Last offseason, I compiled a spreadsheet of predictions for the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, specifically which players the mock drafters were giving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the fifth overall pick. I ended up with 140 drafts in the database, and by the time the real thing arrived they were honing in on what would prove to be reality.
It took time, though. Only 7.5% of the mock drafts I tracked in January and February thought the Buccaneers would select a linebacker at that spot. In March, however, 36.8% of the analysts thought the Bucs would target a linebacker, that almost exclusively being LSU's Devin White. The reason for the shift was clear: Tampa Bay lost linebacker Kwon Alexander to free agency that month. Still, the most common pick for the Bucs in that month was still defensive line.
In April, however, linebacker (and again, specifically White) took the lead with 56.3% of the predictions. In the end, consensus got it right.
View pictures from TE Rob Gronkowski's NFL career thus far.
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski stretches as he dives into the end zone, beating St. Louis Rams cornerback Kevin Dockery, right, for a touchdown in the second quarter during an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates after scoring against the San Diego Chargers in the first half during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a 1-yard touchdown pass during an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on October 24, 2010. The Patriots defeated the Chargers 23-20. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) hauls in a Tom Brady pass behind Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) for a touchdown in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, gets past Buffalo Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010. New England won 34-3. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates his touchdown reception in front of wide receiver Brandon Tate (19) in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski smiles as he talks about his brother, tight end Dan Gronkowski, being signed by the Patriots today during a media availability in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011. The Patriots open their season against the Miami Dolphins in Miami on Monday night, Sept. 12. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) hits the turf as he catches a first quarter touchdown pass that gives the Patriots a 14-0 lead during the NFL week 3 football game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, September 25, 2011 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills won the game 34-31. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) of the New England Patriots warms up before play against the Miami Dolphins during a Monday Night Football Game September 12, 2011 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Patriots won 38 - 24. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) high steps while trying to break away from a tackle attempt by two defenders after catching a first down pass in the third quarter during the NFL week 3 football game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, September 25, 2011 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills won the game 34-31. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of New York Jets free safety Eric Smith (33) and Marquice Cole (34) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of New York Jets' Jim Leonhard (36) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a 52 yard touchdown pass and runs over Kansas City Chiefs free safety Kendrick Lewis (23) for a second quarter score and a 7-3 lead during the NFL week 11 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, November 21, 2011 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Patriots won the game 34-3. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski warms up before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) spikes the ball as officials signal his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011. Gronkowski had three touchdowns in the Patriots' 31-24 win. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a touchdown pass over Washington Redskins strong safety DeJon Gomes (24) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs past Washington Redskins strong safety DeJon Gomes (24) and Washington Redskins free safety Reed Doughty (37) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Rich Lipski)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates a 34-27 victory over the Washington Redskins after the NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) heads downfield during an NFL game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, in Denver. The Patriots won the game, 41-23. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) spikes the ball to celebrate his touchdown during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012. The Patriots won 49-21 to clinch the number one seed in the AFC. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates his 10-yard touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski #87 10 yard pass reception for a touchdown in 1st qtr. action during an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots Sunday January 14, 2012 at the Gillette Stadium Foxborough Ma. The New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 45 - 10 in AFC division playoff action. (Ap Photo/ Bill Nichols)
Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (59) tries to stop New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) looks at the championship trophy after the AFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Ravens 23-20 to win the AFC Championship. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during Super Bowl XLVI Media Day at Lucas Oil Stadium, in Indianapolis, Indiana on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs for a gain after making a catch during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on Sunday October 27, 2013 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. New England won 27-17. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
FILE - In this Oct. 14, 2012, file photo, New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks' Kam Chancellor in the second half of an NFL football game in Seattle. A Super Bowl matchup well worth watching: Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski vs. Seattle's Kam Chancellor, one of the few safeties in the league capable of stopping him. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) looks on during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, September 21, 2014 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. New England won 16-9. (AP Photos/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski runs the ball after catching a pass against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski warms up before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. The New England Patriots won 28-24. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates after the Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs away from New Orleans Saints safety Vonn Bell (48) during an Week 2 NFL game, September 17, 2017 in New Orleans. The Patriots defeated the Saints 36-20. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates his touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, right, catches a touchdown pass in front of Houston Texans safety Corey Moore during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski runs after a catch against the Houston Texans during an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) runs away from New York Jets' Marcus Maye (26) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) is tackled by Buffalo Bills strong safety Micah Hyde (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Patriots won 23-3. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
