The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on an incredible hot streak, winning the NFC South for four straight years. As they begin another season with a new offensive coordinator, I have more faith in that side of the ball keeping up their high level of play with QB Baker Mayfield and WR Mike Evans returning. However, the defense is somewhere that I think the Bucs could address some of their issues through the draft. A unit that was once feared is getting older, and needs an infusion of youth. No better way to get that than through the 2025 NFL Draft. Where do the Bucs’ biggest needs lie, and who fits their positional criteria?
1. Linebacker
Even without LB Lavonte David becoming a free agent, the middle of the field coverage was extremely poor for the Buccaneers. SirVocea Dennis will be coming back from injury, but in Todd Bowles’ defense athleticism and versatility are key, and those are two things the Bucs lack.
Best fits: Jihaad Campbell, Alabama, Carson Schwesinger, UCLA, Chris Paul Jr, Ole Miss
2. EDGE Rusher
The Bucs’ defense is the king of simulated pressures, but far too often this season they relied on those to get pressure, and couldn’t generate any pass rush without the pressure looks. DT Calijah Kancey is a good pass rusher from the inside, and EDGE Yaya Diaby has his moments, but some more pass rush chops on the edge need to be added.
Best fits: Jalon Walker, Georgia, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College, Barryn Sorrell, Texas
3. Cornerback
Jamel Dean had his worst season as a Buc in 2024, and beyond he and Zyon McCollum, the secondary was especially weak. If Tampa wants to get back to competing seriously for Super Bowls, their secondary has to improve in a big way.
Best fits: Will Johnson, Michigan, Trey Amos, Ole Miss, Nohl Williams, Cal
4. Interior offensive line
Robert Hainsey and Ben Bredeson are both set to become a free agents, and with the Bucs bringing in a different offensive coordinator again, keeping the offensive line intact has to be a priority. Tampa is up against it when it comes to cap space and with most of their holes being on defense, they might not have enough money to re-sign them. Fixing up the left guard spot might be near the top of their offseason to-do list.
Best fits: Kelvin Banks, Texas, Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota, Clay Webb, Jacksonville State
