The first wave of free agency is over. We now have a more clear picture of what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will look like in 2025. And while most of the moves made were for depth purposes, every signing will have an impact on the upcoming NFL draft.
With re-signing of Lavonte David and Chris Godwin and the addition of Haason Reddick, it gives us an indication of what the Bucs priorities might be. Based on that, here is my Buccaneers post free agency mock draft.
19) Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The Bucs have three linebackers of consequence under contract and two of them are on one year deals. It would make a lot of sense to make a significant investment at this position to solidify both the present and the future. In this case, that would be star Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
Campbell is at his best when dropping into coverage. He is fluid and has a knack for getting himself into passing lanes. This is the type of player that helps solidify the middle of the field in the back seven.
At the same time, Campbell is also a tackling machine. He’s a thickly built linebacker who tested like a top tier athlete at the NFL combine. He has all the tools to man the middle of the defense for years to come.Â
53) Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
In terms of ballhawks, there might not be a better one in this class than Watt. The free Safety from Notre Dame has 13 interceptions over the last two seasons and was named the most outstanding defensive player in the country in 2023. Pretty impressive for a guy who played wide receiver and linebacker in his first two college seasons.Â
Considering the emphasis the Bucs brass has put on turnovers this offseason, Watts makes all the sense in the world. He would allow Bowles to be aggressive with guys like Antione Wiunfield Jr. and Tykee Smith. Having the security blanket of a single high safety that quarterbacks have to worry about opens up a lot with the rest of the defense.Â
84) Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, MichiganÂ
If you were a fan of the way Shaq Barrett played football then odds are that you’ll probably like this pick. Stewart is a little undersized at just 6’1, but he plays bigger than his size. He’s a feisty run defender who doesn’t need to be limited to just a pass rush role.
Of course, rushing the passer is where his bread is buttered. His speed and bend around the edge is always valuable in the NFL. Allowing him to learn from Haason Reddick and ease into things in a rotational role and I believe Stewart can hit the ground running.
120) Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
Bryant isn’t the biggest guy. Or the fastest. To be blunt, he’s pretty average from a physical gifts perspective. However, his mentality makes him a perfect fit for this Bucs defense.
At only 180 lbs (listed 170 lbs in college), Bryant is one of the best tackling defensive backs in the draft. And while his physical limitations probably prevent him from being a great man coverage defender, his skills in zone are very good. As a depth option for a zone heavy team, Bryant is a great addition with starting potential.
158) Jackson Slater, IOL, Sacramento State
This is the Jason Licht special right here. A small school left tackle who can be moved inside to guard and has excellent physical tools to work with. On top of that, he was a stand out at the Senior Bowl and met with the Bucs at the NFL combine.
The team needs to strengthen their interior depth with the loss of Robert Hainsey. Slater is a high upside option that could develop into a starter down the line.
237) Bru McCoy, WR, Tennessee
The Buccaneers are lacking size on the outside. After Mike Evans, there aren’t many true outside wide receivers on the roster. McCoy can certainly fill that need and add outside depth.
At nearly 6’3 and 210 lbs, McCoy is a physical presence who catches everything thrown his way. His college career has been riddled with injuries, but there is legitimate talent here to work with. He can stick as a 5th or 6th wide receiver who excels in contested catches and moving the chains.
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