Inside the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2025 NFL Draft Blueprint: Trade Tactics & Talent Evaluation Insights

Trade Dynamics in the First Round

With only six picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, GM Jason Licht acknowledged openness to trading down from the No. 19 spot. Licht's history includes:

3 first-round trade-downs since 2014
2020 trade-up for OT Tristan Wirfs
2023's strategic silence to land DT Calijah Kancey

"This draft's talent plateau could reduce trade incentives," Licht cautioned, noting comparable prospects might exist between Rounds 2-4 for specific positions.

The Eye Test Revolution

Scouting priorities shift as college rotations limit tape:

Key Metrics Overlooked:
- Penn State's Abdul Carter (12 sacks in 2024)
- Marshall's Mike Green (FBS-leading 17 sacks)
- UCLA's Femi Oladejo (13.5 TFLs)

"We need ball hawks at every defensive level," emphasized HC Todd Bowles, prioritizing turnover creators over raw stats.

Injury Calculus at Cornerback

With $13.5M CB Jamel Dean's durability concerns and multiple secondary injuries in 2024, the Bucs face tough evaluations:

Top CB Prospects with Health Flags	Player	College	2024 Stats
Will Johnson	Michigan	2 INT, 9 PD	Turf toe, hamstring
Benjamin Morrison	Notre Dame	0 INT (6 games)	Hip surgery
Shavon Revel Jr.	East Carolina	2 INT (3 games)	Torn ACL

"Availability is the first measurement of greatness," Bowles stated, highlighting the team's health-first philosophy.

Draft Day Scenarios

Potential moves for Tampa Bay:

Trade Down: Accumulate picks in deep OL/DL class
Premium Edge Rusher: Target Shemar Stewart's athletic upside (4.59 40-yard at 281 lbs)
Secondary Reinforcement: Balance talent vs. medical reports

The Bucs' war room faces its most complex evaluation challenge since their 2020 Super Bowl rebuild, balancing immediate needs with long-term value in a draft Licht describes as *"leveled out after the top 15."**