Bucs mock draft roundup: Expert picks for 2025 NFL draft

USA Today

23-04-2025

Bucs mock draft roundup: Expert picks for 2025 NFL draft
We are just over 24 hours away from the 2025 NFL Draft, and there is no better time to look at what the draft experts around the NFL world are saying. We have compiled a total of ten mock drafts that have been published in the past few days, and we are going to give you their picks for the team. There will also be links to the mocks in case you want to see picks for other teams, perhaps division rivals, or so on.
Getting back to the point, the Bucs are one of the more interesting teams to pick for in mock drafts. The results from these reflect that in a fun way, and should have you anxious for Thursday's first round.
Here are the results of the data we gathered.
Peter Schrager, ESPN
Selection: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
"The all-world athlete would be the perfect addition to a wide receiver room with a mix of veterans and young players. The Bucs love Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan is coming off a solid rookie year. McMillan would be the perfect student for the veterans to teach."
Ari Meirov, 33rd Team
Selection: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Thor Nystrom, Fantasy Life
Selection: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Christian Williams, Devy Royale
Selection: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
"The medicals will have to clear, but Campbell is one of the ten best players in the class. He's been linked to the Bucs for the entire offseason, and the potential to add Campbell alongside Lavonte David would give their defense enough talent to compete for the division title again."
Bucky Brooks, NFL Media
Selection: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
"Lavonte David is back for Year 14 -- but Todd Bowles could pick the 35-year-old linebacker's successor here. Presuming his recovery from a torn labrum goes smoothly, Campbell's versatility would give the Buccaneers a second-level defender with playmaking and pass-rush potential."
Kyle Crabs, 33rd Team
Selection: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
"The Bucs are a team that feels likely to go shopping for head coach Todd Bowles. Will it be a linebacker like Jihaad Campbell? Could it be a defensive back to add long-term? Right now, Ezeiruaku feels like a nice pairing who could help juice the Bucs' organic pass rush."
Cris Collinsworth, PFF
Selection: Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
'He played a lot in the slot, kind of like that Brian Branch type of role. I thought his best work was close to the line of scrimmage, and that's why I wouldn't take him inside the top-10.'
Dane Brugler, The Athletic
Selection: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
"Lavonte David is back at age 35 for a reason — he is still playing at a high level. But this would also be a great opportunity for the veteran to help Campbell get introduced to NFL life. The Buccaneers are going to have a defense-heavy draft, especially in the early rounds."
Chad Reuter, NFL Media
Selection: Projected trade with Packers to 23 to draft Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
"The Buccaneers could use Stewart as a 5-technique because of his size and strength at the point of attack, potentially setting him up to replace Logan Hall if the veteran departs as a free agent in 2026. Stewart will also stand up at times because of his athleticism, making him a great fit in Tampa Bay's scheme."
Travis May, AtoZ Sports
Selection: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
"Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to step up the pressure off the edge. They had zero edge rushers with more than just six sacks a year ago. Mike Green tallied 17 sacks last fall and fits the archetypal style of defensive end that the Buccaneers need."