FILE - In this Dec. 17, 2017, file photo, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in an NFL football game, in Pittsburgh. The New England tight end has dominated the Steelers throughout his career, no matter how Pittsburgh opts to defend him. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) dances as he celebrates a touchdown reception during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, catches a pass in front of Kansas City Chiefs safety Josh Shaw (30) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski runs after catching a pass as Minnesota Vikings defensive back Anthony Harris, rear, tries to tackle him during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski warms up before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Jan. 13, 2019 in Foxborough, MA. New England won 41-28 (Aaron Doster via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs his route during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on Sunday October 27, 2013 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. New England won 27-17. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) prior to an NFL football AFC Divisional playoff game on Sunday, January 13, 2019 in Foxborough. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) warms up before the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski speaks with members of the media during a news conference Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019, ahead of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against Los Angeles Rams in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) runs from Los Angeles Rams' Samson Ebukam (50) after catching a pass during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates their victory over the Los Angeles Rams during NFL Super Bowl 53, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)
New England Patriots Rob Gronkoswki #87 celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Rams during NFL Super Bowl 53, Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski waves after the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. The New England Patriots won 13-3. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) runs the ball against Los Angeles Rams' during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (Tom DiPace via AP)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Rams' during the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (Tom DiPace via AP)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski, center, celebrates alongside Camille Kostek, third from left, as the Patriots parade through downtown Boston, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, to celebrate their win over the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday's NFL Super Bowl 53 football game in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs during NFL Super Bowl 53 against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta. (Greg Trott via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) walks to the podium after NFL Super Bowl 53 against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta. (Greg Trott via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after NFL Super Bowl 53 against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta. (Greg Trott via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs the ball as Los Angeles Rams cornerback Marcus Peters (22) defends during the NFL Super Bowl LIII football game, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after NFL Super Bowl 53 against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta. The Patriots defeated the Rams, 13-3. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates as he leaves the field after NFL Super Bowl 53 against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta. The Patriots defeated the Rams, 13-3. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates following the win against the Kansas City Chiefs during an AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019 in Kansas City, MO. The Patriots defeated the Chiefs 37-31 in overtime. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after winning the NFL Super Bowl LI football game against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on Sunday, February 5, 2017 in Houston, TX. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after winning the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 in Glendale, Ariz. The Patriots won the game 28-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates on the field following the NFL AFC Championship playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, January 20, 2015 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Colts 45-7 to advance to Super Bowl XLIX. (AP Photo/Perry Knotts)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) holds a champions t-shirt as confetti flies and the Patriots celebrate winning the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 in Glendale, Ariz. The Patriots won the game 28-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) makes a touchdown catch against Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright (50) during the first half of NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) scores a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on Sunday December 1, 2013 in Houston, Texas. New England won 34-31. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs a route during the NFL AFC Championship playoff football game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots , Sunday, January 24, 2016, in Denver, CO. The Broncos won 20-18 to advance to Super Bowl. (Tom Hauck via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) makes a reception during warm ups prior to an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium, Thursday, September 7, 2017 in Foxborough, Mass. The Chiefs defeated the Patriots 42-27. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) of the New England Patriots scores on a five-yard touchdown pass against the New York Giants at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 20 - 17. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during an NFL regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, Sept. 29, 2014 in Kansas City, MO. The Chiefs won the game, 41-14. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 5, 2014 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. New England won 43-17. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates his touchdown catch against the Oakland Raiders in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski responds to questions after the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. The Patriots won the game 28-24.(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) lifts the Vince Lombardi trophy after defeating the Seattle Seahawks at Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Gene Lower)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) on the bench during an NFL preseason football game against the New Orleans Saints in Foxborough, Mass. Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski holds the championship trophy after the NFL football AFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Colts 45-7 to advance to the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Fans toss snow in the stands as New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Tom Brady, right, during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017 in Denver. New England won 41-16. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski (87) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on September 07, 2014 in Miami,FL at SunLife Stadium.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski holds up Vince Lombardi Trophy while celebrating with quarterback Tom Brady after the Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates his touchdown catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after winning during Superbowl XLIX game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, on February 1, 2015 in Glendale, AZ. Th ePatriots defeated the Seahawks 28-24. (Tom Hauck/ AP Images)
Tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) watches during a pre-season game against the New York Giants September 2, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 20 - 17. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a 22-yard touchdown pass during the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 in University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Patriots defeated the Seahawks 28-24. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates his first touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
It's not quite so simple this year.
