The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are stuck as being a 'good-not-great' team. Can this NFL mock draft put them over the edge? Winning the NFC South yet again, the Bucs have really got a death grip on this division, but it's also clear that they are not a great team and are not a true contender.
The way to get there is to simply field a better roster and couple that with stellar coaching. Tampa Bay might not be a lot of pieces away from vaulting their roster to contender status, and the 2025 NFL Draft could provide them a chance to do just that.
Buccaneers NFL Mock Draft: Team grabs potential Mike Evans replacement?
19. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The Buccaneers absolutely need to do some long-term planning with the inside linebacker position. With Lavonte David not having a ton of time left in the NFL, the Bucs plan for his eventual departure and grab Jihaad Campbell from Alabama. Campbell is the best ILB prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft by far and is absolutely a Day 1 starter at the position.
53. Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
A big-bodied, physical wide receiver with great hands, Jayden Higgins from Iowa State could be the de-facto Mike Evans replacement and would also simply be a great player to insert into the WR room. We saw just how lethal this passing attack could be during the 2024 NFL Season, so why not keep that up in 2025 and beyond?
84. Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech
Adding some help in the secondary is a must for the Bucs defense, so at pick 84, in the third round, they grab Dorian Strong, a cornerback from Virginia Tech. The Buccaneers secondary was shaky at times in the 2024 NFL Season.
121. Billy Bowman, S, Oklahoma
Now with two-straight picks in the secondary, Tampa Bay grabs safety Billy Bowman in the fourth round. In 2024 for the Sooners, Bowman had 54 total tackles and two interceptions. He had six interceptions the year before, so he's got a nose for the football.
157. Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson
Why not grab a tight end? The 2025 NFL Draft is insanely deep at the position, so I need no reason for Tampa Bay to pass up on someone. I am not sure the Bucs need to spend high draft capital on the position, but taking Jake Briningstool at pick 157 could give them another long-term option at the position and insert another weapon into the passing offense.
235. Vernon Broughton, DT, Texas
Maybe nothing more than a depth piece, the Buccaneers finish off this 2025 NFL Mock Draft by taking defensive tackle Vernon Broughton from Texas.