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Re-Grading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Draft

Originally posted on Football Analysis | By Aaron Sauter | Last updated Mar 1, 2026 11:30 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went into the 2025 NFL draft with high hopes that their draft class could help push them to the next level after winning the NFC South division four seasons in a row. While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had some bright spots, with several players making an impact on the field, they could not avoid a slide to second place in the division behind the Carolina Panthers. While the Buccaneers did not achieve the results they hoped for by the end of the season, they do have several foundational players who can help them grow over the next few seasons.

During the first round of the 2025 draft, Tampa Bay successfully hit a home run with their selection of wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Egbuka hit the ground running for the Buccaneers offense, and he ended the season as the leading receiver for Tampa Bay. In addition to Egbuka, the Buccaneers also had several other 2025 draft picks become consistent contributors during their first season in the NFL.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Draft Class

Round	Pick	Player	Position
1	19	Emeka Egbuka	WR
2	53	Benjamin Morrison	CB
3	84	Jacob Parrish	CB
4	121	David Walker	OLB
5	157	Elijah Roberts	DE
7	235	Tez Johnson	WR

In addition to Egbuka’s success during the 2025 season, Tampa Bay also got consistent production from cornerback Jacob Parrish. Parrish was a high-volume contributor for Tampa Bay, and his versatility allows the Buccaneers to use him in many ways. Tampa Bay also had success with late-round picks, defensive end Elijah Roberts and wide receiver Tez Johnson. Roberts ended up being a rotational player on the Buccaneers’ defensive line, and Tez Johnson became an effective depth player at wide receiver, showing high efficiency on the limited reps he received during the season.

On the other hand, Tampa Bay also had rookies who struggled to make an impact on the field for the Buccaneers. Cornerback Benjamin Morrison started the season as a rotational player on defense, but was then limited later in the season due to injuries. Like Morrison, outside linebacker David Walker struggled with injuries and was unable to find a role that allowed him to be a consistent contributor during his rookie season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Draft Re-Grade = B+

While the Buccaneers did not add any immediate Pro Bowl players in the 2025 draft, the additions of Emeka Egbuka and Jacob Parrish were significant successes for Tampa Bay. In addition, Tampa Bay added several players who were immediate rotational contributors, and it selected only two who struggled to contribute to the Buccaneers’ production in 2025. During the 2026 NFL draft, the Buccaneers will need to continue finding solid contributors to stack with Egbuka and Parrish during the 2026 season.

Make sure that you check out, Re-Grading the Washington Commanders 2025 Draft

This article first appeared on Football Analysis and was syndicated with permission.

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