The 2024-25 NFL season has officially come to close and with it begins draft evaluations at nauseam. The 2025 NFL Draft is just three months away and until the festivities commence, speculation from pundits will headline the web regarding potential homes for league hopefuls. Which names will Roger Goodell read from the podium during the first round in April? The Buccaneers are slotted to pick 19th overall in the first round and here are predictions as to who the team's brass will select off the board on Night One:
NFL.com
- Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (Jan.25)
- Pick: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
- Comments: They rave about Campbell's leadership and versatility at Alabama. He's a unique player because of his size and length as an off-ball linebacker. With Lavonte David and K.J. Britt both ticketed for free agency, the Bucs fill a need.
CBS Sports
- Mike Renner, CBS Sports (Feb. 10)
- Pick: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
- Comments: Jihaad Campbell is jumbo off-ball linebacker who's perfect for Todd Bowles' scheme. He can blitz like an edge rusher, which is the perfect skill to have for one of the NFL's blitz-heaviest defensive coordinators.
The Draft Network
- Ryan Fowler, The Draft Network (Feb. 9)
- Pick: CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
- Comments: There's been a whole lot of unwarranted prospect fatigue when it comes to Benjamin Morrison. One of college football's elite perimeter stalwarts since he was a freshman back in 2022, Morrison's man-to-man pure coverage ability is as good as anyone in the class. When healthy, he has an All-Pro type of ceiling due to his spatial awareness, instincts, and ability to shut down his side of the field. The Buccaneers also get some value here at No. 19 as Morrison was talked about as a top-15 player before his injury.
PFF
** Buccaneers trade down with the Commanders to pick 29
Trade Terms: Bucs' receive a 2025 first-round pick (No.29), 2025 third-round pick (No.75); Commanders receive a 2025 first-round pick (No.19)
- Pick: IOL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
- Comments: Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht strikes me as someone who would like to get more picks on the heart of Day 2 of this draft, given that's where the best value in the class lies, hence the trade with the Commanders. Tampa Bay has big needs at edge defender and cornerback. There are a couple of options here for them, but the idea of Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke, Graham Barton, Cody Mauch and Zabel forming a starting five is incredibly alluring. That has the potential to be the best offensive line in the league.
Sports Illustrated
- Brock Vierra, SI (Feb.10)
- Pick: LB Jalon Walker, Georgia
- Comments: N/A
