The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will pick 19th in the NFL Draft on Thursday Night. This Buccaneers team has numerous needs, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
With their first pick in the draft, the Bucs should look at edge rushers and secondary players. There are plenty of players available who will help them improve their defense.
The Buccaneers ranked 29th in passing yards allowed and interception percentage last season. The signing of Hassan Reddick in free agency should help pass defense, but the Bucs need some playmakers in the defensive backfield.
General Manager Jason Licht talked about the need to improve the defense. “I don’t think it’s a secret we need to get some help in a lot of areas – particularly defense. It’s not as easy as some people might think. The answer isn’t always just throwing a lot of money at positions. As happy as we are with the offense, we also want to continue to enhance there, too. We need some help in a lot of areas, which, in some ways, is exciting for me because we could go any which way in the draft, and it would help our team.”
Tampa Bay ranked 29th in both passing yards allowed per game and interception percentage. Hopefully, when it’s all said and done, the Buccaneers can replicate the success of the 2024 draft when they added Center Graham Barton, safety Tykee Smith, wide receiver Jalen McMillan and running back Bucky Irving. All made significant contributions to the team and were instrumental in helping the Buccaneers win the NFC South.
Here is a list of players the Buccaneers could and should take if they are still on the board at number 19.
Edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku is the obvious choice at 19 if available. Ezeiruaku would help Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and Yaya Diaby get to the quarterback. Ezeiraku stayed healthy during his four years at Boston College, registering 130 solo tackles, 47 of which were for losses and registering 30 sacks. In 2024, Ezeiraku had 14 sacks, 20 quarterback hits, and 26 hurries. He would bolster the Buccaneer pass rush. He can quickly get on top of blockers in the passing game but needs some work in the run game.
Safety Malacai Starks from Georgia is another possibility for the Bucs at number 19. Starks played mostly nickelback and safety at Georgia. His intelligence and leadership ability impressed the teams during his visits. Paired with Winfield, Starks would make those two one of the best safety pairings in the league. Also, Winfield and Starks can play free safety, in the box, and also play the slot.
Linebacker Jalon Walker from Georgia could also be available for the Buccaneers. Walker is a pass-rushing specialist who can also play off the ball. He had 61 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season. Walker has elite speed, and his pass rush ability and ability to shadow the quarterback make him hard to pass up if available.
If available, the Buccaneers could select linebacker Jihaad Campbell at number 19. All Campbell did at Alabama last season was collect 117 tackles, forced two fumbles, recovered a fumble, had an interception, and recorded five sacks.
Mike Green of Marshall is the best edge rusher in the draft but could be gone by the time the Buccaneers make their selection. Green led the NCAA with 17 sacks and 23 tackles for loss. He is an excellent pass rusher and is also very good against the run. He would look good in pewter and white opposite YaYa Diaby.
Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M is another edge rusher who may be on the board when the Buccaneers pick at number 19. He generates a lot of pressure on the quarterback but sometimes struggles to finish the play. Stewart only registered 4.5 sacks, but someone with his speed can be a disrupter in the passing game.
Any of these defensive players would improve the Buccaneers defense. An improved defense, with a top-five offense, and the Buccaneers could be primed for another deep playoff run this fall.