April 18 Updates
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network, a former NFL scout for the Ravens, Browns and Eagles, thinks the Buccaneers will not only target an edge rusher in the first round of next week’s 2025 draft, but one who is ready to contribute right away.
“I’m going to go with an edge rusher for Tampa,” said Jeremiah during a conference call with the media on Friday. “I’m going to say they lean towards a productive guy and someone that I think could kind of fit and grow with that team. That’s a good team. I saw them last year, and I thought that was one of the most physical teams in the NFL.”
The Buccaneers’ defense tied for sixth in total sacks last year but their two leading sack artists were interior rushers Calijah Kancey and Vita Vea. In addition, a lot of the pressure the Bucs generate was the result of Head Coach Todd Bowles’ exotic and effective blitz packages. But Bowles has said multiple teams since the end of the 2024 season, he thinks his defense needs more pressure off the edge and a heightened ability to rattle the quarterback with a four-man rush. In that regard, Jeremiah points to Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku, who was second in college football last year with 16.5 sacks.
“I think to me adding another edge piece makes a lot of sense,” said Jeremiah. “I’ll go with Ezeiruaku from Boston College. I think all the production [is important]. I think Jason Licht values that. I think he would appreciate that.”
The Buccaneers signed edge rusher Haason Reddick in free agency and envision him pairing with third-year player Yaya Diaby to create a productive starting duo on the edges. They are also hoping for a second-year leap from 2024 second-round pick Chris Braswell and were able to re-sign the always-dependable Anthony Nelson. Still, there’s room for more in that edge rotation, and Jeremiah thinks Ezeiruaku shares some admirable qualities with last year’s successful first-round pick, center Graham Barton.
“When you get the center from Duke who comes in and is just–I mean, he’s so polished and so smart and so tough,” said Jeremiah. “Obviously the talent is there with Graham Barton, but all those intangible things I think were what led to him having such immediate success once he got on the field there.
“I think with Ezeiruaku, there’s a very similar wiring with him. He’s a really smart kid. He’s someone I think is going to pick up what they’re doing defensively really fast and could have an impact.”
The Buccaneers have been widely linked with defensive help at edge, linebacker, cornerback and safety in mock drafts, though there is some recent noise regarding the possibility of using that first-round pick on a receiver. Jeremiah thinks the Buccaneers should focus on their pass rush.
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