The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may already have a franchise quarterback, but there may be room for another.
According to Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News’ 2024 NFL Mock Draft, the Buccaneers will select Devin Leary, a quarterback from the University of Kentucky, with the final pick in the sixth round at No. 220.
Devin Leary Ranked Among Top QB’s in 2021
Leary, a 24-year-old quarterback, attended North Carolina State University for six years, where he excelled for the first five years. During the 2021 season, Leary, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 215 pounds, threw 35 touchdown passes and five interceptions. He finished 10th in the nation in touchdowns and third in the ACC.
While Leary’s 2023 season with the Kentucky Wildcats was not as productive as his 2021 season, he remained among the SEC’s top quarterbacks. In 2023, Leary threw 25 touchdown passes, ranking second in the Southeastern Conference. However, he led the SEC with 12 interceptions.
Devin Leary Projects as Backup QB in NFL
Leary, who started 39 games in college, is projected to be a backup quarterback in the NFL. His major qualities are his ability to gain yards through athleticism, as described by Brentley Weissman of The Draft Network in his Leary scouting profile.
“Devin Leary is an above-average quarterback prospect with average overall arm strength, accuracy, and touch,” Weissman says in his article. “But he has the ability to win both within and outside of the structure, as well as the athleticism to get yards as a runner. He appears to be a capable backup in the NFL.”
However, Weissman points to Leary’s lack of progress in the latter portions of his career as a major reason why he projects as not only a backup, but a Day 3 pick.
“Overall, Leary’s lack of development in his later years is a big reason for concern and his lengthy medical history will give teams pause,” Weissman said. “He has good intangibles, toughness, and enough natural arm talent to warrant a day-three pick, which gives him a chance to compete as a backup at the next level.”
By picking a quarterback like Leary near the end of the draft, the Buccaneers avoid any potential quarterback dispute with established starter Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield recently agreed to a three-year contract worth up to $115 million, positioning him as the Buccaneers’ franchise quarterback for the next few years. The former first-round pick clearly deserved the honor after leading Tampa Bay to an unexpected division title and playoff participation while scoring 28 touchdowns and passing for 4,044 yards.
While it is evident that the Buccaneers will not abandon Mayfield anytime soon, the team lacks a strong backup behind the reigning Pro Bowler. Kyle Trask, who has only 10 career pass attempts, remains the backup, while John Wolford, who has only five career starts, completes the depth chart.
Drafting a guy with potential, such as Leary, who can challenge Trask and Wolford, may benefit the Bucs. After all, Mayfield may get injured and miss time. In that scenario, the Buccaneers would require a dependable backup.
Leary may not be a household name or one of the top quarterbacks in the draft, but given Tampa Bay’s limited alternatives after Mayfield, it may be worthwhile to take a chance on the former 35-touchdown quarterback.
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