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.
Buccaneers Round -1, Pick 19
Buccaneers Select: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
HT: 6’1
WT: 206 lbs
Accolades:
CFP national champion (2022)
First-team All-American (2024)
Consensus All-American (2023)
2× First-team All-SEC (2023, 2024)
Freshman All-American (2022)
Video:
Pros:
Devastatingly effective run defender who processes plays at warp speed, bringing elite closing burst and surgical angles to shut down rushing lanes before they develop
Rare combination of track speed and violent physicality shows up in his tackling – drives through ball carriers with textbook form while maintaining the explosiveness to deliver impact shots
Shows advanced hand usage against blockers in the box, consistently creates separation with strong punch before shedding to make plays against the run
Elite change of direction skills and short-area quickness allow him to mirror backs in space, rarely gets caught flat-footed against cutbacks or bounce-outs
Demonstrates natural instincts in zone coverage, particularly in matching patterns and feeling routes develop behind him while keeping eyes in the backfield
Verified 4.35 speed shows up consistently on tape, especially when ranging from deep alignment to make plays near the line of scrimmage
High football IQ manifests in pre-snap communication and adjustment – consistently got Georgia’s secondary aligned properly against motion and shifts
Shows natural hands and body control when playing the ball in the air, tracks it early and adjusts without losing speed
Cons:
Can get overaggressive attacking downhill against play action, occasionally loses leverage in coverage when quarterbacks manipulate him with their eyes
Press technique needs refinement, particularly against quick-twitch slots who can exploit his occasional high pad level off the line
Will sometimes trust his recovery speed too much in man coverage, giving up initial separation before trying to close late on breaking routes
Takes some questionable angles in pursuit when playing deep safety, leading to missed opportunities to make plays on the ball
Could show better discipline maintaining leverage in zone coverage, occasionally gets drawn out of position by quarterback manipulation
Summary:
The tape showcases a defensive prospect with exceptional run-defense skills, but also reveals some limitations in coverage. Although Malaki Starks excels in zone coverage, utilizing his impressive athleticism to recover, his technique and instincts in this area are still developing. Notably, he struggles to transition against elusive slot receivers and occasionally lapses in zone discipline, raising concerns about his potential as a well-rounded defensive back.
What stands out most on tape is not only Starks’ elite athleticism, which seamlessly transfers from the track, but also his remarkably rapid development of football instincts. These instincts perfectly complement his physical gifts, showcasing a textbook example of player development. Starks’ evolution from a talented athlete to a defensive stalwart culminated in a standout campaign, earning him a spot as a Jim Thorpe Award finalist and highlighting his dominance across multiple facets of the game.
Starks is a first-round talent whose instant impact is contingent on fitting seamlessly into a team’s scheme and being utilized effectively. His exceptional athleticism and polished run-defense skills warrant immediate playing time. However, his limitations in coverage may be exploited by complex passing offenses. While Starks brings a unique combination of physical prowess and aggressive playing style to the table, he requires substantial technical refinement to become a dependable, all-around defensive back.
Buccaneers Round -2, Pick 53
Buccaneers Select: 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.
Buccaneers Round -3, Pick 84
Buccaneers Select: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
HT: 6’1
WT: 230 lbs
Accolades:
• First-team All-ACC (2024)
• Second-team All-ACC (2023)
Video:
Pros:
Unleashes controlled chaos in the run game, consistently staying square to the line while sifting through traffic to find the ball with natural instincts
Fires downhill like a heat-seeking missile, showing explosive burst through gaps and natural timing when attacking the line of scrimmage
Takes on blocks with serious pop in his hands, consistently jolting tight ends backward before violently disengaging to pursue
Brings the thunder as a tackler between the tackles, showing consistent wrap-up technique and driving through contact with bad intentions
Natural feel for working through traffic, using quick feet and leverage to slice between blocks without losing momentum to the ball
Shows impressive range flowing sideline-to-sideline, eating up ground with long strides and closing burst to the perimeter
Effective blitzer with natural timing and burst, consistently catching protection schemes off-balance with his acceleration
Disciplined eyes in zone coverage, maintaining proper depth and showing awareness of route combinations developing around him
Cons:
Struggles to disengage once offensive linemen lock onto his frame, particularly against guards who can match his power at point of attack
Shows some hesitation diagnosing play direction against teams that utilize heavy pre-snap motion and misdirection
Can get caught flat-footed in man coverage, allowing separation at the top of routes rather than staying in phase through breaks
Sometimes takes circuitous pursuit angles to the ball, creating extra space for runners to exploit in the open field
Will occasionally overrun plays from the backside, creating cutback lanes by getting too aggressive flowing to the ball
Summary:
Barrett Carter is best suited for NFL teams that utilize multiple defensive fronts and prioritize aggressive linebacker play against the run. His skillset will appeal to defensive coordinators, as he excels at stacking and shedding tight ends, delivering impactful tackles. While Carter requires development in man-to-man coverage, he’s poised to make an immediate impact as a run-stopper and special teams contributor.
