The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been searching for a star pass rusher in recent years and just haven’t made it happen yet. General Manager Jason Licht has taken chances on Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Yaya Diaby but they haven’t been reliable pass rushers.
In Matt Miller’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft, he has the Bucs taking another chance on a prominent edge rusher in the class.
The Tennessee Volunteers have been known for their offense in recent years but James Pearce Jr. has emerged as one of the best defenders in the country. Miller writes, “Outside of better health at receiver, the Buccaneers’ roster is in good shape, which could allow the team to utilize the “best player available” strategy. Pearce certainly fits that bill, as he tops all FBS players with a 20.2% pressure rate. . .”
The roster is well-built and accurate; it just needs some more difference-makers on defense. Pearce Jr. projects to develop into one of those much-needed difference-makers.