Bucs move up for Wirfs to improve Brady's protection

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs out of Iowa in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 13th overall.

The Bucs jumped up one pick to ensure they'd get the protector for Tom Brady, trading No. 14 and a fourth-round pick (No. 177) for No. 13 and a seventh-rounder.

Right tackle appeared to be the biggest hole in what has become a stacked Buccaneers offense this offseason.

Wirfs played almost exclusively at right tackle - 29 there, four at left tackle - during his three seasons at Iowa.

The 21-year-old was the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and an All-Big Ten first-team selection last season.

School: Iowa
Height: 6-5
Weight: 320 lbs

Positives

• Impressive athleticism and movement skills
• Good initial quickness out of his stance in pass and run
• Processes stunts and blitzes quickly to pick up/pass assignment
• Strong punch when intersecting at set point
• Good strength in anchor with athleticism to reset and recover
• Lateral agility to mirror pass-rushers
• Movement and footwork to thrive executing zone concepts
• Climbs well to the second level off combo blocks
• Excellent awareness when deployed as blocker in space

Negatives

• Susceptible to inside counters due to oversets when pushed vertically
• Inconsistent push as drive blocker vs. head-up defender
• Needs better hand placement to sustain blocks
• Must improve angles to targets at second level

Bottom line

Intelligent, athletic, and strong, Wirfs has all the qualities of a top-tier starter at the next level. With the processing ability he shows to diagnose what's unfolding in front of him, the athleticism to establish position for all kinds of blocks, and the strength and technique to finish, he should have no issues making an instant and long-lasting impact on an NFL offensive line. A tendency to overset and expose an inside path to the quarterback has some suggesting he could move to guard, where he'd be a fantastic pro, but the traits he possesses also suggest he's more than capable of addressing concerns and remaining on the outside with the help of NFL coaching.

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