Bucs Ought To Get A Solid Defensive Player In Draft
March 30th, 2025
Could an edge rusher fall?
Bucs fans should want Shedeur Sanders to go into the top-10 next month in the draft.
There are a lot of (planted?) rumors that Sanders won’t be selected in the first round, forget top-five or even top-10.
On face value, this seems ridiculous. Kenny Pickett went in the first round for crying out loud. Sanders is just as good as Pickett.
But Bucs fans should pray for Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough, Ole Miss signal-caller Jaxson Dart and Sanders, Colorado’s quarterback, to go into the top-15. If that happens, that means a good defensive player gets pushed down in the draft. So cross your fingers there are four teams that are quarterback-hungry (Miami QB quarterback Cam Ward may go No. 1 overall to Tennessee).
The more Joe thinks about it, the more Joe believes the Bucs will get a really nice player at No. 19 in the draft, certainly if Sanders, Shough and Dart are drafted before the Bucs are on the clock.
Just about everyone who studies the draft thinks Penn State’s Abdul Carter will be the first edge rusher off the board, probably in the top-five.
Could the second-best edge rusher slide to No. 19? Joe has seen weirder things happen.
Field Yates of BSPN has Jalon Walker as his No. 2 edge rusher. Joe has seen enough people say that Walker is also an off-the-ball linebacker. In short, he may be a better player than Jihaad Campbell.
Former NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock, speaking on Rich Eisen’s show, said he’d take Walker over Carter in a heartbeat. Mayock said in his notes of breaking down tape of Walker, he has “Micah Parsons” jotted down several times.
Here is Yates’ breakdown on Walker:
My grade for Walker is at edge rusher, though he played a significant portion of his snaps at inside linebacker for Georgia. Even in a part-time pass-rushing role, he tied for the team lead in sacks in each of the past two seasons (6.5 in each year) and uses his modest length to his advantage to get underneath opposing tackles. On a Georgia defense stacked with NFL players, Walker was easily the most impactful in 2024. He had 62 tackles, seven tackles for loss and a pair of fumble recoveries. And he has the juice to fire off the edge and disrupt the quarterback.
Well, if guys like Mayock and Yates are slobbering over Walker, then NFL suits likely are, too.
However, if there is a run on quarterbacks, could Walker (or Carter) slide down far enough, let’s say No. 11, for Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht to go get him?
Then again, a good defensive player should be available to the Bucs, especially if there is a run on quarterbacks. That defensive player could be Mike Green, Walter Nolen, Demetrius Knight, Jahdae Barron, Nick Emmanwori or Campbell.
March 30th, 2025 at 11:05 am
A stud defender is not making it past Atlanta.😢
March 30th, 2025 at 11:07 am
I think you can count on the QBs going. Sanders will be a top ten pick. He won’t get past both NY teams. The kid completed 74% of his passes! He’s going. Having defensive players drop will likely happen, but so will good offensive players. Wouldn’t shock me if the right reciever is there the Bucs draft him. Remember, sometimes the best defense is a good offense.
March 30th, 2025 at 11:13 am
I would not draft Sanders under any circumstances. The thought of dealing with his daddy for 10 plus years is not worth it. But, some unfortunate team will and I say thany you and good luck. Too bad it won’t be Atlanta but maybe the Saints. Wooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 30th, 2025 at 11:15 am
Seeing some reports that James Pierce from Tennessee who would be an absolute beast might fall cuz of questions of character concerns. However from what I’ve heard these concerns might be unfounded and that he may just be an introverted individual. If this is the case he would be an absolute steal if he’s there at 19. We’re talking about a guy who is 6 ft 5 over 240 lb with room to put on more muscle ran a sub4540 and according to pro football focus was excellent again as a pass rusher with a pass rush win rate of 23% as well as a great performance against the run.
March 30th, 2025 at 11:18 am
I think Emmanwori is the one if he is there – big enough to play ILB and fast enough to be a SS
He is the poster child fit for Todd’s scheme
You are in base or nickel without subbing anyone
March 30th, 2025 at 11:20 am
If I were a head coach in the NFL there’s zero chance I draft Sanders. The next day after you get him the media circus surrounding Deion starts. Why would anyone want that clown show of a disruption in the locker room. No thanks.
