Some say the Bucs are going defense first, and GM Jason Licht hits on that.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, thoughts and opinions swirl around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ strategy, with many expecting a defensive focus in the first round. The team’s 2024 defensive performance provides context for this perception.
Last season, the Bucs struggled against the pass, ranking 29th in the NFL by allowing 243.9 yards per game through the air. Their pass rush was inconsistent despite their 46 total sacks and players like Calijah Kancey (7.5 sacks) and Vita Vea (7.0 sacks) helped boost that to some degree. Injuries plagued the secondary, with cornerbacks like Zyon McCollum and Jamel Dean along with safety Antoine Winfield, Jr. battling health issues, exposing depth problems. Overall, they allowed 341.8 total yards per game and 22.6 points per contest, signaling room for improvement.
General Manager Jason Licht, however, always keeping his cards close said earlier this week that many assumptions the Bucs will be going defense first could be right.
“Sometimes, people think you’re playing games and you’re trying to throw people off the scent and you’re really not [laughs],” Licht said when asked about the perception the Buccaneers will be addressing the defense early on in the draft. “It really truly depends on how it’s going to fall. I’ve got Todd [Bowles] excited about a lot of offensive players and we have a good offense but we can make it even better. We do need help on defense and it would be fun to see us improve there and I think we will without really making any huge changes. I think we’re going to be better, but obviously, getting some new players in there is going to make it a lot better. It really truly depends on how it’s going to fall.”
Licht’s comments suggest flexibility, acknowledging defensive needs while hinting at offensive temptations.
Fans and analysts point to the secondary or edge rush as prime targets, given last year’s struggles. Yet, Licht’s openness to ‘how it’s going to fall’ implies the Bucs could surprise everyone, balancing immediate needs with potentially long-term value.