After as soon as trying like they might choose within the prime half of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bucs have gone on a three-game win streak. That has bolstered Tampa Bay’s playoff probabilities, 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 selecting 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 might 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 supplied an additional look into areas of the staff that want enhancing within the offseason, totally on the defensive aspect of the soccer.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles – Photograph by: USA At this time
The final wave of mock drafts roughly two weeks in the past had a fairly even break up when which a part of the roster to deal with. Whereas accidents have performed a component within the protection’s struggles this yr, 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 prime of checklist subsequent yr, as the skin linebacker room has struggled to document sacks. Getting one other younger pass-rusher to pair with Yaya Diaby must be the purpose long-term whereas nonetheless growing 2024 second-round choose Chris Braswell. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson will likely be free brokers, so there might be added urgency ought to one or each of them depart.
It has develop into a revolving door of types at inside linebacker as Okay.J. Britt and J.J. Russell didn’t play final week. That led to the staff taking part in Vi Jones and including veteran Deion Jones to the follow squad this week. With none of those gamers trying 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 – Photograph 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 line of defense is fortified with the very best inside pass-rushing duo within the league in Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, however they might nonetheless use one other defensive lineman which might bump Logan Corridor into extra of a rotational position.
Offensively, the staff has acquired extra manufacturing out of its broad receivers for the reason that return of Mike Evans. Between Evans, the doubtless re-signing of Chris Godwin, and 2o24 third-round choose Jalen McMillan, there’s sufficient expertise in place to argue towards taking one of many prime gamers on the place within the upcoming draft. Nonetheless, common supervisor Jason Licht may see it as the very best avenue to construct out the room for the long run.
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 – Photograph by: USA At this time
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
Although the Buccaneers have been in a position to scheme up strain in Todd Bowles’ blitz-friendly system, they don’t have an edge rusher who can create disruption on his personal. In reality, they don’t have an edge rusher with greater than three sacks. Scourton has 5 sacks this season after main the Huge Ten with 10 at Purdue final season. His energy, leverage and numerous set of pass-rush strikes are evident on tape — traits that hold an offensive sort out guessing for 60 minutes.
No. 16 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka
Chris Godwin is a pending free agent and just lately suffered a season-ending ankle harm, 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 pace. He can sear and slice his approach by way of zone-coverage appears but in addition has the intentional motion, snappy suddenness, and spatial consciousness to win towards man protection. Along with his high-end instruments and talent to mix into many alternative roles, Egbuka looks as if 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 palms. Shemar Stewart has each. This is without doubt one of the extra bodily gifted abilities on this yr’s class, however he wants refinement together with his move rush plan with a purpose to assist him be able to complete his strain alternatives.
However Stewart is efficient defending the run and has all of the instruments to be a disruptive drive. Enjoying for Todd Bowles, Stewart doubtless will get his fair proportion of free runs to the quarterback within the Bucs’ aggressive scheme, too.
Penn State TE Tyler Warren – Photograph by: USA At this time
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 together with his measurement/energy/power. He has a fast first step, even for his measurement, and the facility to shoot gaps. And when the bull rush doesn’t get dwelling, his large body permits him to knock down passes. He has a hair-on-fire motor and persistently 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 strain able to being utilized from any angle. Jalon Walker is a extra polished move rusher at this level, however his measurement will predicate a full-time position as an off-ball linebacker.
Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen – Photograph by: USA At this time
No. 16 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen
Buccaneers followers would possibly initially query drafting a defensive sort out, given the presence of Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey. Nonetheless, Nolen is greater than only a conventional sort out—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’ move rush, a essential space of want.
