Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht went into the 2025 NFL combine with a plan to focus on improving and strengthening the Bucs' defense through the draft. The team’s focus was finding talent at the edge, cornerback and linebacker positions.
The Bucs scouting department put in the work, logging hours of scouting time on such defenders as Mike Green (Marshall), Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College) and Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M). In addition, they also scouted mobile quarterbacks like Cam Ward (Miami) and Shedeur Sanders (Colorado).
The Bucs used a combination of film study, analytics, and coaches' and players' input to identify under-the-radar players with high character who produce, value picks that would not break the bank. They were looking for the kind of players that were good locker-room guys who could also fill the team’s draft needs.
Tampa Bay held the 19th pick in the first round of the 2025 draft, which they used to select receiver Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State, the Buckeyes all-time leader in receptions with 205.
In the later rounds, the Bucs selected players such as outside linebacker David Walker, a three-time FCS All-American from Central Arkansas. Walker had racked up 39 sacks in four seasons for the Bears. Then fate intervened, as Walker tore his ACL during the summer and missed his rookie season, a season of crucial development at the pro level. The Bucs went on to finish 20th in scoring defense last season with an 8-9 record.
How to Watch the 2026 NFL Combine
NFL Network Viewing Schedule (ET):
- Thursday, Feb. 26, 3 p.m.: Defensive Linemen and Linebackers
- Friday, Feb. 27, 3 p.m.: Defensive Backs and Tight Ends
- Saturday, Feb. 28, 1 p.m.: Quarterbacks, Receivers and Running Backs
- Sunday, March 1, 1 p.m.: Offensive Linemen
This season, Licht will focus on the pass rush once again. Potential targets could be Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) and Cashius Howell (Texas A&M). At inside linebacker, the Bucs could go after Sonny Styles (Ohio State) and CJ Allen (Georgia). The interior line will get some attention as well, especially at offensive guard.
Also, the Bucs will look for replacements for pending free agents, such as 13-year veteran receiver Mike Evans.
The Bucs hold the 15th pick in the first round. Will the Bucs draft based on their needs? Or, will they draft the best player available? Either way, Tampa Bay is looking for good players with a high football IQ, who can contribute immediately, and help the Bucs win now.
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