The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are almost on the verge of establishing themselves as the NFC’s elite after winning four consecutive NFC South titles. They only lack a few key components in their roster to get there.
Tampa’s most urgent need is adding depth to its defense, which it will likely address through the 2025 NFL Draft. The franchise needs a roadblock on the other side of the ball, and Hall of Famer and former Buccs cornerback Ronde Barber underlined what should be the key quality in that defensive lineman.
Ronde Barber Advises the Buccs To Add a Strong Defensive Play-Maker
The Bucc’s biggest concern walking into the 2025 season should be getting depth, primarily in the cornerback position, along with heavy defensive linemen and edge rushers. Generating consistent defensive performance has been a stifling shortcoming of the franchise. Their lack of a defensive powerhouse was also a reason they got knocked out of the Wildcard Playoff game against the Commanders last season.
In 2024, the Buccaneers ranked 16th in turnovers forced and 16th in points allowed. If they aim to make it past the Playoffs and to the Super Bowl, they must develop this area seriously. This is why Barber emphasized the desperate need for a huge defender in the Buccaneer defense.
“They need some players to really start to shine on the other side of the ball on defense. You can talk offense all you want. It’s nice, and it’s pretty. It’s like having a nice new Corvette in your garage, but at some point, you need that big-a** truck that’s going to put a stop to anything in its path. They have to find that on defense,” Barber says.
If the Bucs can fill in this gap and find that intimidating bull rush through the 2025 NFL Draft or even the free agency, Barber thinks they could establish themselves as a Super Bowl contender.
“That’s what will help separate them and make them an even more viable contender going forward.”
PFSN’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft predicts former Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell as the defensive destructor Tampa will draft as its first-round pick.
Campbell’s colossal frame and explosive athleticism perfectly fit the Buccs’ needs. Although his instincts and awareness are below average as a read-and-react linebacker, the Buccs can work on making his reaction time quicker.
Given their dire situation, the Buccs could potentially trade up to secure a cornerback or another linebacker in the 2025 NFL Draft. It will be interesting to see how head coach Todd Bowles makes the most of the defensive player they draft in Round One.