With the 19th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have key roster needs to address as they build on last season’s success. While the Bucs remain competitive in the NFC South, they could use reinforcements on defense, particularly at linebacker and in the secondary.
Talented prospects could be available when Tampa Bay is on the clock, including Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker, Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron, and South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori.
Here’s a look at four prospects who would fit the Buccaneers‘ needs when they’re on the clock in round one.
Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell
The Buccaneers’ linebacker corps is undergoing a transition, making Campbell a strong candidate to join their defensive unit. The Alabama standout is an athletic, rangy defender with the ability to excel in both coverage and run defense. His versatility would allow him to step in alongside Lavonte David and Devin White, eventually taking over as a key piece of the Bucs’ defense for years to come.
Georgia EDGE Jalon Walker
Tampa Bay has always placed a premium on pass rushers, and Jalon Walker fits the mold of a high-upside edge defender. The Georgia product possesses elite athleticism and the ability to disrupt both the run and pass game. With Shaquil Barrett no longer in the picture, the Bucs need an injection of youth on the edge, and Walker has the tools to be a dominant force in Todd Bowles’ defense.
Texas CB Jahdae Barron
The need for more depth in the secondary makes Barron an intriguing option for the Buccaneers. Barron thrives in both man and zone coverage as a physical and instinctive cornerback. His ability to match up with top wide receivers would be a welcome addition to a Tampa Bay secondary that faces high-powered passing attacks in the NFC.
South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori
If the Buccaneers want to strengthen the back end of their defense, Emmanwori presents an appealing option. The South Carolina safety has excellent range, ball skills, and a physical presence that fits well in an aggressive defensive scheme. With his ability to play in the box or as a deep safety, Emmanwori could pair well with Antoine Winfield Jr. to solidify the team’s secondary.
Final Thoughts
The Buccaneers have several directions they can go with the 19th overall pick, but their most pressing needs lie on the defensive side of the ball. Whether they target a dynamic linebacker like Campbell, an edge rusher like Walker, or a playmaker in the secondary such as Barron or Emmanwori, Tampa Bay will have the opportunity to add a difference-maker to their roster. With a strong draft, the Buccaneers can position themselves for another deep playoff run in 2025.
written by
Patrick K. Flowers
Patrick grew up in Chicago's Bridgeport and Garfield Ridge neighborhoods before moving to the Western Suburbs of Chicago before eventually relocating to the Las Vegas area with his family in 2023. He started with Bleacher Nation in 2021 and has spent time as a Staff Writer and on the Chicago Blackhawks beat. He is currently a writer and editor at Bleacher Nation covering the Chicago Bears and the NFL at large and the author of the Bleacher Nation Newsletter. Patrick is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA).
