As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, thoughts and opinions swirl around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ strategy, with many expecting a defensive focus in the first round. The team’s 2024 defensive performance provides context for this perception.
Last season, the Bucs struggled against the pass, ranking 29th in the NFL by allowing 243.9 yards per game through the air. Their pass rush was inconsistent despite their 46 total sacks and players like Calijah Kancey (7.5 sacks) and Vita Vea (7.0 sacks) helped boost that to some degree. Injuries plagued the secondary, with cornerbacks like Zyon McCollum and Jamel Dean along with safety Antoine Winfield, Jr.