The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are actively seeking to enhance their pass-rushing capabilities ahead of the NFL Draft, focusing on Georgia standout Mykel Williams. Despite securing Haason Reddick in the offseason, the Bucs are determined to add youthful talent to their defensive roster. Williams, recognized as a potential project, has shown glimpses of his ability to pressure quarterbacks during his time at Georgia but has struggled with consistency, partially due to the competitive nature of the Bulldogs' defensive rotation.

If he can thrive under the mentorship of veterans like Reddick, he could bolster a Bucs defense that has had mixed results in pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Bucs GM Jason Licht is taking a calculated risk, aiming to finally hit a home run with a pass-rusher after previous draft misses.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are wrapping up a productive offseason, receiving a B+ grade for their strategic moves. Key to this success was retaining Chris Godwin at a hometown discount, allowing the team to maintain its competitive edge with a potent offense led by Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans. The front office also made a notable acquisition in pass rusher Haason Reddick, who could significantly bolster the defense if he returns to form. As the NFL Draft approaches, the Buccaneers are well-positioned to enhance their roster and aim for playoff contention in the upcoming season.

Jason Licht, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' general manager, has been a standout performer this NFL offseason, earning accolades for his savvy free-agent signings just ahead of the upcoming draft. Keeping star wide receiver Chris Godwin, who took less money to remain in Tampa, along with re-signing veteran linebacker Lavonte David, highlights Licht's effective management. Notably, he also retained key offensive linemen Ben Bredeson and Sua Opeta and made waves by signing pass rusher Haason Reddick, contributing to an impressive overall offseason.

Despite the praise, ESPN analyst Ben Solak pointed out a concern regarding the backup quarterback situation. The Bucs' decision to stick with Kyle Trask instead of seeking a more experienced option raises questions about their playoff ambitions, especially if starting quarterback Baker Mayfield were to miss time. As the offseason progresses, the Buccaneers look poised to retain their competitive edge, with all offensive starters returning from last season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced significant challenges in their secondary during the 2024 season due to injuries, most notably losing cornerback Bryce Hall for the year in the season opener. Star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. also dealt with ongoing injury issues. As a result, the Buccaneers ranked poorly in passing defense, allowing 243.9 yards per game, fourth-most in the league. Recognizing the need for improvement, the Bucs made strategic moves in free agency, including signing linebacker Haason Reddick to bolster their pass rush.

Moreover, the Bucs are focusing on building a solid foundation for their defense, retaining key players like Hall, Kaevon Merriweather, and Lavonte David. With the No. 19 pick in the upcoming draft, there are expectations that they could select Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron, a versatile player adept at various defensive roles. Barron’s impressive college career, highlighted by the Jim Thorpe Award, makes him a promising addition to a secondary in need of depth and performance improvements.