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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not entering the draft looking for a new franchise quarterback, but quarterback depth remains a necessary part of roster planning. For a team built to compete, the QB2 role is about stability, durability, and the ability to operate the offense without forcing schematic changes. The Shrine Bowl provided a useful evaluation setting for quarterbacks who project as functional depth options rather than long-term starters, and two profiles in particular align with that role for Tampa Bay.
Mark Gronowski’s profile is built on operational consistency rather than raw physical traits. Measuring in at just over 6-foot-2 and 233 pounds, he meets the size benchmarks teams typically prefer for quarterbacks expected to absorb contact in spot duty. Across multiple seasons at South Dakota State and Iowa, Gronowski consistently graded well from a PFF standpoint, posting solid passing grades while keeping turnover-worthy plays under control relative to his workload. His adjusted completion rates and steady yards-per-attempt figures reflect a quarterback comfortable working within structure and avoiding unnecessary risk. For Tampa Bay, that combination supports a QB2 projection rooted in reliability and game management rather than improvisation.
Haynes King offers a different but equally relevant depth profile. At just over 6-foot-2 and 209 pounds, King is lighter than Gronowski, but his athleticism and movement skills show up clearly in his play style. His PFF passing grades at Georgia Tech highlight improved efficiency and decision-making, while his time-to-throw and pressure data reflect a quarterback willing to operate under duress without consistently turning pressures into sacks. King’s ability to extend plays and function outside of structure gives him value in a developmental QB2 or QB3 role, particularly in practice settings and emergency scenarios.
Quarterback evaluation at the Shrine Bowl emphasizes communication, processing speed, and adaptability in a condensed environment rather than box-score output. For the Buccaneers, that context matters. Tampa Bay does not need to chase upside at quarterback, but it does need depth that can stabilize the position if circumstances demand it. Gronowski and King fit that mold, offering measurable, process-driven profiles that align with realistic QB2 depth planning rather than speculative upside bets.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Shrine Bowl QBs who fit as Bucs QB2 depth options
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Mark Gronowski: Efficiency, Ball Security, and Experience
Mark Gronowski’s profile is built on operational consistency rather than raw physical traits. Measuring in at just over 6-foot-2 and 233 pounds, he meets the size benchmarks teams typically prefer for quarterbacks expected to absorb contact in spot duty. Across multiple seasons at South Dakota State and Iowa, Gronowski consistently graded well from a PFF standpoint, posting solid passing grades while keeping turnover-worthy plays under control relative to his workload. His adjusted completion rates and steady yards-per-attempt figures reflect a quarterback comfortable working within structure and avoiding unnecessary risk. For Tampa Bay, that combination supports a QB2 projection rooted in reliability and game management rather than improvisation.
Haynes King: Mobility, Pressure Management, and Functional Upside
Haynes King offers a different but equally relevant depth profile. At just over 6-foot-2 and 209 pounds, King is lighter than Gronowski, but his athleticism and movement skills show up clearly in his play style. His PFF passing grades at Georgia Tech highlight improved efficiency and decision-making, while his time-to-throw and pressure data reflect a quarterback willing to operate under duress without consistently turning pressures into sacks. King’s ability to extend plays and function outside of structure gives him value in a developmental QB2 or QB3 role, particularly in practice settings and emergency scenarios.
Why the Shrine Bowl Matters for QB2 Evaluation
Quarterback evaluation at the Shrine Bowl emphasizes communication, processing speed, and adaptability in a condensed environment rather than box-score output. For the Buccaneers, that context matters. Tampa Bay does not need to chase upside at quarterback, but it does need depth that can stabilize the position if circumstances demand it. Gronowski and King fit that mold, offering measurable, process-driven profiles that align with realistic QB2 depth planning rather than speculative upside bets.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Shrine Bowl QBs who fit as Bucs QB2 depth options
Continue reading...