The difference, of course, is that the Buccaneers are picking 14th this year instead of fifth, which increases the variables exponentially. Oh, there is some consensus on what the analysts believe Tampa Bay wants in the first round, but there's quite a bit of difference in opinion on what the Buccaneers can get in their current draft spot. That wasn't much of an issue last year; with a quarterback expected to go first and a deep crop of edge rushers available, there was every reason to believe the Bucs could take White if they wanted him. Which they did.
This year, the consensus is that the Buccaneers want to draft an offensive tackle in the first round, though it took a few months for that belief to really take hold. This time, I ended up with 220 mock drafts in my database, which I'll break down below. First, I should note that even with that high number of mock drafts assembled, there were definitely a lot more out there. I limited my choices to national sources like ESPN.com and NFL.com, skipping the local media outlets in the 32 NFL cities. I only including efforts that were attributed to a specific analyst rather than a site as a whole. I did include multiple mocks from different analysts on the same site; NFL.com and CBSSports.com, for instance, have had quite a few experts weigh in on the issue. Because it is now common for draft analysts to do multiple versions, sometimes only a week apart, I treated each new version as a separate entry unless the only update to the previous one was changing the date. That is the point, after all – to see how have opinions changed over the months.
Mock Draft Breakdown (position, total number of drafts, top selection):
Tackle: 111 (Andrew Thomas, 50)
Defensive Tackle: 42 (Javon Kinlaw, 36)
EDGE: 26 (K'Lavon Chaisson, 18)
Quarterback: 19 (Jordan Love, 11)
Cornerback: 7 (C.J. Henderson 7)
Safety: 6 (Grant Delpit, 6)
Wide Receiver: 5 (Jerry Jeudy 4)
Running Back: 2 (D'Andre Swift 2)
Linebacker: 1 (Zack Baun 1)
Trade pick for Matthew Stafford: 1
That doesn't tell the full story, however. While there were experts who put the Buccaneers on the offensive tackle scent back in January, such as ESPN's Mel Kiper, it was by no means a majority opinion. The most commonly picked player in that month was South Carolina defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.
But then, you know, stuff happened. The Buccaneers somehow kept their starting defensive front-seven intact by using the franchise tag on Shaquil Barrett and re-signing Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh. That was sandwiched around the blockbuster deal to bring quarterback Tom Brady to town. For obvious reasons, that made those positions seem less like a pressing concern, at which point the hole at right tackle, where Demar Dotson is still an unsigned free agent, began to stand out like a beacon. The Buccaneers did sign former Colts tackle Joe Haeg in free agency as a potential starter, but that hasn't convinced many analysts that Tampa Bay is out of the tackle market on draft weekend.
Here's how the predictions have broken down from month to month:
January (17 total mock drafts)
• 6 defensive tackles (35.3%)
• 5 offensive tackles (29.4%)
• 3 quarterbacks (17.6%)
• 2 EDGE (11.8%)
• 1 cornerback (5.9%)
February (58 total mock drafts)
• 14 EDGE (24.1%)
• 13 defensive tackles (22.4%)
• 13 offensive tackles (22.4%)
• 9 quarterbacks (15.5%)
• 5 safeties (8.6%)
• 1 running back (1.7%)
• 1 wide receiver (1.7%)
• 1 cornerback (1.7%)
• 1 trade for Matthew Stafford (1.7%)
March (74 total mock drafts)
• 37 offensive tackles (50.0%)
• 13 defensive tackles (17.6%)
• 10 EDGE (13.5%)
• 7 quarterbacks (9.5%)
• 3 cornerbacks (4.1%)
• 1 linebacker (1.4%)
• 1 running back (1.4%)
• 1 safety (1.4%)
• 1 wide receiver (1.4%)
April (71 total mock drafts)
• 56 offensive tackles (78.9%)
• 10 defensive tackles (14.1%)
• 3 wide receivers (4.2%)
• 2 cornerbacks (2.8%)
View pictures of QB Tom Brady and TE Rob Gronkowski through the years.
