Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Draft Strategy: Who Will They Pick at No. 19 in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Now being a fan of the Buccaneers myself, I thought it’d be much better for us to get another strong line of offensive players due to the many stumbles we’ve had last season as far as we got, but man, how wrong could I be.

Buccaneers Make The Right Move

As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, all eyes are on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their 19th overall pick. After a season that highlighted both potential and pitfalls, the team stands at a crucial crossroads. With several gaps on the defensive side and questions around long-term depth, the Buccaneers’ front office has been tight-lipped about their Round 1 intentions. However, clues from mock drafts and insider reports suggest a heavy lean toward bolstering the defense, particularly at edge rusher and linebacker. The decision they make could define the team’s competitiveness in the NFC South for years to come.

Focus on Defense: A Necessary Move

The Buccaneers finished the 2024 season with a defense that showed signs of wear. While veteran presence kept them afloat, aging stars and inconsistent pass rushers exposed a pressing need for fresh, explosive talent. This has prompted analysts and draft experts to strongly speculate that Tampa Bay will look to revitalize its front seven.

Donovan Ezeiruaku, a standout edge rusher from Boston College, has emerged as a popular projection for Tampa Bay’s first-round pick. In Bucs Nation’s final 7-round mock draft, Ezeiruaku is highlighted for his explosive first step and ability to collapse the pocket—traits the Bucs are lacking. He recorded 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in his senior season, demonstrating his ability to disrupt both pass and run plays.

Alternative Targets: Depth at Edge and Linebacker

Another promising candidate is James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee. Known for his elite speed and pass-rushing instincts, Pearce could fit seamlessly into Tampa’s defensive scheme. ClutchPoints projects Pearce as a top-20 pick, citing his 12.5 sacks in 2024 and relentless motor as indicators of pro-level readiness.

Jalon Walker from Georgia adds versatility. A linebacker with hybrid edge-rushing ability, he offers the flexibility that modern defenses crave. In College Football Network’s 7-round mock, Walker is identified as a potential chess piece for Tampa’s defense, particularly effective in blitz packages and coverage over the middle.

Secondary Help: Emmanwori Enters the Picture

Though the defensive line remains a focal point, some experts believe the Bucs may look to improve their secondary. Nick Emmanwori, a hard-hitting defensive back from South Carolina, is an intriguing option. Sports Illustrated recently connected Emmanwori to Tampa Bay, citing his physicality and instincts as potential assets. At 6’3” and 220 lbs, he offers rare size for a safety and recorded 89 tackles in 2024, showcasing his ability to patrol both deep zones and the line of scrimmage.

Inside Linebacker: Jihaad Campbell’s Rising Stock

Another player gaining traction is Jihaad Campbell from Alabama. Known for his sideline-to-sideline speed and elite tackling, Campbell has been linked to Tampa Bay by NFL.com’s Eric Edholm. Campbell recorded 104 tackles and three sacks in his final college season, and his high football IQ makes him an immediate upgrade over aging veterans. Drafting him would not only bolster run defense but also add leadership potential to a young defensive unit.

Bucc Up

With the 19th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are likely to go defense-heavy, addressing critical needs that have haunted them in recent seasons. Whether they opt for a pass-rushing threat like Ezeiruaku or Pearce, a dynamic linebacker such as Walker or Campbell, or a powerful secondary presence in Emmanwori, Tampa Bay seems committed to reinforcing its defensive identity. Their decision will speak volumes about the direction of the franchise, and fans are eager to see whether the Bucs make a safe pick or swing for a potential defensive superstar to ignite a new era.

Be sure to visit Total Apex Sports for more sports-related news and content.