A pre-draft look at where the holes are on the roster.
As the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ depth chart showcases a competitive roster with key strengths. However, there are areas the team needs to address.
Offensively, Baker Mayfield anchors the quarterback position, backed by Kyle Trask. The running back trio of Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker provides versatility albeit with question marks hovering over potential White trade rumors. The wide receiver corps, led by Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, remains a cornerstone with 2024 rookie in Jalen McMillan in the mix. Add in tight ends Cade Otton and Payne Durham and there is plenty of offensive firepower.
The offensive line, featuring Tristan Wirfs at left tackle, Graham Barton at center, right tackle Luke Goedeke, and Cody Mauch at right guard, offers stability, though left guard depth is a concern.
Defensively, the Buccaneers boast a formidable front, with Vita Vea at nose tackle, flanked by Calijah Kancey and Logan Hall. The linebacker unit, anchored by Lavonte David, needs upgrading as the team seeks additional inside and edge rush depth despite Haason Reddick’s addition. Thus, that need to upgrade somewhere along the front seven has the position of defensive lineman/edge as the highest odds for the Buccaneers to draft first tonight per FanDuel. The secondary, led by Antoine Winfield Jr. at free safety, needs reinforcement at cornerback, as Zyon McCollum and Jamel Dean face increased pressure and played inconsistently throughout 2024.
With six draft picks, including No. 19 overall, GM Jason Licht may target edge rushers, cornerbacks, and linebackers to bolster the defense. The Buccaneers aim to build on their 2024 NFC South title, leveraging a balanced roster.