Adam Schefter confirms suspicion surrounding part of Bucs' first round draft strategy but there's one obvious problem
As we all know, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pick 19th overall in this year's draft. And while the Bucs roster is in good shape overall, the defensive side of the ball needs to add several players who can make an immediate impact in 2025.Based off that and the current roster needs, a lot of people […]
As we all know, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pick 19th overall in this year's draft. And while the Bucs roster is in good shape overall, the defensive side of the ball needs to add several players who can make an immediate impact in 2025.
Based off that and the current roster needs, a lot of people who follow the team closely have thoroughly discussed the idea of the Bucs trading back in Round 1. That also has a lot to do with the overall value in this year's draft, which isn't as high as it usually is. Regardless, it's a popular, logical idea that's made its rounds throughout Tampa.
ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed as much Monday morning in his pre-draft intel column: The Bucs are one of a few teams that would like to trade back in Round 1, the problem is finding a team willing to move up because of, again, the overall value.
On the other side of things, the Steelers (No. 21) are among the teams interested in moving back from their first-round slot. That list also includes the Jaguars (5), Panthers (8), 49ers (11), Falcons (15), Seahawks (18), Buccaneers (19) and Vikings (24), who currently have four picks, the fewest any team.
There has been, however, a lack of teams willing to trade up — at least so far. Denver is one of those: The Bronco have made inquiries about moving up in Round 1, according to sources. But there aren't many others. This always could change when players start falling and teams are on the clock. – Adam Schefter, ESPN
"There have been years where I’ve thought about [trading down] more than others. It just kind of depends on how things fall," Jason Licht told reporters a couple of weeks ago. "You can’t walk into it saying, ‘I am definitely looking to trade back,’ because you don’t know what’s going to fall to you. I do think this year is going to be – I could be wrong – you’re going to see maybe a little less people maybe wanting to move up and offering enough to make it worth your while just because the draft is pretty leveled out at a certain point.
"You might be able to get the same level of player in the second round as you can in the fourth round at certain positions, so I think you’ll maybe see a little bit less of that.”
The most realistic way for the Bucs to move back more than just a couple of spots would be to take slow bites off the apple and move back a couple picks at a time, but again, that would require multiple teams wanting to move up and right now that just doesn't sound likely.