Expect Barrett Carter to make a swift impact as a base defense linebacker and special teams standout, while refining his coverage skills. His long-term potential hinges on his ability to enhance his man-to-man coverage technique. However, his foundation as a formidable run defender and blitzer ensures he’ll be a valuable asset to any defensive front seven seeking energetic and explosive talent at the linebacker position.
Carter cemented his legacy in his senior season, earning Butkus Award finalist recognition as captain of the Clemson Tigers’ defense. His remarkable durability was on full display, playing a staggering 838 snaps – the most by a Clemson linebacker since Ben Boulware in 2016. Throughout his collegiate career, Carter showcased his versatility by making a significant impact in every defensive phase. Notably, he achieved a rare feat as the only FBS player during his tenure to record 30+ tackles for loss, 20+ pass breakups, 3+ interceptions.
Buccaneers Round -4, Pick 120
Buccaneers Select: Jordan Hancock, DB, OSU
HT: 6’1
WT: 196 lbs
Accolades:
CFP national champion (2024)
Video:
Pros:
Exceptional fluidity and change of direction skills allow him to mirror receivers effectively in man coverage
Demonstrates strong route recognition and anticipation, particularly adept at jumping underneath routes
Versatile defender capable of excelling in press-man, off-man, and zone coverage schemes
Possesses the short-area quickness and closing speed to recover and make plays on the ball
Displays good football IQ, able to quickly diagnose plays and communicate adjustments in the secondary
Effective blitzer from the slot, using his burst to penetrate gaps and disrupt backfield plays
Shows willingness and technique to support the run, not shy about engaging blockers
Exhibits playmaking ability with a knack for creating turnovers, both interceptions and forced fumbles
Cons:
Lean frame may struggle against more physical NFL receivers, needs to add functional strength
Can occasionally lose leverage at the stem of routes, leading to separation
Sometimes relies on grabbing when beaten, which could lead to penalties at the next level
While aggressive, tackling technique can be inconsistent, especially in open-field situations
May have limitations in press coverage against larger receivers due to lack of elite length
Summary:
Hancock’s collegiate career gained momentum in 2023, as he broke out with a standout season. Playing in every game (13) and starting seven, he compiled an impressive statistical profile 41 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, including a pivotal 93-yard pick-six against Rutgers. This notable performance earned Hancock the Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week honors, cementing his reputation as a dynamic playmaker in the secondary.
Jordan Hancock is well-suited for zone-heavy defensive schemes, particularly those employing pattern-matching concepts. His instincts and rapid processing ability enable him to excel in these systems. Additionally, his experience in a premier college program and against top-tier competition will facilitate a smoother transition to the professional level.
While Hancock may need to add some bulk to endure the physical demands of an NFL season, his exceptional coverage skills and playmaking prowess make him a compelling prospect.
As Hancock transitions to the NFL, he’s poised to become a versatile defensive back capable of making an immediate impact. His flexibility in playing both outside corner and slot positions provides defensive coordinators with valuable adaptability in personnel packages.
Hancock’s skillset is particularly tailored for teams that heavily incorporate man coverage and frequently blitz their nickel corners, making him an attractive prospect for schemes that prioritize aggression and versatility.
Buccaneers Round -5, Pick 158
Buccaneers Select: Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon
HT: 6’1
WT: 226 lbs
Accolades:
Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP (2024)
Second-team All-Pac-12 (2023)
Video:
Pros:
Natural defensive quarterback who processes pre-snap alignments and communicates adjustments with veteran savvy
Former safety background translates to plus-coverage skills, showing quick trigger and burst jumping underneath routes
Twitched-up blitzer who consistently disrupts protection schemes, evidenced by elite pressure production from multiple gap alignments
Exhibits quick-twitch lateral movement and closing burst when working in space against outside zone concepts
Advanced route recognition from zone drops, maintaining leverage while reading quarterback’s eyes through progression
Shows natural feel for timing and angles as a delayed blitzer, consistently pressing gaps to affect quarterback launch point
Stack-and-flow ability against zone runs allows him to maintain gap integrity while working to the football
Four-phase special teams value with gunner experience and kick coverage production
Cons:
Lacks ideal knock-back power at point of attack when taking on climbing offensive linemen
Frame needs continued development to anchor against power concepts targeting his gap
Shows some false steps against play action, creating occasional coverage voids behind second level
Contact balance through trash needs refinement, particularly when working through congested areas
Length limitations affect strike zone as a tackler, leading to some drag-down finishes
Summary:
Jeffrey Bassa served as the defensive signal-caller for Oregon over three seasons, transitioning seamlessly from safety to linebacker. His impressive performance earned him second-team All-Pac-12 honors and recognition as the Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP.
