The 2024 NFL Draft has proved to be pivotal early in the season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Graham Barton being the star. The first-round pick for the Bucs played a significant role in the running game being as successful as it was, which also included rookie Bucky Irving.
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, some analysts predict more fun and impactful rookies for the team.
General Manager Jason Licht does. a great job of getting ahead of roster moves before they happen when it comes to the draft. What I mean by that is the team does a great job building depth at positions with youth before veterans move on. In this mock draft by CBS Sports, they have the Bucs doing that at the wide receiver position when they select Tetairoa McMillan.
They write, “McMillan went bananas in Arizona’s opener with over 300 yards and four touchdowns. While he’s not a sudden, Calvin Johnson-type athlete, he’s a large, intimidating presence on the boundary and is well on his way to another enormous season.”
Chris Godwin will be a free agent next season, and the team could move on from him in favor of more youth. Licht has found a gem in Jalen McMillan (no relation to Tetairao) so pairing him with the potential 2025 rookie with veteran Mike Evans could make for an elite receiving group.