The Bucs’ defense was hit-and-miss in terms of effectiveness in 2024. The secondary especially was lacking with playmaking ability despite the youth infusion over the last two seasons by Jason Licht and his staff.
In 2025, Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN is projecting more help is on the way as he projects the team to make another investment.
Kiper Jr. has the team drafting safety Nick Emmanwori to the Bucs from South Carolina. The former Gamecock looked the part this season and is a classic prospect who could play various positions but is ultimately a good football player.
The longtime NFL Draft analyst writes, “Emmanwori has closed the gap with (Malaki) Starks in the safety rankings, and I considered him five spots earlier for the Colts. Emmanwori is going to be a red-hot prospect throughout the predraft process. He has a big frame at 6-3, 227 pounds, but he moves like a smaller defensive back. He picked off four passes this season (two pick-sixes), and he could fit in nicely for the Buccaneers’ defense.”
The idea of Emmanwori and Winfield Jr. playing alongside each other is certainly a fun idea. The team would have two bonafide playmakers on top of their defense, which would help prevent so many big plays against Todd Bowles and his defense.