The 2025 NFL Draft is on the horizon, and Jason Licht and the Buccaneers’ front office are tasked with putting the finishing touches on a roster that is just a few pieces away from Super Bowl contention.
In the latest seven-round mock draft from PFSN’s Jacob Infante, the Buccaneers revamp their defensive unit, and add an explosive Florida-grown receiver to their potent arsenal.
19) Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Measuring 5’11” and 194 pounds, Jahdae Barron doesn’t quite fit the profile of an outside cornerback in Todd Bowles’ defense, but he’s an ideal fit for the slot corner position. He also offers the versatility to play both safety spots if needed, and Bowles would likely relish the opportunity to add a Swiss Army knife like Barron to his secondary.
“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have some top-tier defenders, but they still need help, and while a defensive lineman sounds enticing here, a talented cornerback could also be a strong option,” said Infante. “Jahdae Barron isn’t the most physical corner in this class, but he’s fluid, explosive, and smart. His slot-outside-safety versatility makes him a valuable piece for any secondary.”
If the Buccaneers move last year’s third-round draft choice Tykee Smith from nickel to safety, as Smith personally requested according to Jason Licht, it would open up the starting nickel cornerback role, and Barron would slide into the role seamlessly.
“Barron’s tackling, physical presence, and play strength are exactly what the NFL needs from slot defenders. He’s reliable enough in coverage to win against slot receivers and physical enough to play in the box against the run if necessary,” wrote PFSN’s Joe DeLeone in his scouting report.
The Bucs recorded just seven interceptions as a team last season, making the addition of a ballhawk a clear priority this offseason. Barron tallied five interceptions for Texas in 2024 and brings the kind of ball skills the team is seeking in its next defensive back.
A lack of depth in the secondary and an inability to force turnovers were recurring issues throughout the 2024 season. Adding a versatile chess piece like Barron would provide a significant boost to the Bucs’ defense.
53) Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
“Bradyn Swinson is a powerful edge defender with refined hands and a high motor worth adding to Tampa Bay’s defensive line rotation,” wrote Infante.
After generating just five sacks in four college seasons, Swinson had his breakout as a fifth-year senior in 2024. Swinson finished with 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles for LSU.
Listing Pressures per Game from the 2024 season for the top EDGEs in the Draft 💥
Donovan Ezeiruaku: 5.00
Bradyn Swinson: 4.62
Mike Green: 4.54
James Pearce Jr: 4.23
Abdul Carter: 4.13
Shemar Stewart: 3.25
Nic Scourton: 3.00
Jalon Walker: 2.43
Mykel Williams: 2.17 pic.twitter.com/3RS7sq0Sxi— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 14, 2025
Swinson measured in at 6’4” and 255 pounds at the NFL Combine. His 4.62 pressures per game last season ranked the second highest of any EDGE prospect in the draft class. Swinson led the SEC and finished no. 6 in the country with 60 QB pressures in 2024.
The Bucs lacked a dominant edge presence in 2024, prompting them to sign Haason Reddick in free agency on a one-year, $14 million deal—an aggressive move that departs from general manager Jason Licht’s typically conservative approach to outside signings.
Still, the addition of Reddick isn’t likely to stop Tampa Bay from continuing to invest in one of its thinnest position groups. The Bucs are widely expected to use an early draft pick on a pass rusher.
With Reddick and YaYa Diaby projected as the starting edge rushers next season, a rookie like Swinson would have the opportunity to develop in a rotational role before potentially taking on a larger role down the line.
84) Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
“A freak athlete at linebacker with sideline-to-sideline range, Barrett Carter would be a nice heir-apparent candidate to succeed Lavonte David in Tampa Bay,” wrote Infante.
Drafting Carter would be a slam-dunk move that addresses arguably the Buccaneers’ biggest need—while also helping the team both in 2025 and beyond.
With Lavonte David entering what could be his final NFL season, it’s time for Tampa Bay to start preparing for a future without its longtime defensive leader and begin grooming his eventual successor. Carter, who measured 6 feet, 231 pounds at the NFL Combine, could be exactly that player.
The team remains high on 2023 fifth-round pick Sirvocea Dennis, but his struggles to stay healthy have raised concerns. The Bucs can’t afford to let another season be derailed by a lack of defensive depth.
Carter was a consistent playmaker during his four-year career at Clemson, totaling 12.5 sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 233 tackles.
With Carter’s college production, Todd Bowles’ defensive coaching, and David’s mentorship, the Bucs may be looking at their next great linebacker in the making.
121) Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (FL)
The Buccaneers boast one of the NFL’s top receiver duos, but it would be wise to start developing the future at the position. Mike Evans will be 32 when the 2025 season kicks off, while Chris Godwin will be 29 and returning from his second major injury.
Enter Xavier Restrepo, a Florida native with plenty to offer Tampa Bay’s receiver room. At 5-foot-10 and 209 pounds, and with a 4.83-second 40-yard dash, Restrepo doesn’t stand out with elite athletic traits—but his production tells a different story.
Last season, he racked up 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Miami Hurricanes. Over his college career, he caught 200 passes for 2,844 yards (14.2 yards per catch) and 21 touchdowns. Restrepo has the tools to complement 2024 draft pick Jalen McMillan and potentially form the next productive receiving duo in Tampa Bay.
157) Miles Frazier, OG, LSU
While the Buccaneers retained all five of their starting offensive linemen from last season, Frazier would be a valuable depth addition with the potential to compete for a starting guard spot down the line.
A four-year college starter, Frazier spent the last three seasons in the SEC with the LSU Tigers. During that time, he allowed just four total sacks—and none in his standout senior season in 2024.
He measured in at a massive 6’6” and 317 pounds at the NFL Combine, and has experience starting at both right guard and left guard. Position versatility has always been important to Licht when scouting linemen, and Frazier’s combination of size, experience, production, and versatility will make him an appealing prospect for Tampa Bay.
235) Maxen Hook, S, Toledo
Landing Hook with their final selection would put a bow on what’s shaping up to be an extremely impressive draft class for the Buccaneers. A tackling machine, Hook recorded 107 combined tackles in 2024 and finished his college career with a remarkable 356 total tackles.
At the NFL Combine, Hook measured 6 feet, 202 pounds, and ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash—solid marks that showcase the size and speed needed to succeed at the next level. He projects as an immediate contributor on special teams, with the potential to develop into a reliable backup safety.
“Four-year starter with the size, speed and production to catch the attention of NFL evaluators in the middle rounds,” wrote Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. “Hook patrols the field with a tangible urgency to fly around and make plays. He’s rangy over the top in coverage and plays with tremendous hustle to rack up tackles.”
Known for his intelligence, physicality and leadership, Hook was a two-time team captain at Toledo and plays with a motor that never stops. He’s the type of player the Buccaneers love to bring into their locker room. If he’s still on the board in the seventh round, this would be a no-brainer, sprint-to-the-podium type of pick.
PFSN’s latest mock draft is a dream scenario for Tampa Bay, with analyst Antonio Infante projecting the team to address all of its biggest needs while significantly upgrading the roster ahead of the 2025 season.