The Buccaneers selected LSU tight end Bauer Sharp, adding versatile offensive firepower to their draft class. He brings speed and physicality to Tampa Bay's depth.
With their lone pick in the sixth round, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected LSU tight end Bauer Sharp.
Originally, Tampa had the No. 195 overall selection, but moved up to No. 185 with the Las Vegas Raiders, adding in their seventh rounder (No. 229).
Sharp joins Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst and offensive lineman Billy Schrauth was one of three offensive selections for the Bucs.
Sharp began his career at Southeastern Louisiana, switching from quarterback to tight end after redshirting his freshman season.
After two solid seasons of production at SE Louisiana, Sharp made the jump to the power-four level, joining the Oklahoma Sooners.
Sharp delivered instant impact, leading the Sooners with 42 receptions, adding 324 receiving yards.
Following a lone year in Norman, OK, Sharp transferred to LSU for his senior campaign. With the Tigers, Sharp notched 24 catches for 252 yards and two scores, starting all 13 games.
In Week 4, Sharp had the opportunity to play against SE Louisiana, his first collegiate program, and delivered his best game of the season.
Sharp hauled in a season-high five receptions, adding 73 yards and a touchdown.
The week prior, against Florida, Bauer had another 70-plus yard performance.
Against the Gators, Bauer got free for a career-long 65 yard catch, displaying his ability to break away in the open field.
Sharp's availability stood out, as he played in 11 or more games all four years of his playing career.
He has great speed and athleticism for his 6-foot-4, 250-pound frame, recording a 4.63 40-yard dash at the combine. Sharp's measurables are nearly identical to starting tight end Cade Otton.
Sharp displays physicality in his route running, using his combination of size and speed to create advantages on slower linebackers in coverage.
After being drafted, Sharp talked about what he looks to bring to Tampa Bay, highlighting his ability to jump between positions on the field.
"I'm a versatile player," Sharp said. "You can put me at fullback, you can put me as a wide tight end, you can put me as an H [back], it doesn't really matter. I can do it all."
While securing extra depth at the TE position was not surprising, other players with more upside were available, including Baylor's Mike Trigg.
Nevertheless, addressing depth within the tight end room was necessary and having a veteran presence like Otton for Sharp to observe and learn from should serve him well in the future.
Grade
C+
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