After as soon as wanting like they might decide 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 probabilities, whereas additionally altering the place they are going to decide 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 seemingly preserve 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 workforce that want bettering within the offseason, totally on the defensive aspect of the soccer.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles – Picture by: USA In the present day
The final wave of mock drafts roughly two weeks in the past had a reasonably even break up when taking a look at which a part of the roster to deal with. Whereas accidents have performed an element 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 listing subsequent 12 months, as the skin 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 creating 2024 second-round decide Chris Braswell. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson can be free brokers, so there could possibly be added urgency ought to one or each of them depart.
It has change into a revolving door of kinds at inside linebacker as Okay.J. Britt and J.J. Russell didn’t play final week. That led to the workforce taking part in Vi Jones and including veteran Deion Jones to the observe 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 could possibly 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 supply depth together with one other younger security into the combination wouldn’t damage. The defensive position is fortified with the most effective inside pass-rushing duo within the league with Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, however they might nonetheless use one other defensive lineman which might bump Logan Corridor into extra of a rotational function.
Offensively, the workforce has acquired extra manufacturing out of its vast receivers because the return of Mike Evans. Between Evans, the seemingly re-signing of Chris Godwin, and 2o24 third-round decide 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, common supervisor Jason Licht may see it as the most effective avenue to construct out the room for the longer term.
With the Bucs’ present standing and largest roster wants documented, PewterReport.com seems to be 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 In the present day
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. In reality, they don’t have an edge rusher with greater than three sacks. Scourton has 5 sacks this season after main the Large Ten with 10 at Purdue final season. His energy, leverage and numerous set of pass-rush strikes are evident on tape — traits that preserve 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 damage, whereas Mike Evans will flip 32 years previous earlier than the beginning of subsequent season. Sure, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have 2024 third-round decide Jalen McMillan and 2023 sixth-round decide 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 means by way of zone-coverage seems to be but additionally 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 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 fingers. Shemar Stewart has each. This is likely one of the extra bodily gifted abilities on this 12 months’s class, however he wants refinement along with his move rush plan with a view 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 pressure. Enjoying for Todd Bowles, Stewart seemingly will get his fair proportion of free runs to the quarterback within the Bucs’ aggressive scheme, too.
Penn State TE Tyler Warren – Picture by: USA In the present day
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 instances, however can collapse the pocket along with his dimension/energy/energy. He has a fast first step, even for his dimension, and the facility to shoot gaps. And when the bull rush doesn’t get residence, his big 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 stress able to being utilized from any angle. Jalon Walker is a extra polished move rusher at this level, however his dimension will predicate a full-time function as an off-ball linebacker.
Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen – Picture by: USA In the present day
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 wonderful match to bolster the Buccaneers’ move rush, a crucial space of want.
