The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the 2025 NFL Draft looking to build upon a 2024 season that saw them finish with a 10-7 record and make an appearance in the playoffs. While the offense proved to be potent, ranking among the league's most explosive scoring threats, the defense landed in the middle of the pack in terms of overall performance and scoring. Considering the overwhelming rash of injuries that forced 17 different starting lineups on defense throughout the regular season, that was still quite an accomplishment. With six picks in this year's draft, the Buccaneers aimed to inject fresh talent into the roster, particularly on the edge and at inside linebacker. The anticipation surrounding the 2025 draft class was palpable, with fans eager to see how these new additions would contribute to the team's continued pursuit of success. Ultimately, the Buccaneers made six selections, strategically targeting value and addressing needs on both sides of the ball.

Round 1 Pick 19: WR Emeka Egbuka

(Ohio State)

With the 19th overall pick, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Emeka Egbuka, a highly touted wide receiver from Ohio State. This marked the first time the Buccaneers used their first-round pick on a wide receiver since 2014, when they selected Mike Evans. Egbuka enjoyed a prolific career with the Buckeyes, leaving as the program's all-time leader in receptions with 205. He also ranks second in school history with 2,868 receiving yards and seventh with 24 touchdown receptions across his 49 collegiate games. His senior season was particularly impressive, as he hauled in 81 receptions for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns, joining Marvin Harrison Jr. as the only Ohio State players to record two 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Demonstrating consistent reliability, Egbuka started 40 consecutive games and caught at least one pass in his final 40 contests. He showcased his big-play ability with performances like his 10-reception game against Oregon in 2024 and a 143-yard outing against Michigan State in 2023. While primarily a receiver, Egbuka also contributed on special teams, gaining valuable experience as a kickoff returner in 2021. His collegiate accolades include being a CFP national champion in 2024, a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2022, and earning third-team All-Big Ten honors twice, in 2023 and 2024.

Egbuka joins a notable list of Ohio State alumni who have been drafted by the Buccaneers. Past Buckeyes to wear the pewter and red as draftees include players like Aaron Brown(1978) and Will Allen(2004).

The selection of Egbuka suggests a forward-thinking approach for the Buccaneers' receiving corps. Even with established stars like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, adding a high-caliber talent like Egbuka provides both immediate depth and a potential cornerstone for the future. His impressive production and record-breaking career at a program renowned for producing NFL-ready receivers indicate he has the potential to make an immediate impact. The Buccaneers' willingness to invest a first-round pick in another receiver, despite their existing talent at the position, underscores their commitment to maintaining a potent passing attack and potentially evolving their offensive schemes.

Round 2 Pick 53: CB Benjamin Morrison

(Notre Dame)

In the second round, with the 53rd overall pick, the Buccaneers continued to build for the future by selecting cornerback Benjamin Morrison from Notre Dame. This pick aligns with the team's stated goal of enhancing their pass rush and acquiring defensive backs with a knack for making plays on the ball. Morrison established himself as a ball-hawking corner during his time with the Fighting Irish, tallying an impressive nine interceptions in the 2022 and 2023 seasons combined. As a true freshman in 2022, he burst onto the scene with six interceptions , earning Freshman All-American honors from multiple prominent media outlets. He followed up his stellar freshman campaign with a strong sophomore season, recording 31 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and leading the team with 10 pass breakups. While his junior season was unfortunately cut short due to a hip injury, he still managed to contribute 20 tackles and four pass breakups in just six games. Despite the injury, Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht expressed confidence that Morrison would be ready to go by the start of training camp. His versatility and potential to compete for immediate playing time in the secondary were also noted.

Morrison becomes the latest in a line of Notre Dame players to be drafted by the Buccaneers. Other notable former Fighting Irish to play in Tampa Bay include Robert Hainsey(2021) and Maurice Stovall(2006).

Morrison's knack for interceptions early in his college career signals a significant playmaking ability that could greatly benefit the Buccaneers' defense. The team's decision to draft him despite his recent injury demonstrates their belief in his long-term potential and recovery. The consecutive selections of Morrison and Jacob Parrish in the second and third rounds underscore a clear priority for the Buccaneers: strengthening and improving their secondary, an area that faced challenges with injuries and depth in the previous season.

Round 3 Pick 84: CB Jacob Parrish

(Kansas State)

Continuing the focus on the secondary, the BUCS selected cornerback Jacob Parrish from Kansas State with the 84th overall pick in the third round. Parrish brings a solid track record from his time with the Wildcats, totaling 137 tackles, six interceptions, and 21 passes defended in his collegiate career. He declared for the NFL Draft after his junior season, which saw him record 44 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions, and a team-leading 13 passes defended. In his senior year, he started all 12 games, contributing 50 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and eight passes defended. Throughout his three seasons at Kansas State, Parrish played in 38 games, starting 24, and also contributed on special teams as a true freshman. Notably, Parrish is a gifted athlete who also excelled in track and field, winning state titles in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, and played basketball in high school. His consistent performance earned him All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors in both 2023 and 2024.

Parrish adds his name to the list of Kansas State players drafted by the Buccaneers. Other former Wildcats to play for Tampa Bay include quarterback Josh Freeman(2009) and placekicker Martin Gramatica(1999).

Parrish's impressive speed, highlighted by his 4.35-second 40-yard dash , combined with his versatility and consistent production at Kansas State, makes him another valuable addition to the Buccaneers' cornerback room. His track background suggests excellent athleticism and recovery speed. The Buccaneers' decision to prioritize cornerbacks in the second and third rounds clearly indicates their commitment to significantly upgrading their pass coverage for the upcoming season.

