After as soon as wanting like they’d choose within the high half of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bucs have gone on a three-game win streak. That has bolstered Tampa Bay’s playoff possibilities, whereas additionally altering the place they are going to choose when they’re on the clock subsequent April. At 7-6, the present draft order has them choosing at No. 19.
In the event that they have been to win out or go 3-1 the remainder of the way in which, it will doubtless hold them the place they’re or push them into the early 20s. No matter how the remainder of the season shakes out although, the previous couple of weeks have offered an extra look into areas of the group that want enhancing within the offseason, totally on the defensive aspect of the soccer.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles – Picture by: USA At the moment
The final wave of mock drafts roughly two weeks in the past had a fairly even cut up when which a part of the roster to handle. Whereas accidents have performed a component within the protection’s struggles this 12 months, it’s clear that the unit is in want of extra starpower and depth versus the offense.
Including an edge rusher must be on the high of checklist subsequent 12 months, as the surface linebacker room has struggled to document sacks. Getting one other younger pass-rusher to pair with Yaya Diaby must be the objective long-term whereas nonetheless growing 2024 second-round choose Chris Braswell. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson might be free brokers, so there might be added urgency ought to one or each of them depart.
It has turn out to be a revolving door of kinds at inside linebacker as Ok.J. Britt and J.J. Russell didn’t play final week. That led to the group taking part in Vi Jones and including veteran Deion Jones to the apply squad this week. With none of those gamers wanting just like the long-term reply and the query about how a lot Lavonte David has left within the tank, that is one other place that might be addressed on Day 2.
Bucs WR Jalen McMillan – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
The secondary has suffered accidents at each place all through the season however has seen higher cornerback play as of late. Including one other cornerback to offer depth together with one other younger security into the combo wouldn’t harm. The defensive position is fortified with the perfect inside pass-rushing duo within the league in Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, however they may nonetheless use one other defensive lineman which might bump Logan Corridor into extra of a rotational position.
Offensively, the group has obtained extra manufacturing out of its extensive receivers because the return of Mike Evans. Between Evans, the doubtless re-signing of Chris Godwin, and 2o24 third-round choose Jalen McMillan, there may be sufficient expertise in place to argue in opposition to taking one of many high gamers on the place within the upcoming draft. Nonetheless, basic supervisor Jason Licht may see it as the perfect avenue to construct out the room for the longer term.
With the Bucs’ present standing and largest roster wants documented, PewterReport.com appears on the newest mock drafts this month and what they’ve in retailer.
Texas A&M DL Nic Scourton and LSU LT Will Campbell – Picture by: USA At the moment
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
Although the Buccaneers have been in a position to scheme up stress in Todd Bowles’ blitz-friendly system, they don’t have an edge rusher who can create disruption on his personal. The truth is, they don’t have an edge rusher with greater than three sacks. Scourton has 5 sacks this season after main the Massive Ten with 10 at Purdue final season. His energy, leverage and various set of pass-rush strikes are evident on tape — traits that hold an offensive deal with guessing for 60 minutes.
No. 16 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka
Chris Godwin is a pending free agent and not too long ago suffered a season-ending ankle damage, whereas Mike Evans will flip 32 years outdated earlier than the beginning of subsequent season. Sure, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have 2024 third-round choose Jalen McMillan and 2023 sixth-round choose Trey Palmer, they appear extra like secondary items.
As an athlete, Egbuka is extraordinarily explosive, fluid, and versatile, with greater than sufficient vertical velocity. He can sear and slice his manner by means of zone-coverage appears but in addition has the intentional motion, snappy suddenness, and spatial consciousness to win in opposition to man protection. Together with his high-end instruments and skill to mix into many various roles, Egbuka looks like a lock for the primary spherical — the query is, how early will he go?
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Texas A&M DL Shemar Stewart
The Buccaneers love their edge defenders with size and heavy fingers. Shemar Stewart has each. This is among the extra bodily gifted abilities on this 12 months’s class, however he wants refinement along with his go rush plan with the intention to assist him be ready to complete his stress alternatives.
However Stewart is efficient defending the run and has all of the instruments to be a disruptive drive. Taking part in for Todd Bowles, Stewart doubtless will get his justifiable share of free runs to the quarterback within the Bucs’ aggressive scheme, too.
Penn State TE Tyler Warren – Picture by: USA At the moment
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Penn State TE Tyler Warren
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Texas A&M DL Shemar Stewart
For an edge rusher, Shemar Stewart is big. He’ll play too excessive at occasions, however can collapse the pocket along with his dimension/energy/power. He has a fast first step, even for his dimension, and the ability to shoot gaps. And when the bull rush doesn’t get house, his big body permits him to knock down passes. He has a hair-on-fire motor and constantly performs with energy and athleticism.
No. 16 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia EDGE Jalon Walker
Tampa Bay’s linebacker room goes to be actually interchangeable with stress able to being utilized from any angle. Jalon Walker is a extra polished go rusher at this level, however his dimension will predicate a full-time position as an off-ball linebacker.
Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen – Picture by: USA At the moment
No. 16 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen
Buccaneers followers may initially query drafting a defensive deal with, given the presence of Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey. Nevertheless, Nolen is greater than only a conventional deal with—he’s a former 5-star defensive lineman with elite athletic potential at 6-foot-3, 305 kilos. His mix of burst and physicality permits him to line up as a 4i or 5-tech defensive finish, making him a superb match to bolster the Buccaneers’ go rush, a essential space of want.
