The Tampa Bay's Buccaneers have been on an incredibly hot streak, winning the NFC South for the fourth straight year. As they start another season with a new offensive coordinator, I have more faith in that side of the ball, with QB Baker Mayfield and WR Mike Evans coming back and continuing to play at a high level. But I think defense somewhere, BUCS can address some of their problems through the draft. The once feared unit is old and requires infusion from young people. There's no better way to get it through the 2025 NFL Draft. Where are Bucs' biggest needs and who fits their positioning standards?
1. Linebacker
Even though LB Lavonte David wasn't a free agent, the middle of field coverage was extremely poor for the Buccaneers. Sirvocea Dennis will be back from his injury, but in the defense of Todd Bowles, athleticism and versatility are key, and those are two things the Bucs lack.
Best fit: Jihaad Campbell, Alabama, Carson Schwesinger, UCLA, Chris Paul JR, Olemis
2. Edge Rush
The Bucs defense is the king of simulated pressures, but this season they relied on them to get pressure so often that they couldn't generate pass rushes without the appearance of pressure. DT Calijah Kancyy is a good pass rush from the inside, and Edge Yaya Diaby has his moments, but you need to add an edge pass rush chop.
Best fit: Jaron Walker, Georgia, Donovan Ezellac, Boston College, Baleen Sorrel, Texas
3. Cornerback
Jamel Dean had his worst season as BUC in 2024, with the secondary being particularly weak, surpassing He and Zyon McCollum. If Tampa wants to seriously compete for the Super Bowl, their secondary must improve on a massive scale.
Best Fit: Wil Johnson, Michigan, Traia Moss, Ole Miss, Nor Williams, California
4. Interior Attack Line
Both Robert Hainesey and Ben Bredeson are set to become free agents, and keeping the offensive line intact must be a priority, as the Bucs once again incorporate different offensive coordinators. Tampa is against it when it comes to cap space and since most of their holes are in defense, they may not have enough money to re-sign them. Sticking the left guard spot could be near the top of your offseason to-do list.
Best Fit: Kelvin Banks, Texas, Aeronte Elsary, Minnesota, Clay Webb, Jacksonville
