TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are grounded in their expectations but optimistic about improvement after a promising NFL draft. While they aren’t making grand predictions, the team shows confidence that their recent draft acquisitions will enhance their performance. General Manager Jason Licht and Head Coach Todd Bowles are hopeful the new players will restore some of the defensive prowess the team has lacked over the last couple of seasons.
The Buccaneers started their draft by selecting Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka in the first round. Despite having an already strong receiving lineup, this move underscores their emphasis on enhancing offensive capabilities. The team shifted its focus to fortifying its pass rush and secondary by selecting two edge rushers and two cornerbacks in the later rounds.
While the quarterback, Baker Mayfield, enjoys the support of seasoned receivers such as Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan—a third-round pick from 2024 known for seven touchdown catches in his final rookie games—the addition of Egbuka is strategic. As Evans enters his twelfth season and Godwin recovers from an ankle injury that kept him out of action for most of the previous campaign, Egbuka could boost an already formidable offense and provide indirect support to a defense in need of stability.
Licht expressed enthusiasm about Egbuka, highlighting his contributions to Ohio State’s national championship win. The GM acknowledged the ease of decision-making when the head coach, defensively inclined, advocated for Egbuka’s selection. “There’s a lot to like about him,” Licht remarked.
This offseason, to further support the offensive strategy, Godwin was re-signed to a lucrative three-year, $66 million deal. The team is optimistic about his recovery and the prospects of having one of the league’s most productive receiving duos on the field. “We’re lucky to have them all right now,” Licht stated.
The Buccaneers also bolstered their defensive ranks by signing free agent Haason Reddick with a one-year, $14 million contract. Alongside him, Central Arkansas linebacker David Walker and SMU defensive lineman Elijah Roberts were drafted, addressing the team’s need for depth in the cornerback position with the addition of Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison and Kansas State’s Jacob Parrish in the second and third rounds.
Taking Egbuka as the 19th overall pick, the Buccaneers were confident in his abilities and leadership qualities, even without hosting him for a pre-draft visit. “He’s a true pro. Mature beyond his years. He’s a perfectionist,” said Licht, noting Egbuka’s previous achievements, including 81 catches for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns.
During the final day of the draft, the Bucs continued to bolster their roster by adding two edge rushers—Walker and Roberts—and selecting Tez Johnson, an elusive wide receiver from Oregon, as their last pick. Johnson will reunite with former college teammate Bucky Irving, who had an impressive rookie year.
While Tampa Bay shone in the offensive stats last year, ranking third in total offense and fourth in scoring, the defensive line is where they seek significant improvement. The team struggled with maintaining consistent pass rush and turnovers, finishing the year among the lowest ranks in interceptions. They have high hopes for Reddick and linebacker Chris Braswell, a second-round draft pick, who may play pivotal roles in revamping the defensive lineup.
The cornerback position sees Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum as starters, with newcomers Morrison and Parrish prepared to compete for meaningful playing time. With these changes, the Buccaneers set their sights on regaining their defensive edge and fortifying their status in the league.