The Buccaneers' 2024 offense was one of the best units the franchise has ever put on the field.
In Baker Mayfield's second season under center in Tampa Bay, the team set franchise records in completion percentage (71.5%), rushing yards (2,536) and third-down conversion rate (50.9%). The Bucs were also top-five in the league in passing yards per game (250.4), rushing yards per game (149.2) and points per game (29.5). This offense developed the perfect marriage between the run and the pass, propelling them to their fourth-straight division title, another franchise record.
The Bucs enter 2025 with questions that need to be answered. Former offensive play-caller Liam Coen left to become the next head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fan-favorite Chris Godwin is set to become an unrestricted free agent mid-March along with guard Ben Bredeson and receiver Sterling Shepard.
As the Bucs continue the search for their next offensive coordinator, we here at Buccaneers.com will turn our attention to the draft as 120-plus prospects travel to Mobile for the 2025 Senior Bowl. If the Bucs want to sustain the same level of success on offense, there are plenty in attendance who can help that cause.
Here are five Senior Bowl participants who could bolster the Bucs' offense this April.
1. WR Jack Bech, TCU
Need a first down? Jack Bech has you covered. The Biletnikoff Award semifinalist excels in finding soft spots in defensive coverage and was a consistent deep-play threat for the Horned Frogs his senior season. Last year, he brought in 62 catches for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns with the highlight being his 200-yard game against UCF in September.
Bech would provide a reliable pass-catcher for Mayfield to move the chains, especially if the Bucs are unable to retain Godwin this offseason. His 6-foot-2, 215-pound frame and refined route-running allow him to be in the best position to win in traffic. He would be an excellent addition regardless of who is in the receiving room in 2025. He is one player to keep your eye on this weekend; multiple other NFL teams will be doing the same.
2. G Tate Ratledge, Georgia
If Bredeson departs during free agency, the Buccaneers would have to fill that void at left guard. What better way to continue to build the ground game than to select one of the best interior offensive linemen in the draft? Ratledge has known nothing but success during his five-year collegiate career. With two national championships and AP All-America honors, the Bulldog knows what it takes to be successful.
Ratledge is a powerful run blocker who creates lanes with ease. In the past three seasons, he allowed only two sacks in over 2,000 snaps played. With Cody Mauch's great play on the right side, Ratledge might have to make the switch to the left. Ratledge's high football-IQ should help that transition. A solid performance in Mobile should cement Ratledge as a first-rounder.
3. QB Riley Leonard, Notre Dame
There is no question in anyone's mind on who is QB1 in Tampa Bay. For the first time in a long time there is a question surrounding who would be behind him. After four years with the Bucs, Kyle Trask is set to hit the free agent market. The team did sign Michael Pratt to a reserve/future contract to begin the offseason. If the Bucs were to look to the draft for their QB2 competition, Riley Leonard would be a great Day 3 selection.
Leonard is fresh off a national championship appearance with the Fighting Irish. Standing at 6-foot-4, 216-pounds, he is built like a prototype NFL quarterback. Even at his size, Leonard showcased his ability to use his legs to make an impact. This season, Leonard threw for 2,861 yards with 21 passing touchdowns while scoring 17 rushing touchdowns along the way. He has shown flashes of serious arm talent and has an opportunity to showcase it during the Senior Bowl. If he landed in Tampa Bay, he would have ample time to develop his mechanics under Mayfield.
4. T Grey Zabel, NDSU
It's time to talk about a North Dakota State tackle who has high-versatility across the offensive line while mauling pass rushers throughout his time in Fargo. No, I am not referring to Mauch. I am talking about the Bisons' senior left tackle Grey Zabel.
Zabel has been rising up boards. In 2024, he took every snap at left tackle, but has played across the line throughout his career. Zabel starred in a run-heavy scheme and boasts the athletic traits to succeed in an NFL system. His polished footwork helps keep quarterbacks upright, as he gave up only one sack the entirety of last year. He is currently projected as a second or third rounder and could be an automatic plug-and-play left guard for the Buccaneers.
5. WR Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
Jaylin Noel is the type of prospect where you look back and wonder, "How did he go not higher in the draft?" Some questions may arise with his measurables, but his tape does not lie.
The Cyclone put together four productive years in Ames, finishing with 1,194 receiving yards and eight touchdowns his senior season. He consistently is able to create throwing windows with his savvy route running. Noel has a 'see ball, get ball' mentality and brought in multiple deep throws at Iowa State. He is also an impact player on special teams with significant punt and kick return experience. Noel is a dynamic player who has an opportunity to be productive early in his NFL career.
