As the draft gets closer, variation of prospects will continue to occur on mock drafts based on moves made in free agency by each club. Will the Buccaneers bolster the defense in the first round with an edge, cornerback or linebacker? Here is what analysts are saying

Brianna Dix

The 2025 NFL Draft is just a few weeks away and boards for each NFL club are being finalized. As the frenzy of mocks monopolizes the internet, change is inevitable. From Russell Wilson joining the New York Giants to Stefon Diggs landing in New England, teams needs will vary entering Round One, causing prospects to rise and fall on projections. Here are the latest projections of who the Bucs will take in the first round at pick 19:

NFL.com

Eric Edholm, NFL.com (Mar.28)

Pick: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama

Comments: The Bucs have traditionally not strayed too far from their primary needs under GM Jason Licht in Round 1, so snagging Campbell makes perfect sense -- and could be a home run selection. I believe he's a top-15 player in this draft and could be the franchise's next great linebacker.

CBS Sports

Garrett Podell, CBS Sports (Mar.31)

Pick: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama

Comments: Buccaneers defensive pillar Lavonte David is 35 years old. Yes, he did re-sign on a one-year deal, but Tampa Bay drafts his replacement. The 2024 first-team All-SEC linebacker's 117 tackles last season were the most in a season at Alabama since current Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans' 126 in 2003.

The Draft Network

Justin Melo, The Draft Network (Mar.2)

Pick: LB/Edge Jalon Walker, Georgia

Comments: Buccaneers GM Jason Licht believes in consistently investing in the trenches and he's set to lose Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson to free agency. Jalon Walker has front-seven flexibility at off-ball linebacker and traditional edge rusher. Walker is flexible and explosive, and would quickly make an impact playing next to the already stellar supporting cast in place.

PFF

Josh Liskiewitz, PFF (Mar.24)

Pick: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas

Comments: Key Stat: Opposing quarterbacks produced a 34.2 passer rating when targeting Barron's coverage in 2024 lower than if they threw it into the ground on every play (39.6).

Bottom Line: The word "versatile" gets thrown around too much with defensive back prospects, but Barron is exactly that. As a natural zone defender with excellent instincts and anticipation, he is a starting-caliber pro at safety, wide cornerback or nickel defender sometimes as all three in the same game for Cover 3- or quarters-heavy schemes.

The Athletic

Ban Standig, The Athletic (Mar.24)

Pick: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina

Comments: The secondary lacks needed quality, especially at cornerback, but safety offers the best options with Barron and Will Johnson off the board. Emmanwori is an athletic freak the 6-3 safety popped at the combine with a 4.38 40-yard time and 43-inch vertical jump who returned two of his four interceptions last season for touchdowns.