After once looking like they would pick in the top half of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bucs have gone on a three-game win streak. That has bolstered Tampa Bay’s playoff chances, while also changing where they will pick when they are on the clock next April. At 7-6, the current draft order has them picking at No. 19.
If they were to win out or go 3-1 the rest of the way, it would likely keep them where they are or push them into the early 20s. Regardless of how the rest of the season shakes out though, the past couple of weeks have provided a further look into areas of the team that need improving in the offseason, primarily on the defensive side of the football.
Texas A&M DL Nic Scourton and LSU LT Will Campbell – Photo by: USA Today
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
Though the Buccaneers have been able to scheme up pressure in Todd Bowles’ blitz-friendly system, they don’t have an edge rusher who can create disruption on his own. In fact, they don’t have an edge rusher with more than three sacks. Scourton has five sacks this season after leading the Big Ten with 10 at Purdue last season. His power, leverage and diverse set of pass-rush moves are evident on tape — traits that keep an offensive tackle guessing for 60 minutes.
No. 16 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka
Chris Godwin is a pending free agent and recently suffered a season-ending ankle injury, while Mike Evans will turn 32 years old before the start of next season. Yes, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have 2024 third-round pick Jalen McMillan and 2023 sixth-round pick Trey Palmer, they seem more like secondary pieces.
As an athlete, Egbuka is extremely explosive, fluid, and flexible, with more than enough vertical speed. He can sear and slice his way through zone-coverage looks but also has the intentional movement, snappy suddenness, and spatial awareness to win against man coverage. With his high-end tools and ability to blend into many different roles, Egbuka seems like a lock for the first round — the question is, how early will he go?
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Texas A&M DL Shemar Stewart
The Buccaneers love their edge defenders with length and heavy hands. Shemar Stewart has both. This is one of the more physically gifted talents in this year’s class, but he needs refinement with his pass rush plan in order to help him be in a position to finish his pressure opportunities.
But Stewart is effective defending the run and has all the tools to be a disruptive force. Playing for Todd Bowles, Stewart likely gets his fair share of free runs to the quarterback in the Bucs’ aggressive scheme, too.
Penn State TE Tyler Warren – Photo by: USA Today
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 enormous. He’ll play too high at times, but can collapse the pocket with his size/power/strength. He has a quick first step, even for his size, and the power to shoot gaps. And when the bull rush doesn’t get home, his huge frame allows him to knock down passes. He has a hair-on-fire motor and consistently plays with power and athleticism.
No. 16 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia EDGE Jalon Walker
Tampa Bay’s linebacker room is going to be really interchangeable with pressure capable of being applied from any angle. Jalon Walker is a more polished pass rusher at this point, but his size will predicate a full-time role as an off-ball linebacker.
Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen – Photo by: USA Today
No. 16 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen
Buccaneers fans might initially question drafting a defensive tackle, given the presence of Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey. However, Nolen is more than just a traditional tackle—he’s a former 5-star defensive lineman with elite athletic potential at 6-foot-3, 305 pounds. His blend of burst and physicality allows him to line up as a 4i or 5-tech defensive end, making him an excellent fit to bolster the Buccaneers’ pass rush, a critical area of need.
