Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa possesses the length and instincts necessary to develop into one of the most productive cornerbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft. A hamstring injury unfortunately prevented Tampa from working out at the NFL Combine. He recovered in time to participate at this week’s Big 12 Pro Day, where he reportedly ran the 40 in a mid 4.5 seconds, and posted elite agility drills such as a 4.07 shuttle and 6.97 3-cone. Tampa’s pre-draft stock is pointing in the right direction.
Tampa was a tackle machine for the Cyclones, totaling 106 takedowns. Tampa also showcased an ability to get his hands on the ball by accumulating 22 career pass breakups—although he'd like to do a better job converting those opportunities into interceptions (three career picks). Tampa does an excellent job reading route concepts and triggering on underneath attempts to disrupt in-breaking routes.
We’ve identified three ideal team fits for Tampa in the 2024 NFL Draft.
BUFFALO BILLS
The Bills are better stocked at the cornerback position than national analysts realize. Tre'Davious White wasn't some big loss due to his inability to stay on the field in recent years. Bills general manager Brandon Beane is likelier to draft a defensive lineman or wide receiver at No. 28 overall. Kris Jenkins and Adonai Mitchell strike me as possibilities.
Buffalo's second-round pick (No. 60) could be earmarked for a cornerback. The likes of Christian Benford, Kaiir Elam, and Rasul Douglas currently fill out Sean McDermott's nickel defense. The Bills can survive with that trio, but Douglas is entering a contract year and Elam has been inconsistent. Tampa would compete for snaps right away.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Are the Jaguars going to prioritize a wide receiver, offensive lineman, or cornerback with the No. 17 overall selection? Many have been mocking them a corner, but I expect general manager Trent Baalke to go elsewhere.
Losing Calvin Ridley significantly weakened Trevor Lawrence's pass-catching corps. Both starting tackles are also entering contract years. Baalke should take advantage of the deep wideout or tackle classes to either solve an immediate problem at receiver or a future one at tackle.
No. 48 overall strikes me as a better spot for Jacksonville to draft a cornerback that will develop into Tyson Campbell's running mate. Tampa possesses the size and length that new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen covets on the boundary.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The Buccaneers possess four picks in the opening 100 selections. One of the latter ones (No. 57, 89, 92) should be reserved for a cornerback.
Carlton Davis III was traded to the Detroit Lions earlier this offseason, creating an open competition opposite Jamel Dean. The Buccaneers have some in-house options such as Zyon McCollum and Christian Izien who will compete for that spot. Neither of those players should prevent general manager Jason Licht from drafting a cornerback though.
Defending the pass in the NFC South became a bigger priority following Kirk Cousins’ decision to join the Atlanta Falcons. Tampa would quickly endear himself to head coach Todd Bowles.
