The Bucs have the 19th pick in the NFL draft.
Maybe.
Rumors are swirling that the Bucs will make a trade, moving out of the first round.
Then again, it wouldn't be surprising if they made a trade to move up. Or maybe they won't make a trade at all. Maybe they'll stick with the 19th pick.
If they do, what should they do? What player should they take? A running back? An offensive lineman? A defensive lineman. Another kicker?
Okay, pretty sure they're not going to take a kicker. But everything else is on the table.
Since the Bucs have the 19th pick in the draft (for now), here are 19 things they could do with it.
Draft Dalvin Cook
This is what most fans want, for the Bucs to take the scintillating running back from FSU. Taking a RB in the first round is risky business, but if the Bucs are going to take one, Cook seems to make the most sense.
Trade down
This is a deep draft, especially when it comes to some of Tampa Bay's needs (RB, DL, DB). Maybe it would make sense to trade the 19th pick, move back a few spots and pick up an extra second- or third-round pick.
Draft Joe Mixon
Wait a second. Sorry. This should go under the list of the things the Bucs should absolutely not do with the 19th pick. Or any pick for that matter. The Oklahoma RB punched a woman. That should remove him from the Bucs' draft board. Period.
Offer Cleveland the moon
The Bucs really need a pass rusher. Despite what some say, Texas A&M pass rusher Myles Garrett is the most talented player in the draft. It would take a lot for Cleveland to trade the first overall pick. But if you think Garrett is a game changer, maybe you think it's worth the price.
Draft Cam Robinson
Donovan Smith still has a chance to be a solid left tackle in the NFL, but if this Alabama left tackle is there at 19, it would be hard for the Bucs to pass on him.
Trade up
This seems unlikely, but maybe a second-round pick could move the Bucs up a few spots to take a player that isn't going to be there at No. 19, a pass rusher such UCLA's Takkarist McKinley or Tennessee's Derek Barnett.
Draft a cornerback
This could be the Bucs' greatest need. A day ago, the Bucs might have wished to take Ohio State's Gareon Conley, but now comes a disturbing sexual assault allegation. So the Bucs might look to LSU's Tre'Davious White or Alabama's Marlon Humphrey.
Take a Gator
When in doubt, it's never a bad idea to draft a player from UF. The best one available: LB Jarrad Davis. And the Bucs might even be able to move back a few spots and still get him.
Take a quarterback
Just kidding. No way the Bucs take a QB. Nor should they. But, no Bucs fan should feel good about the inexperienced QBs who are backing up Jameis Winston at the moment. If Winston gets hurt, the Bucs could have serious issues.
Stay updated on Tampa Bay’s sports scene
Subscribe to our free Sports Today newsletter
You’re all signed up!
Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.
Explore all your optionsDraft a defensive tackle
For years now, the Bucs have been looking for someone steady to play next to Gerald McCoy. How about Michigan State's Malik McDowell?
Draft John Ross
Hold on, hear me out. Yes, this Washington product is a wide receiver and the Bucs seem set there with Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson. But this burner can ease his way into the NFL and be ready to go when Jackson's time here is done.
Take O.J.
The odds that tight end O.J. Howard from Alabama will be sitting there are slim to none. But if he is, the Bucs should race to take the best TE in this draft.
Take a Wisconsin lineman
Can you ever go wrong taking a big ol' offensive lineman from Wisconsin? Ryan Ramczyk could be there for the taking.
Take a kicker
If they do, it would be the last pick GM Jason Licht ever makes.
Play it safe(ty)
Taking a safety in the first round is a stretch, but if the first round goes haywire and Ohio State's Malik Hooker or LSU's Jamal Adams is there, the Bucs would have hit the lottery. Might have to settle for UConn's Obi Melifonwu instead.
Don't pick
Use up your time, make people wonder what you're doing, the start rumor saying you had a deal with Bill Belichick and he backed out 'cause he was scared. That'll give Adam Schefter something to do for two hours.
Take an RB other than Cook
Still don't like taking RBs in first round, but if Christian McCaffrey inexplicably drops, it's worth consideration.
Let Licht make the pick
Licht is the GM. Jameis the QB. Get my drift?
What the Bucs SHOULD do
Here's a novel concept: Take the best player available, regardless of position and need.