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
Shemar Stewart, DE/EDGE, Texas A&M
HT: 6’5
WT: 290 lbs
Accolades:
2024 All-SEC Third Team
2022 SEC All-Freshman Team
Video:
Pros:
• Rare blend of size and movement skills at 290 pounds – shows shocking lateral agility when working stunts and impressive closing burst to the quarterback
• Devastating power at the point of attack when he plays with proper leverage, regularly walking back offensive tackles with a vicious bull rush
• Versatile defensive weapon who can wreak havoc from multiple alignments – effective both as an edge setter and interior penetrator
• Converts speed to power with impressive force, showing the ability to compress the pocket and collapse passing lanes with pure strength
• Displays rare bend and flexibility for a man his size when cornering the edge – can drop his shoulder and flatten to the quarterback
• Quick processor who adapts his approach mid-game, showing the mental capacity to build off prior reps and counter offensive line adjustments
• Brings juice as a pursuit defender with outstanding effort and closing speed – runs like his hair’s on fire chasing plays from the backside
• Explosive first step off the ball creates immediate problems in the run game, consistently resetting the line of scrimmage with violent hand strikes and raw power
Cons:
• Raw pass rush plan needs significant refinement – relies too heavily on pure athleticism rather than developing consistent counter moves
• Hand usage remains a work in progress, often being late to engage which allows blockers to get into his frame and control the point of attack
• Must improve ability to convert pressures into sacks – tends to get wild at the top of his rush leading to missed opportunities
• Can get overaggressive playing the run, occasionally losing gap discipline when trying to make splash plays in the backfield
• Production doesn’t match the elite physical traits, managing just 4.5 sacks over three seasons despite significant playing time
Summary:
At 6’5″ and 290 pounds, this defensive powerhouse demonstrated exceptional endurance throughout his three-year collegiate career, participating in 37 games. Although his statistics (4.5 career sacks) may not be staggering, Stewart’s steady growth and glimpses of brilliance, particularly in run defense where he consistently outmuscled blockers, suggest that his peak performance is yet to come at the professional level.
The film showcases a defensive force ideally suited for an aggressive 4-3 system, where he can unleash his attacking style. Stewart’s explosive acceleration and natural strength make him a seamless fit for a wide-9 alignment, enabling him to establish a formidable edge while retaining the agility to adjust inside on passing downs. His skill in stacking and shedding blockers while maintaining gap discipline will make him an instant starter against the run.
Although his pass-rushing arsenal requires refinement, the innate talent is undeniable. When Stewart effectively harnesses his speed to generate power, he annihilates the anchor of opposing tackles and collapses the pocket with alarming regularity. Combining this foundation with his exceptional flexibility at 290 pounds, Stewart’s potential as a dominant three-down defender is vast, pending further development of his hand technique. His adaptability during games and eagerness to counter offensive line strategies also suggest significant untapped potential as a pass rusher.
Stewart would provide an instant upgrade for the Buccaneers at the edge rusher position. This is key for the Buccaneers as they are very weak at the position.
Round – 2, Pick 53
Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
HT: 6’2
WT: 190 lbs
Accolades:
Bill McGrotha Award
All-ACC Academic Team
ACC Honor Roll
Video:
Pros:
• Exceptional length paired with quick-twitch athleticism allows him to shrink passing windows and affect throws even when slightly out of position in coverage
• Shows advanced route recognition from off coverage, particularly against quick game concepts where he consistently jumps underneath routes with explosive closing speed
• Natural mirroring ability in press coverage stands out on tape – patient feet and fluid hips let him match releases without defaulting to grabbing
• Rare combination of size and fluidity for the position – changes direction like a smaller corner while maintaining the length to challenge bigger receivers
• Excels at using the sideline as an extra defender, consistently funneling vertical routes toward his help and limiting space for receivers to operate
• Demonstrates veteran savvy with hand usage through the route stem, subtly directing receivers’ paths without drawing flags
• High-level competitive toughness shows up repeatedly against the run – triggers downhill aggressively and shows no hesitation taking on larger blockers
• Special teams experience across all units adds immediate value while he develops – size/speed combination makes him a potential gunner day one
Cons:
• Press technique remains inconsistent – powerful punch when landed but accuracy wavers, leading to compromised positioning against cleaner releases
• Occasional lapses in tackling fundamentals appear in space – relies too heavily on arm tackles rather than breaking down and driving through contact
• Ball production doesn’t match his disruptive abilities – needs to convert more deflections into turnovers at the next level
• Can get grabby when beat vertically, particularly against double moves where initial patient technique abandons him
• Takes overly aggressive angles pursuing outside runs, creating cutback lanes that negate his physical advantages in run support
Summary:
Thomas’s game footage reveals why scouts are taking notice: his 6’2″ frame packs impressive athleticism. He’s aggressive in press coverage, using quick hands and fluid footwork to stay stride-for-stride with receivers. However, upon closer examination, his limitations become apparent, explaining his projected early third-round draft position. Thomas often gets caught looking into the backfield, and savvy route runners can exploit him with double moves, leaving him vulnerable.
