Bucs Trade-Up in Draft And Select Lineman to Protect Tom Brady
By Adam Weinrib
The first trade of the NFL Draft involved sliding up exactly one pick, swiping slots with a WR-needy team that wasn't really hiding its cards. Interesting?
In a draft that needed an injection of drama, the Tampa Bay Bucks swapped their selection with the San Francisco 49ers, moving up to No. 13 to help Tom Brady stay standing.
Trade! The #49ers are sliding back, trading with the #Bucs
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 24, 2020
When all was said and done, the Bucs selected Tristan Wirfs, ending a run on OL that came a bit later than many draft experts suspected, but still ran its course by pick 13.
After trading up, the #Bucs take Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs. Keeping Tom Brady upright in 2020 is the most important thing for Tampa and Jason Licht does just that with this pick.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) April 24, 2020
Though everything was up for debate until the horn sounded, many thought the agile Wirfs might've been the top tackle in this entire field. The Iowan dominated at RT and held strong at LT during his collegiate career, and we're sure Tampa Bay will use him wherever he's most needed.
He's a beastly physical talent who showed his prowess in the weight room and on the field for Kirk Ferentz. Now he'll use his agility to protect the GOAT. No pressure.