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As the 2025 NFL Draft concludes, it’s time to grade the Buccaneers' six draft selections. Jason Licht and his staff took an approach that everyone should have seen coming, in taking the best player that fell to him. It worked well for him in 2024. Why not roll the dice on it again in 2025?
The Bucs six picks were spread out over the three days of the NFL Draft. In a shocking turn of events, Licht and his staff didn't make one trade throughout the three days.
Despite them standing pat, we ended up liking what they took in the draft. Here are our grades for the Bucs draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Initially a shock to many, Egbuka will be a day 1 contributor, especially if Chris Godwin needs extended time to recover from the ankle dislocation he suffered last season. Look for Egbuka to be a fixture in the run game as a blocker.
Easily the biggest team need, addressing cornerback with a consensus top 10 pick before injury, who’s known as a ballhawk, will inject life into a stagnant secondary. While the hip injury required surgery and limited Morrison to only 6 games in 2024, it will also raise medical concerns. Morrison explained that he waited to “take care of the nagging issue” until his growth plates closed, which could have led to more issues down the road. If Morrison stays healthy, this is a home run selection.
Jason Licht double-dipped in the cornerback pool here, selecting Kansas State’s Jacob Parrish. Parrish is undersized at only 5’9 but will play nickel for the Bucs. His more diminutive stature may deter some, but his IQ, instincts, and tackling boost his resume. Parrish also provides depth at the nickel position, joining Christian Izien, allowing Tykee Smith to transition to full-time safety. Essentially a 2 for 1.
Walker is an interesting prospect. At just over 6ft and 260 lbs., he is a smaller EDGE from an even smaller school at Central Arkansas. Walker dominated at Central with his lethal first step and speed, as well as his knack for finding his way to the backfield. The intangibles and talent are there; it's just a matter of translating to the NFL and cracking the Bucs' edge rotation.
Roberts might be my favorite selection of the weekend. At 6’4 293 lbs., he finds himself as a “Tweener” between EDGE and DL. He has the athleticism, hands, and bend to play off the edge, but also the power to play inside. The Bucs had to get younger and, frankly, better on the defensive line outside of Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, as the rotational pieces struggled to create pressure. Roberts can play anywhere on the line and find success as he has racked up 131 pressures since 2023, the most of any player.
While a short area technician and YAC highlight reel, Tez is still only 154 pounds, making him the lightest player in NFL history. There's concern his body may not hold up, but players with similar composites, such as Tank Dell, make it possible. A “C” grade keeps it at a neutral safe side, but Johnson could carve out a major role in the Buccaneers offense as a short route and screen guy, as well as KR/PR.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Grading every pick from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 NFL Draft class
Continue reading...
The Bucs six picks were spread out over the three days of the NFL Draft. In a shocking turn of events, Licht and his staff didn't make one trade throughout the three days.
Despite them standing pat, we ended up liking what they took in the draft. Here are our grades for the Bucs draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Grade: A-
Initially a shock to many, Egbuka will be a day 1 contributor, especially if Chris Godwin needs extended time to recover from the ankle dislocation he suffered last season. Look for Egbuka to be a fixture in the run game as a blocker.
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Grade: B+
Easily the biggest team need, addressing cornerback with a consensus top 10 pick before injury, who’s known as a ballhawk, will inject life into a stagnant secondary. While the hip injury required surgery and limited Morrison to only 6 games in 2024, it will also raise medical concerns. Morrison explained that he waited to “take care of the nagging issue” until his growth plates closed, which could have led to more issues down the road. If Morrison stays healthy, this is a home run selection.
Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
Grade: B
Jason Licht double-dipped in the cornerback pool here, selecting Kansas State’s Jacob Parrish. Parrish is undersized at only 5’9 but will play nickel for the Bucs. His more diminutive stature may deter some, but his IQ, instincts, and tackling boost his resume. Parrish also provides depth at the nickel position, joining Christian Izien, allowing Tykee Smith to transition to full-time safety. Essentially a 2 for 1.
David Walker, Edge, Central Arkansas
Grade B-
Walker is an interesting prospect. At just over 6ft and 260 lbs., he is a smaller EDGE from an even smaller school at Central Arkansas. Walker dominated at Central with his lethal first step and speed, as well as his knack for finding his way to the backfield. The intangibles and talent are there; it's just a matter of translating to the NFL and cracking the Bucs' edge rotation.
Elijah Roberts, DL/Edge, SMU
Grade: A
Roberts might be my favorite selection of the weekend. At 6’4 293 lbs., he finds himself as a “Tweener” between EDGE and DL. He has the athleticism, hands, and bend to play off the edge, but also the power to play inside. The Bucs had to get younger and, frankly, better on the defensive line outside of Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, as the rotational pieces struggled to create pressure. Roberts can play anywhere on the line and find success as he has racked up 131 pressures since 2023, the most of any player.
Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon
Grade: C
While a short area technician and YAC highlight reel, Tez is still only 154 pounds, making him the lightest player in NFL history. There's concern his body may not hold up, but players with similar composites, such as Tank Dell, make it possible. A “C” grade keeps it at a neutral safe side, but Johnson could carve out a major role in the Buccaneers offense as a short route and screen guy, as well as KR/PR.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Grading every pick from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 NFL Draft class
Continue reading...