As a three-year starter, Bassa accumulated 182 total tackles. His standout 2023 campaign consisted of 72 tackles, 27 quarterback pressures, game-sealing interception returned for a touchdown against Texas Tech
Jeffrey Bassa’s skills align perfectly with the modern NFL’s focus on versatile sub-package defenders. As a coverage-oriented linebacker with a proven track record of blitzing effectiveness, he’s well-positioned to thrive in today’s league.
While Bassa has already demonstrated impressive abilities, there’s still room for growth and development. Specifically, he can continue to refine his skills in diagnosing complex run schemes and defeating blocks at the point of attack.
Jeffrey Bassa’s ideal schematic fit is in an aggressive 4-3 defense that incorporates various pressure packages and coverage rotations. He has the highest potential to make an impact in nickel situations, whereh is coverage instincts can be fully utilized. His blitz timing can be maximized. He’s less exposed to power run concepts, playing to his strengths.
Buccaneers Round -7, Pick 237
Buccaneers Select: CJ West, NT/DT, Indiana
HT: 6’1
WT: 314 lbs
Accolades:
Tabbed third-team All-Mid-American Conference
Earned All-MAC honors from Pro Football Focus
Video:
Pros:
Initial burst off the snap can catch interior linemen off guard, particularly effective when shooting gaps in obvious running situations
Natural leverage from his compact frame helps him win the pad level battle early in reps, though this advantage often fades as drives progress
Shows good lateral movement skills for his size, able to work down the line against zone runs when he maintains proper technique
Flashes an effective swim move and occasional bull rush, particularly productive against lesser competition
Demonstrates ability to recognize blocking schemes and react accordingly, though execution isn’t always consistent
High-effort player who will chase plays from behind and fight through entire defensive series
Has faced quality competition in non-conference games, providing good evaluation tape against NFL-caliber opponents
Versatile enough to line up in multiple techniques, offering some scheme flexibility for NFL defenses
Cons:
Significant snap reaction issues – consistently late off the ball despite aligning over center, negating his natural explosiveness
Struggles mightily with pad level maintenance – stands up far too quickly and gets controlled by better offensive linemen
Hand placement is a major concern – lands outside too frequently and lacks the length to recover once blockers establish position
Shows concerning balance issues, particularly when forced to redirect or handle down blocks
Tackling technique is problematic – leaves his feet too often and struggles to finish plays he creates in the backfield
Summary:
CJ West is a seasoned interior defender who has carved out a notable collegiate career, transitioning from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) to the Big Ten. West brings a compelling blend of production and limitations to the NFL draft discussion.
After starting 35 games at Kent State, where he tallied 110 tackles and 19.5 tackles for loss (TFLs), West transferred to Indiana for his final season. The 6’2″, 317-pound defensive tackle has showcased glimpses of excellence against elite competition. However, his performances against powerhouses like Georgia and Texas A&M have also exposed both promising traits and areas for concern.
The game footage tells the story – CJ West unleashes his potential in a single-gap front, where he can freely attack. Witness his dominating performance in the UCF game opener, where he utilized a swift swim move to strip-sack the quarterback, or his consistent ability to slice through MAC competition.
—
West possesses natural leverage that makes guards uneasy, particularly when he times his initial burst correctly. However, his limitations become apparent when watching the Georgia game tape West Exhibits high pad level, which hinders his effectiveness, struggling to disengage from blocks, getting washed out by double teams, exposing his vulnerability against stronger competition
The team that selects CJ West in the later rounds can expect a rotational defensive tackle with notable pass-rushing potential. By deploying him in the 3-technique position, allowing him to focus on attacking a single gap, West can unleash his strengths.
While limitations, such as missed tackles and balance issues, are inherent to his game, a targeted role as a penetrating backup tackle can help mask these concerns. West’s natural ability and upside as a rusher make him a worthwhile investment for teams seeking depth and athleticism along their defensive line.
The BR Rub
Yes this entire mock draft is on the defensive side of the ball. Have you seen the Buccaneers depth chart on defense?
Follow, Like and Subscribe to Bucs Report
BucsReport.com
For more on this and everything Buccaneers check back here hourly at BucsReport.com