March 30th, 2025 at 11:38 am
What going on with Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr.? The man has all the physical tools to be a dominant pass rusher and produced at a high level in SEC football. Still,
it seems like less talented edge rushers with fewer skill set and lesser physical traits and playing lesser opponents are getting more hype. Why, SMH!?
March 30th, 2025 at 11:43 am
Mayock exposed himself a lil with the Raiders …… especially when he pulled a Jason Light second round shock the world pick with the number four overall pick taking Clelin Ferrell # 4 overall….. hey the guy is still playing but def a swing and a miss at #4 overall ………so not overly confident with Mayock s d line eye .
March 30th, 2025 at 11:49 am
Check out his off-field life.
March 30th, 2025 at 11:49 am
This time of year, I pray for every team ahead of us to draft as if Mark Dominik were their GM.
March 30th, 2025 at 11:59 am
Deion being a helicopter dad is a big reason why his son is dropping, but how much of a helicopter dad can he be if he’s coaching the Buffalo? (He just signed an extension.)
Remember who was picking the players when Mayock was there (Bucs fans should be all too familiar with that process.)
March 30th, 2025 at 12:03 pm
Does Joe not like Donovan Ezeriraku?
I want him over Green. Same production, great testing, high character.
Walker unlikely to get past Carolina at 8.
NO could go a lot of directions but there are a couple DL guys that seem to fit their type in Mykel Williams and Shemar Stewart, would not surprise me at all if either of them were Saints pick. Otherwise I bet they take CB Johnson or Barron.
Falcons are likely poaching us, whether Campbell, Green or Ezeriraku but I’d bet they take someone we have been talking about.
Sanders will go top 10, I doubt the other QBs but I hope Dart gets in there cause that will absolutely help our cause. Same with Cincy resigning Hendrickson, be good if that happens pre draft.
March 30th, 2025 at 12:10 pm
Realistic Tier 1 wants for me…
Ezeriraku
Green
Campbell
Johnson
Barron
Tier 2
Nolen
Starks
Emmanwori (if trained at LB)
McMillan
If Carter, Hunter, Walker, Graham or Warren happened to fall, they would obviously enter the conversation but I suspect they are all gone in the top 14 at least.
March 30th, 2025 at 12:26 pm
“A stud defender is not making it past Atlanta.”
I thought similarly last year but they drafted Penix.
Here’s to hoping there is also a run on OL before the Bucs pick.
March 30th, 2025 at 12:26 pm
The pick will be for the best defensive player on the board. Very likely could be an edge. Ezeiruaku is a Buccaneer man.
March 30th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
I don’t see Licht trading up more than 2, maybe 3 spots at most. Just not his style. He prefers to gain more picks, not give them up.
There will be a run on QBs because QBs always get drafted higher than they should. I do feel bad for whatever team drafts Shedeur though… Good luck with that ensuing clown show.
March 30th, 2025 at 12:52 pm
Draft for next year.
Get a DE to rotate with Hall. Potentially replace him next year.
Get a NT. We have the best NT in the game. Problem is, he only plays 60% of the game.
We need a starting caliber NT to rotate with Vea.
Then, get a CB and ILB.
March 30th, 2025 at 1:01 pm
Don’t be surprised if JL trades out of the 1st round-2nd round is strong.
March 30th, 2025 at 1:03 pm
I know Mike Green might not be the popular vote because of his past! I get it, but he’s really trying to change that perspective! Sometimes a second chance is all someone needs!
March 30th, 2025 at 1:04 pm
he This is a scenario the Bucs should hope for, because the Bucs need what is called a three down linebacker. And, in this sparse ILB draft class, there are only two three down linebackers on the board with all of the skills the Bucs need. On any play on any down, an ILB can find himself running the seam with a TE or RB, and Knight and Schwesinger will be victimized in those situations leaving the middle of the field to be exploited like last year. And, the other ILB’s with top rank man coverage skills are suspect in the run game.
