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via Imago

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via Imago

The 2025 NFL Draft is almost here, and you can feel the chaos brewing. Baker Mayfield’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers are rolling into draft weekend with six picks, but none in the sixth round. That one’s already gone to the Lions from the Carlton Davis trade. But hey, that same move landed them Jalen McMillan, and he’s already making noise.

Things could still get wild, though. A few draft-day trades, and Tampa Bay’s whole board could look different. After months of mock drafts back and forth with Scott Smith, it’s finally time for the full Bucs draft. Last year’s rookies, like Graham Barton, Bucky Irving, Jalen McMillan, and Tykee Smith, changed the game for Baker Mayfield’s Tampa. Now, with everything set to start after pick 19 in the 2025 Draft, it’s time to see how this next chapter could unfold.

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Round 1, 19th Overall – Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

The Buccaneers have a problem, and everybody knows it. Jamel Dean can’t stay healthy, and he’s set to make $13.5 million next year. On top of that, Todd Bowles made it clear at the owners meetings—they need cornerbacks, badly. So, in this case, who could be better than Jahdae Barron?

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Barron is not the biggest guy at 5’11”, and sure, his wingspan isn’t anything crazy, but this kid’s all heart. He’s smart, fearless, and knows how to find the football—his five interceptions last year say it all. He might not fit the Bucs’ usual mold, but he could line up anywhere in the secondary and make noise. Barron’s the type who doesn’t care where you put him—nickel, safety, even linebacker–he’s just gonna ball out.

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Will Jahdae Barron be the game-changer the Bucs need to solidify their defense?

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Round 2, 53rd Overall – Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina

Baker Mayfield’s Bucs already have cornerbacks lined up, so now it’s about finding some muscle at linebacker. After losing K.J. Britt, they added Anthony Walker Jr. to help Lavonte David and SirVocea Dennis hold it down. But here comes Demetrius Knight Jr., who can bring speed, power, and a whole lot of heart.

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His path wasn’t easy from Georgia Tech to Charlotte to South Carolina, but he fought his way into becoming a team captain. Knight’s got a crazy first step, crushes blocks, and reads offenses like he’s still playing quarterback. He’s raw coverage, sure, but his instincts and fire could light up Todd Bowles’ defense in a big way.

Round 3, 84th Overall – Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State

The Bucs need more fire on the edge, and Jack Sawyer could bring it. This guy plays with heart. His motor is basically relentless. From the moment the ball is snapped, he’s on it—bursting off the line, fighting through blockers, and never backing down. He’s not just about rushing the passer; he can stop the run and even drop into coverage. Whatever the team needs, Sawyer can do it.

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He’s not the guy with one flashy trait. But that’s what makes him special. His ability to line up anywhere across the defense gives a coach endless options. Sure, some might worry about his arm length (31¾ inches), but his strength and hands make up for it. Sawyer’s the kind of player the Bucs need to get over the top-gritty, relentless, and versatile.

Round 4, 121st Overall – Billy Bowman, S, Oklahoma

Billy Bowman Jr. is the kind of player the Bucs would just love to have. He’s gritty, fearless, and always around the ball. In Oklahoma, he made a name for himself with 11 interceptions and three touchdowns.

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Most of his time came at safety, but he’s not shy about moving into the slot or stepping up in the box. His instincts are crazy good. He sees plays before they happen and shuts down windows in a flash. And when it’s time to hit, he doesn’t hold back. Teams looking for heart and hustle could find a real gem in him come the fourth round.

Round 5, 157th Overall – Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas

Isaiah TeSlaa is the kind of big, athletic receiver you just can’t teach. He’s tough through contact, tracks the ball like a natural, and has the body control to go up and make the tough grabs. He’s got that sneaky build-up speed too, pushing defenders deep and throwing his weight around as a blocker.

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But he’s still a work in progress. His routes need more polish, and that first-step explosion isn’t really there, making it hard for him to break free against tight coverage. His final year at Arkansas wasn’t flashy, 28 catches, 546 yards, three touchdowns, but the tools are real. In a total of 2 years, this athlete has covered 897 yards for five touchdowns. So, yeah, with the right coaching, TeSlaa could be a fun project that ends up making real noise, helping Baker Mayfield on the gridiron.

Round 7, 235th Overall – Robbie Ouzts, TE, Alabama

Robbie Ouzts is the kind of player every NFL team dreams of. He’s tough, professional, and brings a level of enthusiasm you don’t always see in a prospect. What stands out most? He’s not about the spotlight. He’s about doing whatever it takes to help his team win. Whether it’s catching passes, blocking, or stepping up in protection, Ouzts is all in.

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He said it best at the 2025 NFL Combine: “I don’t like to be in the spotlight, but I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty either. I just embrace that role and do it to the best of my abilities.” It’s that mindset that makes him a guy any team would want on their roster. Last season, he covered 108 yards for 2 touchdowns and 8 receptions. If given proper guidance, the 22-year-old could become a valuable asset for Baker Mayfield and the Bucs overall.

We all know that the Buccaneers are on the rise in 2025. Baker Mayfield has proven he’s the real deal as their franchise quarterback. They’ve managed to keep most of their star players and are hoping to keep more around this offseason. The running game is looking strong, with Bucky Irving and Rachaad White making a huge impact. But, if there is one area they can still improve, it’s definitely on the defensive side of the ball. But by also adding a proper WR or TE, the team could really become a powerhouse.

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Will Jahdae Barron be the game-changer the Bucs need to solidify their defense?

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