My thoughts...
Based on the current projections, here's where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be looking in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft:
With the 19th overall pick in the first round, the Buccaneers could go in a few different directions depending on how the board falls and their priorities. Here are some of the positions and players being talked about in mock drafts, keeping in mind that team needs can evolve quickly, especially after free agency:
- Wide Receiver: With the potential long-term future of the wide receiver position beyond Chris Godwin and Mike Evans being a question mark, some analysts believe the Bucs could target a talented receiver in the first round. Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona has been mentioned as a possibility, with some seeing him as a "Mike Evans Lite" in terms of size and playing style.
- Linebacker: Even though Lavonte David has re-signed, he's getting older, and finding a potential successor could be on the Bucs' radar. Jihaad Campbell from Alabama has been highlighted as a player who could fill this need. Jalon Walker (Georgia) is another linebacker mentioned as a prospect.
- Edge Rusher: The recent signing of Haason Reddick helps boost the pass rush, but continuing to add young talent at this position is always valuable. Mykel Williams from Georgia, while considered a bit raw, has the potential to develop into a significant contributor and could learn behind the current starters.
- Cornerback: While not seen as their most pressing need right now, cornerback could be a consideration if the value is right at pick 19. Benjamin Morrison from Notre Dame is a name that has come up in discussions.
It's worth noting that these are just predictions and expert opinions at this stage (mid-March 2025). The Buccaneers' needs might become clearer as we get closer to the draft in late April, especially after any further free agent moves. They have a total of six picks in the 2025 draft, so they will have opportunities to address multiple needs throughout the three-day event.
Go Bucs and Thank God so far all the resignings.
I am thinking it is still edge. Normally Licht wants to use a first round to plug a hole but the Bucs starting spots are locked up right now on paper. So the next logical step is what is a starting spot hole in the year 2026? Edge for sure still is going to be something the Bucs address next off season if they punt this off season (not likely).
The Bucs should use 19 on a WR only if they're forecast to be All-Pro and future HOFer.
I can't believe people keep pushing for WR help in this draft. Next year? YES. This year? NO. The WR room is strong. The entire offense is back. The offense wasn't the problem last season except for what some others had pointed out; situational failures late in games. Help wanted sign is out for the defense. The horsepower simply wasn't there last season. Serious need for talent. FA acquisitions and the draft should be mostly focused on fixing the defense. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out. This team can make a serious run this Fall if the defense performs better. The 49ers are losing players. The Eagles are losing players. The window is open. The Bucs have a golden opportunity to step through it if they do this right.
BPA.
And, the way it looks like it will fall, it’ll be EDGE or CB.
I remember watching 2 years ago McMillan and immediately thinking dam he looks like mike evans at anm. If he is available, pick him and we got another 10 years of Mike evans and what better guy to learn from than mike evans.
So not surprised people give him the evans comp 2 years later.
sure not a huge need but a future 10 years of mike evans is worth a pick in any draft
BPA sans a special teams player.
Look how quickly the eagles draft success transformed them
Obviously Barkley was huge as well but their secondary went from a weakness to a strength in 1 year
they’ll be a well oiled machine for years to come sadly.
The Bucs should use 19 on a WR only if they're forecast to be All-Pro and future HOFer.
I can't believe people keep pushing for WR help in this draft. Next year? YES. This year? NO. The WR room is strong. The entire offense is back. The offense wasn't the problem last season except for what some others had pointed out; situational failures late in games. Help wanted sign is out for the defense. The horsepower simply wasn't there last season. Serious need for talent. FA acquisitions and the draft should be mostly focused on fixing the defense. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out. This team can make a serious run this Fall if the defense performs better. The 49ers are losing players. The Eagles are losing players. The window is open. The Bucs have a golden opportunity to step through it if they do this right.
I think the Bucs draft a WR in round 3 or 4 to stretch the field. The value is too good to pass up.
BPA.
And, the way it looks like it will fall, it’ll be EDGE or CB.
A lot of the CBs were taken late in the first round because of the run on offensive players in the last draft. If that repeats then there is chance the Bucs pull the trigger on CB.
I’m concerned that at #19, you would be reaching to get a corner/safety there. Unless someone falls, there wont be first round value there - you’re going to be reaching. I doubt we reach in this draft.BPA.
And, the way it looks like it will fall, it’ll be EDGE or CB.
A lot of the CBs were taken late in the first round because of the run on offensive players in the last draft. If that repeats then there is chance the Bucs pull the trigger on CB.
McMillian won't last past the 7th pick. Jets would be wise to take him and pair with Wilson if he's there.
BPA.
And, the way it looks like it will fall, it’ll be EDGE or CB.
Exactly what I want then take a LB in the 2nd
I would not be opposed to drafting a def line in the 2-4 rounds if bucs think he is the bpa at that spot. I think Egbuke wr , Barron cb are gonna be a safe bet as a solid players. Hope we draft cb over safeties. Would rather draft cbs in rounds 4-7.
Great insights but something keeps gnawing at me on the linebacker position. I think the BPA is a wise decision also but defense needs that intuitive player and there is one there that plays OLB and ILB. I hope we get a chance at him or one of these two players Tetairoa McMillan, Chris Brazzell II, in this particular order. However this may land it will be one of the most interesting drafts for the Buc's. Last year we hit a homerun with Graham Barton. We lost a stud and gained a stud. Go Buc's, Go Licht!!
@onebigdaddy who the heck is chris brazell,,havent seen that name anywhere??
Per PFN He is projected to be in the draft. I like his size and catching plus coming out of Tennessee. I thought of throwing his name out there because with Mike not getting younger I would like to see someone with height to join the Buc's also.
