The 2025 NFL Draft is upon us, and we will soon know who the rookie class of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will include for the upcoming season and beyond.
The team fought back at the end of the year to win the NFC South for the fourth straight season. Despite that momentum, they lost in the first round for the third time out of those four years. They return all of their high-powered offense, but now their defense needs some attention. That is where Jason Licht hopes to carry over the momentum from a strong 2024 draft class to 2025, getting this team to the promised land for the second time in his tenure.
The Basics
- What: 2025 NFL draft
- Where: Green Bay, Wisconsin
- When:
- Thursday, April 24, 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT: Round 1
- Friday, April 25, 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT: Rounds 2-3
- Saturday, April 26, Noon ET/11 a.m. CT: Rounds 4-7
- TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
Bucs’ 2025 draft picks
Round 1: Pick 19
Round 2: Pick 53
Round 3: Pick 84
Round 4: Pick 121
Round 5: Pick 157
Round 6: None
Round 7: Pick 235
Bucs’ biggest positional needs
Edge Rusher
The Bucs have been trying to find a dominant pass rusher for years in the NFL Draft. This year, they are in prime position to potentially get one in either the first or second round as the group is loaded in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jason Licht is hoping this is the year he breaks his streak of picking the wrong position.
Cornerback
The Bucs had one of the worst pass coverage units in the NFL last year, mostly due to injuries. Despite that, they are moving Tykee Smith to safety, which leaves them needing to replace him at cornerback. Zyon McCollum and Jamel Dean need some backup, and they can get in the draft this year.
Wide Receiver
Both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are 30 years old or older as we approach the 2025 NFL season. The team is becoming more attached to receivers in mock drafts. In what seems like a luxury pick now may not be a luxury pick sooner than we may realize.
Final mock draft round-up
Peter Schrager, ESPN
Selection: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Ari Meirov, 33rd Team
Selection: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Thor Nystrom, Fantasy Life
Selection: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Christian Williams, Devy Royale
Selection: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Bucky Brooks, NFL Media
Selection: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Kyle Crabs, 33rd Team
Selection: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
Cris Collinsworth, PFF
Selection: Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
Dane Brugler, The Athletic
Selection: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Chad Reuter, NFL Media
Selection: Projected trade with Packers to 23 to draft Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Travis May, AtoZ Sports
Selection: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall