With each passing day, anticipation rises for the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, set for April 24. For the moment, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold the No. 19 pick. Alongside GM Jason Licht’s very public reevaluation of the previous draft class and his trade activity. With a history of trading down on Day 1, Licht’s strategy could shift based on team needs and available talent.
The Buccaneers, theoretically flush with six picks in the upcoming draft, have an issue complicating their trading potential with some strict limitations. Coach Todd Bowles is prioritizing the acquisition of cornerbacks who can create turnovers, reflecting an urgent need due to injuries affecting current players.
Evaluating Trade Options
Given Jason Licht’s well-documented history of trading down, especially during the first round of the NFL Draft, this is all puppy dog tails and bone dreams. Since assuming general manager in 2014, he has accomplished this strategic pivot three times. As the Buccaneers prepare for this year’s draft, Licht is weighing the potential benefits of trading down from their No. 19 position.
You get no more than six total picks in the draft. From the above perspective, whether or not to trade down would be entirely contingent on how deep each position group is in talent. Licht clearly understands the difficult decisions that go into making these kinds of trades.
“You can only evaluate what he puts out there and what he has out there so you weigh it a little bit.” – Jason Licht
This comment highlights the seriousness with which Licht wants to approach a full draft prep period. By trading down, the Buccaneers would be able to add more picks, improving their draft capital to fill more holes on the roster.
Addressing Cornerback Needs
As fate would have it, the Buccaneers find themselves in dire straits for cornerbacks – especially with the injury bug that has bitten their current crop of cornerbacks. Pro bowl rookie starter Jamel Dean has played under virtual crippling injury. On the other hand, Josh Hayes missed a good portion of last season due to a knee issue. Furthermore, Zyon McCollum was plagued with a concussion that cut his playing time drastically.
Coach Todd Bowles has recently stressed that he wants “ball hawks. He’s made it clear that he wants to see playmakers who can create turnovers in the secondary. To get ready for that task, the Buccaneers have already brought in some of the top cornerback prospects for visits.
He was a ballhawk in college at Notre Dame, accounting for nine interceptions in only two seasons. However, his game was marred last term when he underwent a season-ending hip injury after just six appearances.
The completion to Shavon Revel Jr. also continues to turn the Buccaneers’ heads. Despite him tearing his ACL in September and only playing three games last season, they’re still monitoring him. Yet somehow, he still found a way to nab two interceptions during his brief time on the field.
Licht is evaluating both the talent and health of potential draft picks to ensure they can contribute effectively.
“Right now, for me, I want ball hawks,” – Todd Bowles
This quote from Bowles really emphasizes how the team wants to prioritize ball production and creating turnovers on that side of the ball.
Exploring Edge Rusher Options
The Buccaneers are clearly making a big push to improve their cornerback position. Topping their list of needs are quality edge rushers in their draft plans. Among the candidates under consideration are Femi Oladejo of UCLA and Shemar Stewart of Texas A&M.
Oladejo was a prolific playmaker last season, ranking 10th in Division I FCS with 13.5 tackles for a loss and 12th with 4.5 sacks. That said, he’s more of a Day 2 projection than a first-round-impact type.
Shemar Stewart is going to bring elite athleticism and physicality to the trenches. He has a freakish 40-inch vertical jump and a sub-4.6 40-time – all at 281 pounds. Though his physical gifts are indeed impressive, the lack of production has some raising questions. He only registered 1.5 sacks last year.
When rating players, Licht uses the combination of pure production on the field with physical attributes. He’s trying to hone in on the ones who could actually have an impact off the field.
“You ideally want a healthy player so you have to weigh it in a little bit.” – Jason Licht
This quote is indicative of Licht’s commitment to choosing drafted players based on ability. He pours energy into selecting players who all have the potential to add solid vibes without the constant stress of injury concerns.
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