Quarterback Tom Brady (12) of the New England Patriots celebrates a touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during a preseason game against the New York Giants September 2, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 20 - 17. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, center, drops back to pass with protection from guard Logan Mankins, left, and tight end Rob Gronkowski in the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) talk after connecting for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010. The Patriots won 34-3. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) congratulate each other after a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins, during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, celebrates his touchdown catch from quarterback Tom Brady, right, in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. Gronkowski was active after missing five games with a broken left forearm. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with tight end Rob Gronkowski, who underwent back surgery in June, during practice at the NFL football team's training camp in Foxborough, Mass., Tuesday, July 30, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) speaks with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, November 23, 2014 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. New England won 34-9. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, celebrates after catching a touch pass from quarterback Tom Brady, right, in the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, reacts after catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Tom Brady, celebrating at center, in the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates a touchdown with New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sunday Sept. 7, 2014. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, top, jumps on the back of tight end Rob Gronkowski after Gronkowski scored a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, and Rob Gronkowski celebrate after the Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) pause during warm- ups before the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrate during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015 in Denver. Denver won 30-24 in overtime. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks to tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) at the conclusion of the Patriots win against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday February 1, 2015 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, site of Super Bowl XLIX. New England defeated Seattle 28-24 to win Super Bowl XLIX. (Damian Strohmeyer AP Images)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs a sprint next to quarterback Tom Brady (12) during practice Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, in Tempe, Ariz. The Patriots play the Seattle Seahawks in NFL football Super Bowl XLIX Sunday, Feb. 1. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, and quarterback Tom Brady celebrate with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. The Patriots won 28-24. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski, left, and Tom Brady with the Vince Lombardi trophy after the second half of NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Sportscaster Dan Patrick looks on as New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) hands the Lombardi Trophy to New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) while New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft looks on as confetti flies in celebration after the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 in Glendale, Ariz. The Patriots won the game 28-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) on the sidelines in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski after winning the AFC championship NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 36-17 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) speaks with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017 in Foxborough, Mass. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, displays his recovered jersey, which tight End Rob Gronkowski had grabbed during pregame ceremonies, before a baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates on opening day at Fenway Park, Monday, April 3, 2017, in Boston. The jersey had been stolen from the locker room after the Patriots' February Super Bowl victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Houston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, displays one of the team's Super Bowl trophies as tight End Rob Gronkowski, left, carries another during pregame ceremonies before a baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates on opening day at Fenway Park, Monday, April 3, 2017, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, top, playfully tackles teammate Rob Gronkowski after he grabbed and ran with Brady's stolen and recovered Super Bowl jersey during Boston Red Sox Home Opening Day ceremonies at Fenway Park, Monday, April 3, 2017, in Boston. The Red Sox face the Pittsburgh Pirates in the baseball game. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) on the field during NFL football training camp, Friday, July 28, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and quarterback Tom Brady during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates with Tom Brady (12) after the two connected for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) warms up alongside tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, and quarterback Tom Brady speak on the sideline during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, and quarterback Tom Brady, right, stand on the stage during an NFL football Super Bowl send-off rally, Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots are to play the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 52, Sunday, Feb. 4, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrate a touchdown play, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates a touchdown, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrate a touchdown, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrate after a touchdown during a game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Sept. 9th, 2018 in Foxborough, Mass. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrate after a touchdown during a game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Sept. 9th, 2018 in Foxborough, Mass. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and quarterback Tom Brady bump fists as they warm up before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, and quarterback Tom Brady speak at midfield after beating the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) takes a break in an NFL division football playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 17, 2019. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady talks to New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, during a news conference after the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady hugs teammate Rob Gronkowski, left, after their 37-31 overtime victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and wide receiver Rob Gronkowski walk onto the field before an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) on the sidelines in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls a play as tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) watches in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) after they connected on a pass for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates a touchdown with New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sunday Sept. 7, 2014. