By Daniel 
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 7-Round NFL Mock Draft
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are at a crossroads: they’re still in playoff contention but also thinking about rebuilding. With some solid veterans and promising young players, GM Jason Licht is figuring out the best way forward. After some smart free-agent moves, the Bucs are gearing up for a productive offseason. Let’s take a look at a 7-round mock draft for 2025, using the PFF simulator, to help the team strengthen its roster for a serious NFC South push.
Key Offseason Moves
The Bucs made a big move by locking up Chris Godwin to a three-year deal, even though his ankle injury is a bit concerning. Godwin’s a proven receiver, and with Mike Evans on the other side, their duo can be dangerous. If Jalen McMillan steps up, this receiving corps could be among the best again.
On the defensive side, they took a chance on Haason Reddick, who’s been a bit of a letdown since being drafted, but for $14 million on a one-year deal, it’s a gamble worth making. If he hits his potential, he could boost the Bucs’ pass rush.
Re-signing Ben Bredeson also flew under the radar, but keeping the offensive line solid is huge for the offense. But, there’s still work to do in areas like tight end, secondary, and overall depth. This draft could be just what the Bucs need to go from “good” to “great.”
Now, let’s break down the draft picks.
Round 1, Pick 19: James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee
The Bucs get a steal here, landing one of the top edge rushers in the draft without having to trade up. James Pearce Jr is a dynamic pass rusher with explosive speed and elite technique. He could turn into an All-Pro and, alongside Haason Reddick, seriously upgrade Tampa’s ability to pressure the quarterback. Pairing him with veterans like Reddick and Lavonte David will help him get up to speed quickly.
Round 2, Pick 53: Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
With an aging secondary, grabbing Shavon Revel makes a ton of sense. He’s 6’2″, has the agility to cover top receivers, and his press-man coverage fits well in the NFL. While he needs to improve his technique, his raw athleticism and size give him a lot of potential. He could eventually become a key piece for the Bucs’ secondary.
Round 3, Pick 84: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon
The tight end position is still a big need for Tampa Bay. Terrance Ferguson brings size and playmaking ability as a receiving tight end. While his blocking isn’t great yet, his skills as a pass-catcher could make him a great target for Baker Mayfield. He’d provide another weapon in the passing game, especially in the red zone.
Round 4, Pick 121: Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas
The Bucs double down on cornerback with Mello Dotson. He might not be the flashiest pick, but the secondary has been a weakness, and Dotson offers solid coverage skills. He’s a bit raw, but his ability to cover in press-man could make him a valuable depth piece. Over time, he could grow into a regular contributor.
Round 5, Pick 157: Kalel Mullings, LB, Michigan
As Lavonte David nears the end of his career, the Bucs need a future linebacker. Kalel Mullings could be the guy. His linebacker skills are still developing, but his physicality and potential make him worth the pick. He’s also shown good playmaking ability, especially on special teams, so he could have an immediate impact while developing into a future starter.
Round 7, Pick 235: Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa
The Bucs go back to the tight end well in the seventh round and pick Luke Lachey from Iowa. He’s known for his football IQ and competitiveness. While he needs to work on his strength and explosiveness, Lachey could become a reliable blocker and situational target. He’s a low-risk, high-reward pick who could grow into a valuable role.
Final Thoughts
This draft is all about retooling the roster with a mix of immediate contributors and future stars. By addressing key areas like edge rusher, cornerback, tight end, and linebacker, the Bucs can enhance both their defense and offense. GM Jason Licht has made some smart moves in free agency, and with the right draft picks, the Bucs could be set up for another playoff run. The future looks bright for Tampa Bay if they get this draft right.