Ideally, Walker and Campbell are both on the board, and the Bucs can trade back and still get one. Then, they can move up into the second and take DT Tyleik Williams in the second, take an Edge in the third, and take a fast CB and a fast Safety in the fourth and fifth.
March 30th, 2025 at 1:07 pm
There is enough defensive talent for Licht to trade down and pick up an extra 3rd round pick.
March 30th, 2025 at 1:12 pm
Jalon walker is 6’1″ 240lbs, he is not even close to the size or athletic profile of Micah Parsons. If you thought JTS got washed out of the play every time just wait until a 6’8″ 340lbs tackle gets his arms in jalon walker’s chest. He also has zero instincts for off-ball linebacker. In short, he’s a tweener who can’t play either position. He would easily be the worst pick we could make outside of a QB. I’d rather they draft Tyler Nooker to play LG and skip defense on the 1st round entirely than draft that kid
March 30th, 2025 at 1:12 pm
The more I look at tape of Derrick Harmon of Oregon, the more I like him for the Bucs defense.
I also saw he led college football defensive tackles with a 18% pressure rate – so it seems that it is not only the video’s of his best plays that I have seen that make him a solid end of the 1st round pick but the overall stats. They talk about his heavy hands which I know Bowles loves.
College comparison.
Kenneth Grant — 40 games — 1054 snaps — 8 sacks — 4 QB hits — 40 hurries – 69 tackles
Derrick Harmon — 38 games — 1534 snaps — 9 sacks – 9 hits — 72 hurries — 115 tackles.
I understand that Grant will be more 1 technique and Harmon more 3 technique but I like the Harmon more.
March 30th, 2025 at 1:16 pm
I can see a scenario where we trade back and get an extra 2nd or 3rd down pick.
March 30th, 2025 at 1:18 pm
Round… Damn spell check
March 30th, 2025 at 1:36 pm
Glad Jason has the job and not the internet.
March 30th, 2025 at 1:50 pm
Teacherman … ‘Get a DE to rotate with Hall. Get a NT. We have the best NT in the game. Problem is, he only plays 60% of the game. We need a starting caliber NT to rotate with Vea. Then, get a CB and ILB.’
Top-4 picks right there, but heaven only knows in what order.
One of our biggest problems last year was 4th down conversions. We sucked at them, allowing our opponents to convert 63.3% of thise 4th down opportunities (19-of-30). That’s terrible (earned us a #23 ranking), and it was much higher than in years past (2019: 13 conversions … 2020: 14 … 2021: 13 … 2022: 14 … 2023: 12 … 2024: 19). That’s an increase of SEVEN 4th down conversions over 2023, and potentially 49 points (Bucs allowed 385 points in 2024 versus only 325 points in 2023 … 60 points difference).
We need to get ‘more beastly’ in the trenches. Take out Vea and our DLine is actually quite light. Bucs need another beastly NT/DT. Another beastly DE to replace Gholston would be nice too (not someone 6’1″ & 240 lbs).
March 30th, 2025 at 2:29 pm
Matthew Golden, fastest receiver in the draft. Don’t be surprised.
March 30th, 2025 at 2:48 pm
LB3 @19
March 30th, 2025 at 3:02 pm
Some later round guys im liking a lot….
Alfred Collins/Joshua Farmer (DT)
Demetrius Knight (ILB)
Nohl Williams (CB)
Seth Mclaughlin (backup OC)
Jack Sawyer (Edge)
Howard Cross III (Smaller compact DT but has great moves to penetrate)
If we can land Starks or Emmanwori…then WR Jayden Higgins…then work a trade down to get another pick or two….You never know how those first two rounds are going to play out, but if it narrows down like this, its going to be another great draft.
March 30th, 2025 at 3:14 pm
I hear one of the joes on real bucs talk….cool! Great breakdowns too. Watching the Bassa one now.
March 30th, 2025 at 3:17 pm
Sorry, thats someone else, my bad Joes.
