At one point it looked like the Bucks would be selected in the top half of the 2025 NFL Draft, but they have won three straight. This increases Tampa Bay’s playoff chances while also changing which teams choose to play next April. In the current draft order, he has 7 wins and 6 losses and is the 19th pick.
if They were supposed to win or go 3-1 to go.that could keep them where they are now or push them into their early 20s. But regardless of how the rest of the season pans out, the past few weeks have provided an opportunity to further examine areas of the team that need improvement in the offseason, primarily the defensive side of the football.
Bucks head coach Todd Bowles – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Final wave of mock drafts about 2 weeks ago When looking at which parts of the roster to work on, it was pretty evenly split. Injuries have contributed to the defense’s struggles this year, but it’s clear the unit needs more star power and depth as opposed to the offense.
Adding an edge rusher should be a top priority next year, as the outside linebacker room has struggled to record sacks. The long-term goal should be to pair another young pass rusher with Yahya Diaby while developing 2024 second-round pick Chris Braswell. Joe Tryon Soyinka and Anthony Nelson will be free agents, so there could be more urgency if one or both leave.
With KJ Britt and JJ Russell not playing last week, it was kind of a revolving door for inside linebackers. As a result, the team added veteran Deion Jones to the practice squad this week against Vi Jones. This is another position that could be addressed on Day 2, as there doesn’t seem to be a long-term solution among these players and there are questions about how much Lavonte David has left in the tank.
Bucs WR Jalen McMillan – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
The secondary struggled with injuries at every position throughout the season, but cornerback play has improved recently. It wouldn’t hurt to add another cornerback for depth, as well as another young safety into the mix. The defensive line is fortified with the league’s best inside pass-rushing duo in Vita Vea and Kariya Kanshi, but could use another defensive lineman, which would push Logan Hall into a more rotational role. There is also.
Offensively, the team has been able to get more production from its wide receivers since Mike Evans returned. Between Evans, likely re-signing Chris Godwin, and 2024 third-round pick Jalen McMillan, there’s enough to argue against taking one of the top players at the position in the upcoming draft. We have a lot of talent. Still, general manager Jason Licht may think that’s the best path to building room for the future.
With the Bucks’ current standing and biggest roster needs documented; pewterreport.com Take a look at this month’s latest mock drafts and what’s in them.
Texas A&M DL Nick Skorton and LSU LT Will Campbell – Photo courtesy of USA Today
19th – Tampa Bay Bucs: Texas A&M EDGE Nick Skorton
The Buccaneers are able to apply pressure with Todd Bowles’ blitz-friendly system, but they don’t have an edge rusher who can create havoc on their own. In fact, they don’t have an edge rusher with more than three sacks. Skorton led the Big Ten with 10 sacks for Purdue last season and has five sacks this season. His power, leverage, and versatile pass-rushing moves are evident on tape, traits that keep offensive tackles guessing for 60 minutes.
No. 16 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka
Chris Godwin is pending free agency and recently suffered a season-ending ankle injury, while Mike Evans will be 32 years old before the start of next season. Yes, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have 2024 third-round pick Jalen McMillan and 2023 sixth-round pick Trey Palmer, but they look more like secondary pieces.
As an athlete, Egbuka is extremely explosive, fluid and flexible, and has more than adequate vertical speed. He can cut hard through zone coverage looks, but also has the intentional movement, quick suddenness, and spatial awareness to beat man coverage. Egbuka, with his high-end tools and ability to fit into a variety of roles, appears to be a lock in the first round. The question is how soon he can play.
19th – Tampa Bay Bucs: Texas A&M DL Shemar Stewart
The Buccaneers love edge defenders with length and heavy hands. Shemar StewerI have both. He’s one of the most physically gifted talents in this year’s class, but he needs to refine his pass-rushing plan to ensure he can close down pressure opportunities.
But Stewart defends the run effectively and has all the tools to be a disruptive force. Stewart, playing for Todd Bowles, will likely get his fair share of free runs to quarterback in the Bucs’ offensive scheme as well.
Penn State TE Tyler Warren – Photo courtesy of USA Today
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Penn State TE Tyler Warren
19th – Tampa Bay Bucs: Texas A&M DL Shemar Stewart
As an edge rusher, Shemar Stewart is huge. He can play too high at times, but his size/power/strength allows him to collapse the pocket. He has a quick first step for his size and has the power to hit gaps. And when the bull rush doesn’t come home, his huge size allows him to knock down passes. He has an incredible motor and always plays with power and athleticism.
No. 16 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia EDGE Jaron Walker
Tampa Bay’s linebacker room is going to be a truly compatible one that can apply pressure from all angles. Jaylon Walker is a more polished pass rusher at this point, but his size likely dictates a full-time role as an off-ball linebacker.
Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen – Photo Credit: USA Today
16th – Tampa Bay Bucs: Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen
Buccaneers fans may initially have doubts about drafting a defensive tackle given the presence of Vita Vea and Kaliyah Kansi. But Nolen is more than just a traditional tackle. He is a former five-star defensive lineman with elite athleticism at 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds. His blend of burst and physicality allows him to line up as a 4i or 5-tech defensive end, making him perfect to shore up the Buccaneers’ pass rush, a key area of need.
