The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a team fortunate to have one side of the ball pretty much set going into the 2025 NFL Draft.
Offensively, everything is intact and looking like a well-oiled machine in terms of personnel. That doesn't mean Tampa Bay shouldn't look at adding offensive talent, but the defense will certainly be a focal point.
Keeping the conversation on defense, there are a couple of key prospects the Bucs should not miss if they have the opportunity to select them. Let's kick it off in Round 1 with a versatile defensive back who could be a game-changer for Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers should be all over Jahdae Barron in Round 1
The Bucs have a few specific needs on the defensive side of the ball, but as usual, the secondary is still one area of focus.
If the opportunity presents itself to pair Antoine Winfield Jr. with a player like Jahdae Barron, the Bucs have to do it. Barron's skill set, alongside Winfield, could be lethal against opposing offenses. His 4.39 40-yard dash paired with the size and strength of an overpowering nickel corner makes him a tantalizing prospect.
Whether he fits in the slot or at safety, right next to Winfield, is up in the air. But, there is certainly a spot on this defense for an aggressive playmaker like Barron. The secondary is immediately leveled-up with a duo like Winfield and this Longhorn stud.
He may or may not fall to pick no. 19 in the first round, but Barron's ceiling is worth the risk of moving up a couple of picks, if necessary.
If not Barron, Bucs fans will be pounding the table for Jihaad Campbell. But, that's a story for another day.
If TJ Sanders is available in Round 2, the Buccaneers need to pounce
Tampa Bay should be looking to add another defensive lineman, and early if possible. South Carolina's TJ Sanders would be a monstrous selection.
For being under 300 pounds, Sanders is a brick wall who holds his own. He is one of the very best run defenders in this class and could be a whole heck of a lot of fun to watch next to Vita Vea on key downs.
Sanders is able to play multiple gaps, too, which would give Todd Bowles some flexibility in where to play him at times. He could wind up going earlier than the Bucs' pick (no. 53) in the second round, but if he happens to be there, he's an easy pick.
The Bucs should avoid Iowa State cornerback Darien Porter
This isn't a completely-outlandish take, especially considering Darien Porter is probably a Round 3 guy at best, but will more than likely be taken on Day 3.
However, Porter is an example of someone who blew the roof off the Combine by running a 4.3 40-yard dash and, with his size at 6-foot-3, that's hard to ignore.
Porter is a 24-year-old rookie, though, and will be a severe liability when it comes to tackling and run support. He didn't see a huge amount of coverage experience in college, even though he is now a sixth-year senior. The lack of extensive experience and length of his time in college is a red flag.
Between his age, lack of experience and significant weakness against the run, it isn't worth taking the risk on Porter. I understand it might not always be fair to use age against a rookie looking to prove himself, but in this scenario, age isn't the only factor.