Bucs Projected to Draft 'Versatile' Longhorns Star in Latest Mock
Lost in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2024 campaign was the vast number of injuries sustained in the team's secondary. Just in the season opener, Cornerback Bryce Hall went down for the year after one game and the Bucs lost two more corners for a time in that matchup.
Star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. battled injuries throughout the season, headlining a drawn out struggle for stability and production from that portion of Todd Bowles' defense.
The Bucs conceded 243.9 passing yards per game, fourth most across the entire league last season. Injuries or not, that figure fails to hold through the gauntlet of offense in the NFC.
But stepping away from the secondary, Tampa Bay needs defensive improvement across the board.
Luckily, the Bucs have acted quickly to address these needs in free agency. Linebacker Haason Reddick should make for an immediate upgrade in the pass rush.
The team will also retain Hall, Kaevon Merriweather and most importantly, Lavonte David for next season. Coming out of this period, there is at least a solid foundation in place.
Building off that foundation with young talent in the draft looks to be the next step. With an abundance of defensive talent available, the Bucs could be in place to score a major contributor with the No. 19 pick.
In fact, the latest mock draft from Pro Football Focus has the Bucs selecting Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron.
"The word “versatile” gets thrown around too much with defensive back prospects, but Barron is exactly that," PFF's Josh Liskiewitz wrote. "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."
Barron put together an outstanding five-year career at Texas, winning the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back in 2024. He also had 67 total tackles, five interceptions and 11 passes defended.
Related: Tom Brady Reveals Shocking 'Tension' with Ex Coach
That "versatility" translates not only to where he may be utilized in a defense, but also to his fundamental and physical gifts in coverage.
The Bucs are likely to add to their secondary at some point through the draft and will be a key area to assess through the rest of the offseason and into training camp.
As that process begins, it certainly would not hurt to have a player with such a decorated resumé like Barron entering the fold.
Related: Bucs Sign Baker Mayfield Protector in Key Move
| 1d 6:23 PM ET ago |
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