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski after the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. The Patriots won 28-24.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, studies a play sheet as quarterback Tom Brady looks over his shoulder during a team NFL football practice in Foxborough, Mass., Monday, July 29, 2013. Gronkowski underwent back surgery in June and has been rehabbing with the team. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) on the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 in Cleveland. New England won 33-13. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass.(AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates his touchdown with Tom Brady during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on September 07, 2014 in Miami,FL at SunLife Stadium.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski, right, in the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and quarterback Tom Brady, right, during an NFL football training camp in Foxborough, Mass., Friday, July 25, 2014. (AP Photo/)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski after the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. The Patriots won 28-24.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) slaps hands with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) against the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL Game Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in Foxborough, MA. (Rick Wilson via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with teammate Rob Gronkowski before an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, talks to New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) before an NFL football game between the Patriots and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates a touchdown with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, January 10, 2015 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. New England won 35-31. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates his touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski with tight end Scott Chandler (88) during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski after the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. The Patriots won 28-24.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks to tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, celebrates with teammate Rob Gronkowski (87) after the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. The Patriots won 28-24. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) following Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, February 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photos/Ben Liebenberg)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) gets congratulated by leaping New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after catching a second quarter touchdown pass for a 17-7 Pats lead during the NFL week 1 regular season football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014 in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins won the game 33-20. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski after the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. The Patriots won 28-24.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates his touchdown catch from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Baltimore Ravens Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski after a touchdown against the New York Jets during a NFL football game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, and Rob Gronkowski celebrate after the Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12 congratulates tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) after his scoring catch during an NFL game against the Houston Texans on December 13, 2015. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-6. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski hugs quarterback Tom Brady after the second half of NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski after the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. The Patriots won 28-24.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) is congratulated by quarterback Tom Brady (12) after a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. January 10, 2015. New England defeated Baltimore 35-31 to advance to the AFC Championship game. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) speaks with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and guard Marcus Cannon (61) during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 27-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) is congratulated by quarterback Tom Brady (12) after scoring on a 53-yard reception during an Week 2 NFL game against the New Orleans Saints, September 17, 2017 in New Orleans. The Patriots defeated the Saints 36-20. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) has a word for tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) in action against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, site of Super Bowl XLII. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the NFL Super Bowl LII football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
That final month says it all. The group-think on the Buccaneers' draft plans is that they will try to go after one of the consensus top-four tackles and if they miss out they'll either go into the next tier of tackles or pivot to the defensive line.
But there's a little more to this, as well. There have actually been two noticeable shifts in what the media in general think the Buccaneers will do in the first round this year. Beginning in March and then picking up steam in April, the belief was that the Bucs were in good position to draft either Mekhi Becton, Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Wills or Tristan Wirfs. By the second week of April, it was nearly unanimous. In 20 mock drafts I recorded from April 13-18, the Buccaneers took an offensive tackle in 18 of them, and 12 of those 18 specifically predicted it to be Thomas.
However, now that we've actually reached draft week, the opinion is shifting again. There is still plenty of belief that the Bucs want a tackle, but far less consensus that they will land Thomas or any of the other three noted above. Of the 19 drafts I logged from April 19-22, 13 still had the Buccaneers getting a tackle but five of those gave them either Houston's Josh Jones or Boise State's Ezra Cleveland. The Bucs still got Thomas four times, but had to trade up to the ninth pick to do so in one of them.
So, what will be the final answer? Will the Bucs land one of those four tackles at pick number 14? Will they have to trade up to get one? Will they stay put and choose a different tackle? Is the assembled media actually completely wrong about their intentions? We'll know soon enough, but the answer is likely to be more complicated, and take longer to unfold, then it did a year ago.
