In this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers use the jolt of life from the 2023 season to keep the momentum flowing, as they seek to block out challengers from reclaiming the NFC South.
Hopes weren’t high for the Buccaneers heading into 2023. Todd Bowles was coming off an 8-9 season in which the Buccaneers limped to a division title. And after the 2022 campaign, Tom Brady announced his retirement.
Tampa Bay signed journeyman quarterback Baker Mayfield to a prove-it deal, and some could already see the end coming for Bowles and the Buccaneers. But then, Mayfield experienced a resurgence, the Buccaneers made the postseason, and they won a playoff game.
There’s still work to do, but the Buccaneers might have life after all. And with this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, they can find more of it.
Who Could the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft in 2025?
1.22) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Trade: Jets receive No. 10 overall pick; Buccaneers receive No. 22 overall pick, No. 54 overall pick, 2026 first-round pick.
The Buccaneers traded back from No. 10 overall and added capital in the process, so now they can use their first-round pick on a luxury position. Rachaad White is a decent player, but Tampa Bay could benefit from an arguable blue-chip RB presence in Ashton Jeanty.
At around 5’8″, 217 pounds, Jeanty is almost impossible to tackle at first engagement. He combines devastating burst, bend, and elusiveness with impenetrable running leverage and a low center of gravity. And to top it off, he’s a stellar receiving threat.
Jeanty has one of the highest preliminary grades I’ve ever given to an RB. And he’s on the cusp of the blue-chip range — an area where only one RB has ever graded for me: Falcons star Bijan Robinson.
2.34) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona
Trade: Buccaneers receive No. 34 overall pick; Giants receive No. 42 overall pick, No. 74 overall pick.
In this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the Buccaneers make an aggressive move up to add a cornerback who fits their scheme too well. Tacario Davis — a 6’4″, 195-pound albatross — can play in zone and side-saddle effectively but also has the discipline to play press-man.
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full 7-Round NFL Mock Draft
Davis naturally attracts attention with his overwhelming wingspan and his explosive vertical athleticism, but one of the most impressive parts of his tape is the maturity he already plays with as just a true junior. And his 15 pass breakups in 2023 showcase his ball skills.
2.54) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
Left guard remains a hole for the Buccaneers, and it’s one they could fill by adding Donovan Jackson. Alongside Tristan Wirfs and Graham Barton, Jackson would be right at home with his explosive athleticism at 6’4″, 320 pounds, particularly in the run game.
With a couple years as a starter under his belt, Jackson can still strive for more consistency — particularly as a pass protector. But the lateral mobility is there. The natural leverage is there, and the power and strength are present as well.
Rounds 4-7
4.107) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kaden Prather, WR, Maryland
5.139) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
7.203) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DeAndre Jules, DT, South Carolina
