The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suddenly have an opening at quarterback, following Tom Brady's retirement this week. Those are some big shoes to fill, and there's no easy solution for a team coming off a 13-win season and an NFC South title. Their options include making a splashy trade or signing a free agent. But what about Kyle Trask, the team's 2021 second-round pick?
With an eye to their post-Brady future, the Buccaneers used the No. 64 selection on Trask last April, but he didn't dress for a single game during his rookie season in Tampa Bay. The Florida product was my No. 65 prospect and seventh-ranked quarterback in last year's draft class. I gave him a 78 grade, which put him in the same tier as Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills.
It's unclear what Tampa Bay will actually do at QB next season and beyond, but it's worth taking a long look at Trask. What are his strengths and weaknesses? Does he fit the Buccaneers' offense? And of course, can he be a reliable NFL starter? Let's revisit Trask's scouting report and break down what he could bring in Tampa Bay.
He can pick teams apart
I still remember when Trask came into Florida's game against Kentucky in September 2019, which I saw live. The Gators were losing 21-10 in the fourth quarter, and starting QB Feleipe Franks got injured. Trask came on and seemed to instantly upgrade the offense. An 8-yard pass to Van Jefferson. A 14-yard gain on a throw to Josh Hammond. Two more passing plays to Jefferson, totaling 32 yards. He had the offense moving, and everything was clicking. The ball was going where it needed to go and on time. Florida scored on that drive, along with two of Trask's three other possessions, and it won the game 29-21.
Trask had been a backup his entire life, sitting behind D'Eriq King in high school and Franks in college, but he seized his moment. His precision operating that offense showed how well he prepared. With some time and space, the 6-foot-5, 236-pound quarterback can distribute the ball well and get through his progressions.
He isn't mobile
Trask has to win from inside the pocket. He isn't a threat to run, and he isn't mobile enough to make plays off platform and/or outside of the pocket.
During an exercise last March, we compared the top QBs in the upcoming draft class from a statistical standpoint, looking specifically at each signal-caller's last 13 collegiate starts. Trask's 86.6 QBR in the pocket was fourth among the 13 quarterbacks reviewed, behind only Mac Jones, Zach Wilson and Justin Fields. Outside the pocket? His 53.5 QBR ranked 12th, ahead of only Jamie Newman.
The odd part is Trask is actually very solid under pressure and against the blitz. He slides and climbs well, and he makes tough throws with defenders in his face. His 33.9 QBR under pressure during the 2020 season was ninth in the FBS. But when he is forced out of the pocket, things fall apart. I'm intrigued to see how much he learned here from Brady, who also isn't known for his mobility.
He can make all the throws
Trask is accurate and processes well. His tape showed his ability to lead receivers into the catch, and despite middling arm strength, he was able to hit on vertical throws in college thanks to good trajectory and touch. Trask takes some chances -- he had 15 interceptions over his two seasons as the Gators' starter -- but he also tied for the FBS lead in passing plays gaining at least 20 yards during his final year (70).
Florida's Kyle Trask matches Joe Burrow's SEC conference opener record with six touchdown passes to beat Ole Miss 51-35.
His durability is a concern
Yes, Trask is tough and willing to take a hit to make a play. But that comes at a cost. Thanks to a pair of foot injuries, he missed all of 2017 and nearly all of 2018. At best, he needs to be protected in an NFL offense. (Tampa Bay allowed a league-low 23 sacks in 2021.) At worst, there are durability worries here.
Is he a viable starting option for Tampa Bay?
Trask has the skill set and the ability to command an offense that you want to see in your starter. He has the tools, and a year learning behind Brady probably only advanced his game. Experience is something to think about, though. Trask doesn't have the game experience that most NFL starters have, a result of his extended time as a backup and his multiple injuries.
The Buccaneers can certainly give him a chance to compete for the starter's job in 2022. But if I'm the GM, I'm also absolutely exploring all other options. To that end, Tampa Bay GM Jason Licht said this week, "We're not crowning [Trask] as the heir apparent yet."
Plan A for the Buccaneers should be taking a big swing. The Bucs obviously have a Super Bowl-quality roster with the right quarterback, so Tampa Bay has to be making the calls on the big-name quarterbacks. Think Russell Wilson & Co. there. Plan B, for me, would be bringing in a veteran starter, like Jimmy Garoppolo, Jameis Winston or Teddy Bridgewater. And if the Buccaneers like one of the draft class' quarterbacks more than Trask, they should very much consider that move in addition to signing or trading for a veteran.
I'd feel good about a healthy competition between a veteran, Trask and a rookie. But having that proven veteran starting option in the mix is key. Tampa Bay can't go at 2022 with just Trask and a rookie QB in the fold. You can't take enough swings at quarterback if you aren't totally convinced you have your guy, and I'm not convinced. Trask has upside, and he can move an offense down the field. And he will be one of the many options the Buccaneers discuss. But he shouldn't be the only one.