It’s that time of year again Buccaneers fans! The NFL offseason, or silly-season as some would call it is here. That can only mean it’s time for some mock drafts.
Round-1, Pick 19
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
HT: 6’2
WT: 244 lbs
Accolades:
• Butkus Award (2024)
• First-team All-American (2024)
• Second-team All-SEC (2024)
Video:
Pros:
– Developed impressive pattern-matching skills in zone coverage, showing natural feel for route combinations and spacing
– Quick first step off the edge translates to devastating pass rush ability, demonstrated by his three-sack performance against Texas in 2024
– Shows rare bend and ankle flexion for a linebacker his size, consistently able to flatten around tackles while maintaining speed to the quarterback
– Natural block destructor who uses powerful hands and leverage to keep himself clean, particularly effective when working through traffic
– Brings scheme versatility with experience both as an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker in Georgia’s multiple defensive looks
– Exceptional closing speed in space, verified by his blazing 4.50 forty time that puts him in the 94th percentile at the position
– High-motor player who consistently affects the quarterback, evidenced by his team-leading pressure numbers against Kentucky
– Takes on blocks with excellent pad level and leverage, consistently maintaining position to make plays in the run game
Cons:
– Still developing his instincts as an off-ball linebacker, occasionally showing hesitation when diagnosing run plays and flowing to the ball
– Can get caught playing too square against offensive linemen, limiting his ability to disengage quickly in the run game
– Limited starting experience with only 11 starts at the collegiate level may require patience during his NFL transition
– Shows some rawness in man coverage techniques, particularly when matching up against more nuanced route runners
– Will occasionally overpursue in space, leading to missed opportunities in the backfield when playing as an edge defender
Summary:
Jalon Walker‘s impact as a defensive force became apparent in 2023, as he notched five sacks in a primarily reserve role. However, it was during the 2024 season that he catapulted to national prominence, securing the esteemed Butkus Award and spearheading a formidable Georgia defense.
One of Walker’s standout performances came against Texas, where he amassed three sacks and persistently disrupted the backfield, ultimately earning him SEC Defensive Player of the Week accolades. His versatility and prowess on the field were on full display.
Walker’s collegiate career concluded with a standout senior season, earning him First-Team All-America recognition from multiple publications. The 6’2″, 244-pound linebacker demonstrated remarkable growth, evolving from a specialized pass rusher to a versatile, every-down defender. This transformation showcases his commitment to refining his skills and maintaining the explosive qualities that made him a highly sought-after recruit.
Walker’s game footage reveals an impressive combination of explosiveness, twitch, and power, drawing comparisons to Anthony Barr’s exiting UCLA. His ability to dominate off the edge and excel as an off-ball linebacker makes him a formidable defensive asset. His three-sack performance against Texas, which dismantled their protection scheme, provides a glimpse into his potential at the next level.
Round-2, Pick 53
JT Tuimoloau, DE/EDGE, OSU
HT: 6’5
WT: 268 lbs
Accolades:
• CFP national champion (2024)
• 3× first-team All-Big Ten (2022–2024)
• Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year (2020)
Video:
Pros:
• Overwhelming power at the point of attack, consistently driving offensive tackles into the backfield and collapsing the pocket
• Exceptional play strength allows him to set a firm edge against the run, forcing ball carriers to cut back inside
• Versatile defender capable of playing as a traditional 4-3 end or standing up as an outside linebacker in multiple fronts
• High football IQ and instincts, quickly diagnosing plays and reacting to offensive schemes
• Utilizes long arms and powerful hands to keep blockers at bay, maintaining leverage in the trenches
• Demonstrates an effective spin move as a pass-rush counter, showcasing his agility and body control
• Proven playmaker with a knack for creating turnovers – performance against Penn State was elite
• Durable player who has not missed a game in his collegiate career, indicating good conditioning and resilience
Cons:
• Pass-rush plan can be inconsistent, often relying on power moves without developing a diverse array of techniques
• Struggles with pad level at times, playing too high and negating his natural leverage advantage
• Limited hip flexibility affects his ability to bend the edge and flatten to the quarterback on outside rush attempts
• Lacks elite burst off the line, which can hinder his effectiveness against quick-set offensive tackles
• Could improve hand usage to more effectively shed blocks and disengage from offensive linemen in both run and pass situations
Summary:
JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State’s dominant defensive end, has established himself as a top edge rusher in college football. A standout from Eastside Catholic, Tuimoloau quickly made his mark with the Buckeyes, appearing in all 39 games over three seasons and starting 26 consecutive games. His rise from highly touted recruit to All-American has been characterized by steady growth and clutch performances.
