Isaac to the 53-man roster and made two additions to the practice squad

How to Watch: Baltimore Ravens at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers will host the Ravens on Monday Night Football. Find out how to view the action.

Bucs' Big Win in NOLA, Ravens Flock to Tampa | Salty Dogs

Jeff and Scott revel in the glory of the Bucs' big win in New Orleans, talk about the impact of Hurricane Milton and revisit the turn-signal controversy.