Bucs trade up for quarterback in latest CBS mock

Will Levis Matt Stone/Louisville Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Buccaneers trade up for franchise QB in latest CBS mock

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 3/31/23

Although the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Baker Mayfield to compete with Kyle Trask for their starting quarterback job, CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Chris Trapasso does not believe that will preclude them from taking a signal caller come late April's festivities.

In his latest mock draft, Trapasso has the Bucs trading with the New England Patriots to jump up from No. 19 to No. 14 overall to take Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, who has recently been sliding down many draft boards.

“The Buccaneers don't wait around for Levis as he gets this close to them,” Trapasso writes in the mock up. “Serious competition for Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield. The Patriots get No. 19 overall and a 2024 second-round pick to slide back in this swap.”

Strong arm: ✅
Big frame: ✅
30+ inch vert: ✅

Is Will Levis Josh Allen 2.0? pic.twitter.com/kvJj8pgoW7
— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) March 31, 2023

Tampa has maintained that both Mayfield and Trask will have a chance to compete for team's open QB1 gig heading into training camp. Trask, 25, has attempted just nine passes in his career while Mayfield has 69 games worth of starting experience.

Former No. 1 overall pick Mayfield split last season between the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams, starting 10 total games while appearing in two others. In that space, he completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,163 yards and a 10/8 TD/INT ratio while posting a passer rating of 79.

This THROW by Will Levis pic.twitter.com/J3h6JZMxMp
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) March 24, 2023

Levis has been projected as high as No. 4 to the Indianapolis Colts, but recently scouts have expressed their concern for his turnover tendencies. They have also questioned whether he has the decision-making skills for starting success in the NFL.

Levis has arguably the strongest arm in the draft and threw for 5,232 yards with a 43/23 TD/INT ratio over his final two seasons at Kentucky. He completed 65.7 percent of his passes while in Lexington and led the Wildcats to a 17-7 record as a starter.

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