After what some Bucs mock drafts had forecasted earlier than the Senior Bowl, what do the highest draft analysts have predicted for Tampa Bay now that it has come and gone?
Effectively, issues have been shaken up a bit.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles and GM Jason Licht – Photograph courtesy of the Buccaneers
With the 2025 NFL Draft two and a half months away and the 2025 NFL Scouting Mix two and a half weeks away, prospects will proceed to rise and fall on every group’s draft board.
That’s no totally different for the Bucs, who ought to have their sights set on enhancing the protection. Senior Bowl week in Cellular, Alabama noticed Marshall exterior linebacker Mike Inexperienced and Boston School exterior linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku have spectacular practices. Nonetheless, they had been simply two of the numerous gamers who put collectively strong tape.
Outdoors linebacker is among the many prime defensive wants, together with inside linebacker and cornerback. Including security and defensive position depth can’t be dominated out both. The offense may even have to proceed including depth and will look to take action early in the event that they take the most effective participant obtainable, even whether it is at broad receiver.
Here’s a have a look at the most recent mock drafts over the previous week and who they’ve the group taking within the first spherical.
Marshall OLB Mike Inexperienced – Photograph by: USA Immediately
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Marshall EDGE Mike Inexperienced
Even amongst a deep group of Energy 5 prospects, Mike Inexperienced has risen up the ranks. After a standout season at Marshall, the place he completed because the highest-graded edge defender within the nation, Inexperienced validated his expertise on the Senior Bowl, flashing towards NFL-caliber competitors.
With the Buccaneers holding only one confirmed edge rusher — Yaya Diaby — below contract and restricted cap area, Inexperienced might step in and make a direct affect on Tampa Bay’s protection.
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Missouri WR Luther Burden III
Extensive receiver is an early want for the Bucs, with the approaching free company of broad receiver Chris Godwin and the truth that future Corridor of Famer Mike Evans shall be 32 subsequent season. The group hit with rookie Jalen McMillan within the third spherical of the 2024 draft, however constructing on this group is a should.
Burden is tough to guage as a result of Missouri’s passing recreation simply wasn’t excellent in 2024. However his play energy, burst and clutch skill are starter-level traits. He’s a case of “what can he do?” versus “what has he done?” And scouts will little doubt trip on the reply to these questions. If Tampa Bay schemes him early touches as he develops his route operating, Burden can be a particular No. 2 receiver from the get-go.
Ole Miss OLB Princely Umanmielen – Photograph by: USA Immediately
No. 53 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Ole Miss EDGE Princely Umanmielen
If the Bucs are capable of re-sign guard Ben Bredeson, then they need to use this choose on a defensive participant. Umanmielen has a ton of pace off the sting, which helped him get 10.5 sacks in 2024, however he actually turned heads on the Senior Bowl by exhibiting appreciable run-down energy at 6-foot-4, and 264 kilos.
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
Scourton doesn’t appear to be getting a lot buzz today, however he’s a three-down edge defender who rushes the passer with a very good plan and has the talent to get house.
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Ole Miss EDGE Princely Umanmielen
With Umanmielen and Yaya Diaby, the Buccaneers would boast two younger however highly effective exterior rushers.
South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori – Photograph by: USA Immediately
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori
The endearing trait of Nick Emmanwori is his versatility. He has publicity to taking part in in protection however is snug taking part in down within the field. Tampa Bay has introduced some acquainted faces again to the security room, however Antoine Winfield Jr. and Emmanwori offers them stability.
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Marshall EDGE Mike Inexperienced
Inexperienced is a particularly disruptive pressure off the sting. Pairing this relentless rusher with Todd Bowles? Chef’s kiss!
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Texas CB Jahdae Barron
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison
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