NFL free agency has not ended, but many of the top free agents have fallen off the board. The Bucs are already making some moves to improve their rosterand focus now shifts to the 2025 NFL Draft while players the team can sign on are still on the market. The biggest addition the team adds at this point is how general manager Jason Licht likes to build his roster.
After signing or re-signing external linebackers Haason Reddick, Cornerbacks Kindle Vildor and Bryce Hall, and Inside Linebacker’s Anthony Walker, the team is wobbling while adding better depth while leaving room for adding younger talent. When assessing which position is the team’s biggest need, it remains on the defense of things, but there is no one clear answer.
The Bucs can still stand to add defensive talent at each level. This allows them to attract young talent and truly form the next core of the head coach aspect of football. Here’s what the latest mock draft has to say with the free agency for the first week and a half of the book. There is one player whose insider is more linked to the team than ever before…
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No. 19 – Tampa Baybucks: Marshall Edge Microphone Green
Alabama Ilb Jihaad Campbell – Photo: USA Today
No. 19 – Tampa Baybucks: Alabama ILB Jihaad Campbell
Campbell is currently bustling and is raising the board so he may not be available at No. 19. But if he’s there, he’s perfect for Tampa Bay. Lavonte David is back, but he is 35 years old. Anthony Walker Jr. was also brought in, but more reinforcements would be needed in the linebacker room. And Campbell can influence multiple stages of this defense with his speed, instincts and versatility. He had 112 tackles, five bags and four passes splits last season.
Another position to watch: cornerback. Tampa Bay’s defense had just seven picks last season. Starter Zyon McCollum has been signed for just one more year. Texas’ Jadae Baron, 23rd on my big board, was able to fit in.
No. 19 – Tampa Baybucks: Boston College Edge Novan Ezellak
Bucs GM Jason Licht has always valued production, and Ezeiruaku brings just that to the table with 16.5 bags last season. He is one of the most talented passing rushes in the draft.
No. 19 – Tampa Baybucks: Alabama ILB Jihaad Campbell
The Bucs had one of the best crimes last year, so I think we can focus on defense here. I really love the possibilities of Campbell. He is a great player and will become a natural plug-and-play type player for the teams that are about to compete.
Tennessee Edge James Pierce Jr. – Photo: USA TODAY
No. 19 – Tampa Baybucks: Tennessee Edge James Pierce Jr.
James Pierce Jr. removes the elite juice from the edge. It can be a weapon that doesn’t even have a sophisticated pass rush skill set from day one in Todd Bowles’ scheme.
No. 19 – Tampa Baybucks: Nick Emanwy of South Carolina
Playing a free-foot athlete like Eman Wye on the back end opposite Antoine Winfield Jr. is an attractive opportunity for the Buccaneers.
If anyone knows how to make the most of these weapons, it’s Todd Bowles.
No. 19 – Tampa Baybucks: Alabama ILB Jihaad Campbell
Labonte David is 35, and the Buccaneers have yet to solidify the linebacker next to him since Devin White’s departure a year ago. Campbell is in size and is an elite athlete in that position. He needs to develop his reading ability, but with veteran David folded, there’s no better team to go for it.