Thomas’s on-field demeanor is undeniably compelling – he embodies the fierce, competitive spirit desired in a boundary corner. His standout performance against Notre Dame showcased his tenacity, as he battled relentlessly and harassed the Fighting Irish’s outside receivers. However, his struggles against Duke, marked by three missed tackles in the open field, underscore his raw, unpolished edges. While possessing all the physical attributes necessary to trouble NFL receivers, Thomas must refine his skills to reach his full potential.
A late-second to early-third round draft position seems fitting for this cornerback, who exhibits glimpses of elite potential but remains unrefined. With two years of guidance from a seasoned defensive backs coach, who can refine his footwork and instill trust in his instincts, he may blossom into a reliable boundary starter. However, expectations of immediate stardom or shutdown capabilities against top receivers are unrealistic, and teams should temper their enthusiasm accordingly.
All the pass rush in the world won’t matter for the Buccaneers if they can’t cover anybody. The Buccaneers secondary is in desperate need of playmakers and stability. That’s exactly what the Bucs will get with Thomas.
Round – 3, Pick 84
Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
HT: 6’4
WT: 226 lbs
Accolades:
• First-team All-American (2024)
• First-team All-Big Ten (2024)
Video:
Pros:
• Hot motor with sideline-to-sideline range. Shows dog mentality when chasing down ball carriers in space.
• Quick trigger downhill with natural instincts to shoot gaps and beat blockers to spots in the run game.
• Plays with loose hips and fluid feet in coverage. Clean pedal and transitions when matching up with backs and tight ends.
• High football IQ with savvy route recognition. Consistently finds work in zone and processes combinations quickly.
• Nasty demeanor as a blitzer. Shows juice getting home and understands how to disguise and time up pressures.
• Plus body control and balance as a tackler. Breaks down in space and drives through contact with proper form.
• Battle-tested special teams demon with three years of experience in the third phase.
• Team captain- commands respect in the locker room through work ethic.
Cons:
• Thin-framed defender with questionable anchor. Gets swallowed by size and lacks pop in his hands when taking on blocks.
• Raw stack-and-shed ability. Struggles to disengage once bigger bodies latch on at point of attack.
• Green in terms of starting experience with only one year as primary defender.
• Can play too fast downhill at times. Gets caught peeking in backfield and will overrun some fits.
• Build limits upside as traditional inside backer. Frame suggests move to WILL in pros.
Summary:
Carson Schwesinger profiles as a developmental WILL linebacker with immediate special teams value. He boasts innate instincts and above-average athleticism, but must bulk up and refine his ability to shed blocks to secure defensive playing time. If he can maintain his agility while increasing his strength, he possesses the potential to become a three-down contributor.
Schwesinger is best suited for a 4-3 defensive scheme, where he can capitalize on his strengths in space and exploit gaps, rather than consistently engaging with blockers. He’s poised to make an instant impact on special teams, particularly in kick coverage, while developing into a reliable backup linebacker. As a Day three prospect, Schwesinger offers upside for growth into a defensive sub-package role.
To reach his full potential, Schwesinger must focus on adding strength at the point of attack without compromising his athleticism. While he demonstrates flashes of playmaking ability, he needs to develop greater consistency in reading keys and trusting his instincts. His blue-collar work ethic and value on special teams, however, provide a clear pathway for him to secure a roster spot and gradually expand his role.
Schwesinger is a plug and play guy for the Buccaneers at the linebacker position. This is definitely a need for the Buccaneers, especially with not knowing if Lavonte David will return. Look for the Buccaneers to focus on this position not only in the draft, but free agency as well.
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