At the beginning of each NFL season, every franchise writes down the same goal; "Bring home the Lombardi Trophy." It makes sense. The reason you play the game is to win the ultimate prize. The harsh reality is 31 teams will fall short of that achievement. Many teams are in a rebuilding phase at the start of the new league year or face a serious uphill climb. That does not appear to be the case for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; quite the opposite.
The Bucs have the potential to be a powerhouse in 2025. Baker Mayfield has firmly established himself as a franchise quarterback. The team kept many of their star players and hopes it can retain more this offseason. Finally, the rushing attack has come alive with Bucky Irving and Rachaad White dominating out of the backfield. With that being said, an area the Bucs could see improvement is on the defensive side of the ball.
If you were to diagnose what led to the Bucs' defensive shortcomings in 2024, look no further than the injury report. This past season, the team started 16 different lineup combinations on defense. Tampa Bay had to rely on its depth for most of the season. Even then, the team was forced to get creative once those players were also hampered by injuries. Considering those circumstances, the fact that the team brought home its fourth straight NFC South championship is nothing to scoff at.
With Senior Bowl practices underway, now is a great time to pinpoint future defensive prospects the Bucs could target in the draft. There are plenty who could not just provide much-needed depth, but have a significant role in the team's success in 2025.
Here are five Senior Bowl participants who could solidify the Bucs' defense this April.
1. EDGE Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
It has been five years since a Buccaneer recorded more than 10 sacks in a season, but that is not to say the Bucs are unable to rush the passer. Tampa Bay tied for fifth in sacks in 2024 (46) and both Calijah Kancey and Yaya Diaby both eclipsed 7.0 within their first two campaigns. Even nose tackle Vita Vea set his personal best last year (7.0). Still, generating more pressure should be a priority for the Bucs in 2025. You can never have enough pass rushers and that is where Nic Scourton comes in.
Scourton is projected to go in the first round and it is not hard to see why. In 2024, the Aggie led his team with 5.0 sacks and totaled 14 tackles for loss. In his junior season, Scourton was a member of the 2024 All-SEC first team and was a semifinalist for both the Lombardi Award and Bednarik Award. He possesses outstanding athleticism at 6-foot-4, 280-pounds with the motor to swiftly disrupt a play. Most notably, Scourton has a spin move in his arsenal that he uses to gain leverage and make offensive linemen panic. He has all the traits you would want in a Day One prospect.
2. EDGE Mike Green, Marshall
What Mike Green lacks in size, he makes up for in production. The Virginia-native led the FBS with a ridiculous 17 sacks and was named to the 2024 AP All-America second team. He now holds the single-season record for tackles (84), tackles for loss (22.5) and sacks for the Thundering Herd.
Green brings an infectious energy to the table with a burst that will make him hard to contain. The redshirt sophomore's flexibility stands out as he will be able to utilize his athleticism to create pathways to the quarterback. Teams will need to consider Green's frame. Listed at 6-foot-3 and about 250-pounds, he will need to work on setting the edge at the next level. One thing you will not need to question is his effort. Expect Green to run an eye-popping 40-time in Indianapolis. He is already making noise during the practice portion of the Senior Bowl, as the Marshall product continues to build his first-round resume.
3. CB Trey Amos, Ole Miss
One of last season's most injury-riddled units was the secondary. Ole Miss's Trey Amos is the exact player you would love to see learn under cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum. The 2024 All-SEC first team selection has ideal size for a corner. Amos' 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame allows him to play a physical brand of coverage and disrupt receivers at the top of their routes.
Amos is not afraid to go for the ball. He had three interceptions and broke up 10 passes last season. Additionally, opposing quarterbacks had an average 54.5 passer rating when throwing Amos' way. He also excels at stopping the run. Most mock drafts predict Amos as a late second round selection. Don't be surprised if he is selected higher when it is all said and done.
4. LB Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina
One of the biggest questions this offseason revolves around Buccaneers' legend Lavonte David. Additionally, fellow linebackers K.J. Britt and J.J. Russell are set to become free agents. The Bucs could be in need of a linebacker this draft season and it will be hard to ignore the upside of Demetrius Knight Jr.
Knight played his first four years with Georgia Tech before transferring to Charlotte in 2023. There, he blossomed into an integral part of their front seven and was named to the 2023 All-AAC first team. Knight spent his sixth year with the Gamecocks where he amassed 82 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and an interception. He has received high praise for his pass coverage. Knight is an outstanding athlete which allows him to extend his range in zone coverage. Knight has risen from a late Day 3 selection to being mocked in the first round. He would be a great fit in Tampa Bay's locker room.
5. S Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
Billy Bowman Jr. is another great depth piece who can perform all over the field. He was a playmaker across his four years in Norman, finishing with 11 career interceptions along with three touchdowns. Bowman played the majority of his career at safety, but he has plenty of experience lining up in the slot and the box.
Bowman boasts an aggressive play style that is fueled by his instincts. He has built a brand of eliminating windows quickly with top-end closing speed. Bowman also does not show any timidness in bringing down running backs. His intelligence shines through on his tape and Bowman could be a steal in the third or fourth round of the NFL draft.
