Buccaneers 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Top 3 corner, Ohio State star revitalizes defense

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 6-6 and right in the mix for a playoff spot in 2024.

With Baker Mayfield leading a top 10 offense, the Buccaneers do have an opportunity to make some noise.  But with this team, there’s a chance those playoff hopes could fade heading down the stretch of the NFL season due to the team’s defensive issues.

 As a unit near the bottom of the league in yards allowed, the Bucs will look towards the 2025 NFL Draft to address needs in key areas.  They don’t just need star power on defense, they need players who will be disruptive and simply tackle as tackling as been a concerning issue the last few weeks.

Current state of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2024 NFL season record: 6-6, 2nd in the NFC South

Team offense: Rank 6th (375.9 yards per game)

Team defense: Rank 28th (375.4 yards per game)

2025 NFL Draft position: No. 16

Top positional needs: EDGE, CB, TE, WR

2025 NFL Draft outlook

The Buccaneers are one of those teams that are a solid draft class away from making noise in the NFL. Although the team could use some tweaks on offense, the top priority in the 2025 NFL Draft should be on the defensive side of the ball, primarily at cornerback and EDGE.  Fortunately for the Bucs, this draft is deep at both positions.

In looking at top cornerbacks who could be available when the Buccaneers select, Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison, Ole Miss star Trey Amos and East Carolina’s Shavon Revels are players Tampa could target mid-to-late first round or on Day 2.  Each of those prospects have the speed and physicality to step in right away and be impactful in Tampa’s secondary.

As far as edge rusher, Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr, Ole Miss DE Princely Umanmielen, and Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer are options once projected top 10 pick Abdul Carter is off the board.  Other Day 2 or Day 3 options include Marshall’s Mike Green, LSU’s Bradyn Swinson and Alabama’s LT Overton.

Other areas of need include tight end, and wide receiver depth.  Here is a mid-season look at what GM Jason Licht and the Buccaneers will do in this three-round NFL Mock Draft. 

Offense is not the problem for the Buccaneers as they are in the top 10 in yards per game.  Defensively, the team could use help and with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they go with a top 3 cornerback in Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison.

Although he lacks ideal size at the corner position size at 6-foot-0, 190 pounds, the Fighting Irish star has a high IQ as a football defender.  That combined with his elite playmaking skills and versatility gives Tampa Bay an instant upgrade in the secondary.  Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles will love having this elite cornerback prospect in his defensive secondary.

The Buccaneers stick with defense with the No. 46 overall pick in the draft with the selection of Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer.  This could turn out to be a steal for a team in need of an edge rusher.  At 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, this Buckeyes defensive end records 4.5 sacks this season on a defense that also features Tyleik Williams.

Sawyer could’ve made the leap to the NFL a year ago, but his decision to return to Ohio State for another season should benefit him and lead to quicker success in the NFL.  With good size coming off the edge, his power, physicality, and ability to manipulate blockers will make him an instant favorite in Tampa.

The Buccaneers use the third round to address the tight end position. With the No. 81 pick, Texas playmaker Gunnar Helm will be a solid selection.  With 48 receptions for 600 yards and 5 touchdowns, Helm proved to be a solid pass-catching tight end.

With nice size at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Helm presents as a big target for Mayfield.  Not only does he have good hands, but he also showcases great route-running skills for a tight end.  He is also a tight end who can create after the catch.  Helm could be the 2025 version of Sam LaPorta depending on how quick he adapts in the NFL.

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