Tuimoloau is poised to become a stalwart defensive end at the next level, boasting a rare combination of size, strength, and football IQ. His skillset is well-suited for teams employing a 4-3 base defense or hybrid fronts. With his ability to anchor the edge against the run, Tuimoloau is expected to make an instant impact, while his burgeoning pass-rushing skills offer exciting potential for growth.
Tuimoloau’s versatility is expected to be a highly prized asset in the NFL. With his frame capable of supporting additional weight, he can shift inside on passing downs, creating advantageous matchups against guards. His experience in coverage also enhances his adaptability to various schemes. Although he may not immediately emerge as an elite pass-rusher, Tuimoloau’s disruptive presence and pocket-collapsing abilities will provide a significant boost to the entire defensive line.
Round-3, Pick 84
Denzel Burke, CB, OSU
HT: 6’1
WT: 194 lbs
Accolades:
• CFP national champion (2024)
• First-team All-Big Ten (2023)
• 2× Third-team All-Big Ten (2021, 2024)
Video:
Pros:
• Shows excellent ball skills, capable of high-pointing and disrupting passes with good timing and hand coordination.
• Possesses a smooth backpedal with quick feet, allowing for rapid transitions and effective mirroring of receivers.
• Demonstrates great quickness and burst when closing on ball carriers and in coverage situations.
• Fluid hips and good lateral movement enable him to stay with receivers through their routes effectively.
• Displays strong play recognition and awareness in both run and pass situations, contributing to overall defensive support.
• Effective in press coverage, using length and physicality to disrupt routes early.
• Combines length, speed, and agility, making him versatile in both man and zone coverages.
• Brings a competitive edge and willingness to support in run defense, showcasing physicality despite not being the most dynamic tackler.
Cons:
• Long speed, while decent is not elite. He will struggle against the speedier pro receivers – especially in deep man coverage
• Needs to improve footwork to avoid getting sloppy in transitions and closing on the ball.
• Occasionally overextends and grabs, risking penalties in tight coverage situations.
• Lacks elite hip fluidity, which can hinder recovery against quicker, more agile receivers.
• Struggles with securing tackles consistently, often opting for less reliable methods.
• Not overly physical in tackles, needing to add strength to enhance physicality at the next level.
Summary:
Denzel Burke’s unique combination of length, size, and ball skills makes him an attractive prospect for the NFL Draft. His impressive ability to mirror receivers’ routes and contest passes at the point of attack renders him effective in both man-to-man and zone coverage. Burke’s impressive collegiate resume, featuring 71 tackles, 26 pass breakups, and two interceptions, underscores his reputation as a playmaking defender.
Denzel Burke is poised to become a formidable outside cornerback in the NFL, capable of thriving in various defensive systems. His potential to excel in man coverage, coupled with his zone awareness, makes him a versatile and valuable defender. With refinement in tackling and footwork, Burke has the potential to evolve into a standout pro starter.
Throughout his collegiate career, Burke garnered numerous accolades, including Freshman All-American honors in 2021 and first-team All-Big Ten recognition in 2023. Over three seasons, he accumulated 71 tackles, two interceptions, one defensive touchdown, and 26 pass breakups, solidifying his status as a key contributor to Ohio State’s secondary and positioning himself for success at the next level.
Buccaneers Mock Draft Summary
This mock has the Buccaneers addressing three needs on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker Javon Walker looks to be an instant starter for the Buccaneers on day one. The Buccaneers pass-rush definitely needs improving. JT Tuimoloau will immediately improve this for the Buccaneers, even if it’s just as a rotational player. The team lacks depth and quality at the position. Defensive back Denzel Burke will need to be the player he’s projected to be. Burke’s ability to play the ball in the air is one of his greatest assets. That alone will improve the Buccaneers secondary.
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