March 30th, 2025 at 3:35 pm
Please don’t draft and edge player. It just doesn’t work out for us. Get the best CB or ILB available. Or if you have your eyes on 2’nd round defenders, drop back a little and maybe even again. There’s a lot of really good prospects that won’t go in the first round. We finally have a little depth, but we need more. First round picks can be so risky, especially edge guys. Licht has better luck with DT’s than DE’s imo. Be patient, be smart and don’t reach. Above all else don’t pay any attention whatsoever to the Falcons because they’re irrelevant at this point. The Bucs are what matter. Sheez
March 30th, 2025 at 3:38 pm
@ geno711
Derrick Harmon would be a great draft pick. He is going to be a force in the NFL. It surprises me he is not considered a top 15 pick.
March 30th, 2025 at 3:38 pm
A great inside linebacker who can shutdown the better tight ends and backs, a good tall-fast corner/nickel who can play man coverages, or another edge who can be a solid 5-6 sack guy from day one would be awesome! All three are needed!
One way or another the defense will improve! It’s surely needed too!
March 30th, 2025 at 4:49 pm
@Defense Rules
I see your 4th down conversion arguement and raise you the question of how do we get into so many 3rd/4th and short situations? The answer is because we load up against the run and give up 5-9 yard passes at will on 1st and 2nd down.
Bowles already uses the defensive run game as a big enough crutch when he’s trying to explain away his defensive struggles. Don’t give him more pieces to try to load up the box with and drop corners to 9 yards pre-snap on every 1st and 2nd down.
This team has zero secondary depth. At least two picks, if not three, are going to need to be used on defensive backs in this draft, and the talent is there in this draft class to justify it.
March 30th, 2025 at 4:56 pm
A little info on James Pearce Jr.
I was told that the Tennessee football program could not only breathe easier once Pearce left campus but that his pitch count in SEC play was not injury related. Pearce was seen as undeniably uncoachable and as a player with one foot out the door already this season, giving his coaches little incentive to put him on the field full-time,” Kinnan wrote.
“I was told by one scout that Pearce Jr. is seen as the player with the worst character report of any player in this draft class.
Ouch.
March 30th, 2025 at 5:10 pm
GB I agree totally. Secondary depth is a must. Players that aren’t 6-2 125lbs with bird legs. That’s why I’m wanting to load up on 2’nd and 3’rd round picks if possible. One excellent CB will help but we need more.
March 30th, 2025 at 5:11 pm
There were clear issues with Jalen Carter in the ’23 draft, such that he was there for the Beagles at #9. Dude is one of the best DL’s in the game. Lightning could strike twice with this kid from TN
March 30th, 2025 at 6:39 pm
Walker is lacking a burst and strength. No way should the Bucs consider him. A year from now we will be talking about the 2025 DRoY and his name is Emmanwori. Hope he is with the Bucs when he receives his award.
March 30th, 2025 at 6:48 pm
Be patient…don’t trade up…trade down & use pick to trade up in the 2nd
March 30th, 2025 at 7:21 pm
I’d be happy with CB, DT/DE, ILB, OLB as long as we get a game changer!
March 30th, 2025 at 10:11 pm
I say we go stud dt if they’re available, emmanworri, or a cb we didn’t expect to fall that low. But NOT ILB, I don’t like any of the ones projected to go high.
Also no OLB in the first. Get one with a crazy RAS score in a later round.
Basically get players with high RAS scores, that have good character. We need athletes, that can play.
March 31st, 2025 at 12:24 am
The Bills are the trade down team. If the Bills see someone they like they have the ammo to trade up. I would love the bucs to be the bills target at #19. Bills have 30 56 62 109 132 169 170 173 177 206. Would be happy with 30 and 62 for #19..not sure what the trade calculator says about this?
March 31st, 2025 at 3:12 am
could will johnson slide?
March 31st, 2025 at 3:13 am
trading down seems to work best in mocks for me, but i suppose it’s unrealistic to view trading down as a simple task that is always possible
March 31st, 2025 at 7:37 am
The greatest mock throught 4 rounds –
1 Kenneth Grant – DT
2 Shavon Revel Jr – CB
3 Jeffrey Bassa – LB
4 Fadil Diggs – EDGE
March 31st, 2025 at 12:42 pm
Keep beating the drum for middle beasts.