Round 4 Pick 121: OLB David Walker

(Central Arkansas)

With their fourth-round pick, 121st overall, the Buccaneers addressed their need for pass-rushing help by selecting outside linebacker David Walker from Central Arkansas. Walker was a dominant force at the FCS level, racking up an impressive 191 tackles, 63 tackles for loss, and 31 sacks in just 34 games for the Bears. His senior season was particularly noteworthy, as he earned the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, given to the top defensive player in the FCS, after recording 68 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks. Walker's journey to the NFL included a transfer from Division II Southern Arkansas, where he also displayed his talent with 52 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 8.0 sacks in his second season. His consistent excellence earned him three-time All-American honors and three consecutive conference Defensive Player of the Year awards. Notably, Walker's final collegiate season saw him earn top grades from Pro Football Focus (PFF), ranking first among all FCS and FBS edge defenders in overall, pass-rushing, and run-defense metrics. At the NFL Combine, Walker showcased his athleticism with a 4.69-second 40-yard dash and impressive agility drill times.

Walker becomes just the second player from Central Arkansas to be drafted by the Buccaneers. Tyree Davis(1993) is the other former Bear who played for Tampa Bay.

Walker's exceptional production at the FCS level, coupled with his strong showing at the Senior Bowl , suggests he has the potential to be a disruptive pass rusher in the NFL despite his smaller-school background. His transfer from Division II demonstrates his drive and continuous improvement. The Buccaneers' decision to add Walker and Elijah Roberts on Day 3 highlights a strategic approach to bolstering their pass-rushing depth and potentially uncovering valuable talent outside of the Power Five conferences.

Round 5 Pick 157: DL Elijah Roberts

(SMU)

Continuing to fortify their defensive front, the Buccaneers selected defensive lineman Elijah Roberts from SMU with the 157th overall pick in the fifth round. Roberts was a relentless disruptor in the backfield for the Mustangs, leading the entire FBS with an astounding 131 quarterback pressures over the 2023 and 2024 seasons. In his senior season at SMU, he recorded 35 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 11 tackles for loss. His junior year was equally productive, as he tallied 37 tackles, 10 sacks, and 12.5 tackles for loss, earning second-team All-AAC honors. Roberts transferred to SMU after spending three seasons at Miami, where he appeared in 20 games, starting one. He demonstrated versatility by playing multiple positions along the defensive line for the Mustangs. At the NFL Combine, Roberts posted a solid 4.78-second 40-yard dash.

Roberts is the first player from SMU to be drafted by the Buccaneers since 1986, when they selected Rod Jones.

Roberts' exceptional ability to generate quarterback pressures, as evidenced by his FBS-leading statistic, indicates he has the potential to be a valuable rotational pass rusher for the Buccaneers. His experience at both Miami and SMU highlights his adaptability and consistent production. The Buccaneers' decision to add interior defensive line depth with Roberts complements their earlier selection of edge rusher David Walker, signaling a comprehensive effort to improve their overall pass rush.

Round 7 Pick 235: WR Tez Johnson

(Oregon)

With their final pick in the seventh round, 235th overall, the Buccaneers added another offensive weapon in wide receiver Tez Johnson from Oregon. Johnson is described as an "electric wide receiver/punt returner" with the potential to be a late-round steal. During his two seasons with the Ducks, Johnson established himself as a prolific pass-catcher, recording 169 receptions for 2,080 yards and 20 touchdowns. His 2023 season was record-breaking, as he set a new Oregon single-season mark with 86 receptions, while also tallying 1,182 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He followed that up with another strong season, catching 83 passes for 898 yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior year, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors and being named the Big Ten Championship Game MVP. Prior to his time at Oregon, Johnson was a standout at Troy, where he led the team in receiving and earned third-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2021. He also brings value as a punt returner, including a pivotal touchdown return against Boise State. Notably, Johnson will be reunited with his former Oregon teammate and best friend, Bucky Irving.

Johnson joins a select group of Oregon players who have been drafted by the Buccaneers. Past Ducks to be drafted by Tampa Bay include Justin Phinisee(2006) and last year's breakout rookie RB Bucky Irving.

Johnson's impressive production at Oregon, including setting a school record for receptions, showcases his potential as a playmaker despite his smaller frame. His punt return ability adds another valuable dimension to his game. Furthermore, his existing relationship with Bucky Irving could foster positive chemistry within the team. Even after selecting Emeka Egbuka in the first round, the Buccaneers' decision to add another receiver in the seventh round suggests they are seeking diverse skill sets and potential contributors for their receiving corps and special teams unit.

Overall

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2025 NFL Draft class appears to be a well-rounded group that addresses several key areas for the team. The selections of Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson add dynamic playmaking potential to the offense, providing both immediate help and future building blocks. The Buccaneers made a clear commitment to improving their secondary with the additions of Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish, both of whom bring a history of strong coverage and playmaking. On the defensive front, David Walker and Elijah Roberts offer intriguing pass-rushing upside, potentially providing the Buccaneers with the increased pressure they were seeking. This draft class reflects a balanced approach, addressing both immediate needs on defense and strategically planning for the future on offense. The Buccaneers' scouting department cast a wide net, finding talent across various college levels, suggesting a focus on acquiring the best players available regardless of their school's profile.

This group of talent appears to be one of the best and most diverse draft classes in recent memory for the BUCS. That is, of course, until their rookie contracts play out. But on the surface, the proverbial ceiling for this draft class as a whole could be as high as any group Jason Licht & Co. have put together.

The Buccaneers’ 2025 Draft Class Is A Dangerous Gathering Of Talent