3 positions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should not prioritize in the 2025 NFL Draft
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, like any other team in the NFL, have roster needs they've needed to address since the 2024 season ended. With the primary wave of free agency having come and gone in March, general manager Jason Licht his staff have a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses going into the 2025 […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, like any other team in the NFL, have roster needs they've needed to address since the 2024 season ended. With the primary wave of free agency having come and gone in March, general manager Jason Licht his staff have a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses going into the 2025 NFL Draft, which starts on Thursday, April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
That being said, there are some areas on the roster where they're strong, and where help isn't as badly needed – and yes, they're all on one side of the ball. Here are three roster areas that the Bucs should not be prioritizing in the draft.
3) Running back
The Bucs have a potent one-two punch in Bucky Irving and Rachaad White. Irving had a breakout rookie season last year for the Bucs, taking the starting job by the horns and never letting go. White is a solid 1B or second option, having rolled up 1500 scrimmage yards in 2023. Sean Tucker was the NFC player of the week against the Saints back in October, totaling 192 yards and 2 touchdowns in Tampa Bay's 51-27 blowout win.
That's a strong top three, and there's really not a need to take advantage of an exceptionally deep and talented RB pool in this year's draft – absent a day three flier at best.
2) Wide receiver
I'm not saying the Bucs shouldn't consider a wide receiver in this draft, to be clear. Prioritization is all relative. However, with a strong trio of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan, it's hard to see anyone cracking that group as a rookie. If there's a later round flier worth taking on a player with upside, sure. But taking a wide receiver early in the draft – they've met with Texas WR Matthew Golden, a possible first round pick – doesn't make sense, especially with Evans not showing signs of immediately slowing down. 1) Offensive line
1) Offensive line
It's odd to say, but the Bucs' starting five are all good and set. Some might have questioned the left guard spot, but the team committed to Ben Bredeson with a three-year deal this offseason.
The Bucs could have an eye on a talent on day three for depth purposes and/or someone they could groom to be a future starting option, but for now, this position is in as good a shape as it's been in quite a long time.
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