Round 5, Pick 157: Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska
The Bucs continue to embrace their defensive rebuild, this time in the trenches, by adding a much needed depth-piece on the defensive line from Jason Licht’s alma mater.
Robinson had 12 sacks in his college career, including seven in 2024. The 6-foot-5, 288-pound defensive tackle plays an extremely violent brand of football that could be especially enticing to Tampa Bay.
His strong production as a pass-rusher makes him worth a fifth-round flier, with the potential for a long NFL career as a rotational player on the defensive line.
Round 7, Pick 235: J.J. Roberts, S, Marshall
J.J. Roberts was always around the football during his two years as a starter for Marshall. In 2024, he registered 94 total tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. He also notched an impressive 14 passes defended in his final college season.
When teams ask Mike Green who he’d bring with him from Marshall his answer is JJ Robert’s who the Bucs just had in for a top 30 visit. 👀 pic.twitter.com/eoXBEvAojE
— Ty (@BayNewsTy) April 15, 2025
In addition to his high-end ball skills, Roberts turned heads during the draft process with his athletic testing. Though slightly undersized at 5-foot-10 and 181 pounds, and with some evaluators asserting he must add weight for peak results at the next level, he showcased elite explosiveness and strength at his pro day.
While he didn’t participate in the NFL Combine, Roberts ran a 4.41 40-yard dash, posted a 40.5-inch vertical leap, and logged 20 reps on the bench press at his pro day. All three numbers would’ve ranked among the top three for safeties at the Combine.
This isn’t confidence, it’s conviction… pic.twitter.com/NJXIINCyZD
— JJ Roberts (@LockdownJ_) April 6, 2025
Roberts offers the Buccaneers much-needed flexibility at safety, and ending this draft with their third defensive back selection is the reinforcement that this defense needed going into 2025.
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