Three QBs Buccaneers could draft as potential Tom Brady successor

Many have considered Kyle Trask a Day 2 prospect during the pre-draft evaluation process. He is coming off a phenomenal season at Florida, finishing as a Heisman Trophy finalist. Due to issues with lacking any elite physical traits, the 6-foot-5 quarterback has been pushed down the board, but recent reports suggest there’s a chance he is a first-round pick.

Trask has drawn varying comparisons, ranging from Brad Johnson to Mason Rudolph. He is on the older side for a quarterback, entering the NFL as a 23-year-old, but there are a few things the Buccaneers might like about him. He showed in high school and at Florida that he can handle being a backup and use the opportunity to learn from it. He also showed tremendous development from 2019 to 2020, a sign that NFL coaching could get more out of him.

He would have at least a year to learn about diagnosing defenses, making quick throws and how to better navigate pressure from Brady. The time learning Arians’ scheme and working with a great staff could also help him iron out some mechanical issues. He doesn’t profile to be a high-end starter, but he could provide a solid floor.

Davis Mills, Stanford Cardinal

Davis Mills is a former five-star recruit and the No.1 pro-style quarterback from the 2017 recruiting class. He took over as Stanford’s starter in 2019, showing promise across eight games, and became the full-time starter this past season. However, Mills only played in five games.

The 6-foot-4 quarterback lacks mobility, and there isn’t a ton of film for teams to evaluate. He became a five-star recruit because of his arm strength, size and the ability to get the football out of his hands quickly. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. labeled him as a sleeper in the 2021 NFL Draft, and many teams might see the physical tools that can be groomed to make him an eventual starter.

Tampa Bay would be an ideal landing spot for Mills. There would be no pressure for him to see the field in the first two years. The Buccaneers could use the preseason to give him a lot of snaps, also keeping Brady fresh in training camp with the rookie getting more work. He is a Day 2 pick whom the Bucs could take to end the second round or maybe even in Round 3.

Kellen Mond, Texas A&M Aggies

Mac Jones is the biggest riser in the 2021 NFL Draft, but there is also momentum building for Kellen Mond. A former four-star recruit in 2017, the 6-foot-3 quarterback flashed plenty of upside at Texas A&M. At a time when teams are looking to diversify their offenses, Mond’s dual-threat ability stands out.

The 21-year-old quarterback has drawn many comparisons to Colin Kaepernick. Many questioned Mond’s ability to stay in the pocket and if he could consistently put the ball in the right spots. He demonstrated all of that for the Aggies.

Mond isn’t anywhere close to being ready to start in an NFL game. He is still only showing flashes of good decision-making when pressured, still learning to make anticipation throws and he is still hesitant to throw deep. All of those things can be worked on with coaching. Mond could be Tampa Bay’s No. 3 quarterback in 2021 and later become Brady’s backup. If the Buccaneers are thinking about upside, Mond should be the target.