As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, prospects will continue to shift on mocks. Will the Buccaneers take an edge, defensive back or linebacker in the first round with the 19th overall pick? Here is what pundits are saying

Brianna Dix

The 2025 NFL Draft spectacle is just weeks away, inviting endless speculation as to what each NFL club will do in Round One. The Buccaneers own the 19th overall pick and Tampa Bay is projected to draft a defensive player to bolster Todd Bowles' unit. One recurring pick linked to the Bucs from analyst predictions on recent mocks was Georgia's Jalon Walker. He is a hybrid who could make an impact for the Bucs as an off-ball linebacker or off the edge with his closing burst. Here are the latest predictions for who the Bucs could take at 19:

NFL.com

Chad Reuter, NFL.com (Apr.2)

Pick: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina

Comments: Emmanwori is a big safety who can play in the box to complement Antoine Winfield Jr. -- the versatility of both defensive backs would make life easier for Bucs coaches and more difficult for opposing offenses.

CBS Sports

Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports (Apr.7)

Pick: Edge Jalon Walker, Georgia

Comments: Walker is listed as an off-ball linebacker but he can line up anywhere ... and wreak havoc from anywhere. Very interested to see how NFL teams plan to use him at the next level.

The Draft Network

Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network (Apr.6)

Pick: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas

Comments: The Buccaneers need to continue adding pieces to their secondary for this defense to take the next step under Todd Bowles. Jahdae Barron primarily played corner in the 2024 season, but throughout his career, he has proven that he can play all over the secondary. This skill set will be useful in a Bowles defense that likes to give exotic looks and asks a lot of their defensive backs.

PFF

Mason Cameron, PFF (Apr.7)

Pick: S Malaki Starks, Georgia

Comments: The opportunity to create possibly the most talented safety tandem in the NFL, pairing Starks with Antonie Winfield Jr., is just too good to pass up. The Georgia standout would be an excellent complement to what the Buccaneers value at the position, possessing good football IQ and movement skills to go with his ability as a tackler (85th percentile in missed tackle rate).

The Athletic

Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic (Apr.7)

Pick: Edge Jalon Walker, Georgia

Comments: This might be the floor for Walker, whose testing may have caused him to slip behind Campbell and Green on some boards. Still, he's a legit playmaker anywhere he lines up a hell-on-wheels front-seven defender who'd be perfect for Todd Bowles.