What are the primary concerns for the Buccaneers’ secondary heading into the 2025 NFL Draft? How might Jamel Dean’s approaching age impact the team’s strategy? Could Darien Porter be a viable replacement, and what are his strengths and weaknesses? What makes Will Johnson a unique pick despite not fitting the typical Buccaneers cornerback mold? What risks does the team face if they select Shavon Revel coming off an ACL injury? Which Day 3 prospect could provide the right blend of athleticism and potential? Lastly, how does Jahdae Barron offer a different solution for the secondary despite his size limitations?
One of the Buccaneers’ biggest issues in 2024 was stability in the secondary, including at outside cornerback. Jamel Dean started showing signs of decline, largely due to some persistent knee problems. Zyon McCollum got off to a hot start but faltered down the stretch, likely also due to injury. Bryce Huff did not even make it out of Week 1 thanks to a broken leg.
Dean is rapidly approaching 30, often the Rubicon for cornerback decline. While it appears the Bucs are going to ride out the last year of his contract, they need to begin planning his replacement now. The 2025 NFL draft may not be particularly strong in terms of cornerback talent, but the earlier Tampa Bay addresses the position, the better.
These are the scenarios the Bucs face at the cornerback position in the 2025 NFL Draft:
The best-case scenario: drafting Darien Porter in the 2nd round
The Bucs front office under Jason Licht has developed some clichés when it comes to drafting certain positions. At cornerback, the Bucs like speed and size, even if the college production was nothing special. It’s how Tampa Bay ended up with Carlton Davis, Jamel Dean, and Zyon McCollum, and it’s why they should end up with Iowa State CB Darien Porter.
Porter is one of the most athletic prospects in this year’s draft, scoring a 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, highest among any cornerback in the class. At 6’2" and 195 pounds with 33" arms, Porter also has the size and length the Bucs tend to target.
Porter is not a perfect prospect, which is why he’s available in the second round. A converted wide receiver, Porter started just one season at Iowa State, spending most of his collegiate career on special teams. He also has issues with tackling, missing nearly 20% of his tackles at Iowa State per Pro Football Focus.
The upside to Porter’s downside is the Bucs’ current cornerback room. With Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum returning next season, Porter does not need to start immediately. He can develop as CB3 or even CB4 while immediately contributing on special teams.
The expensive but perfectly fine pick: Will Johnson
Michigan CB Will Johnson does not tick all of the boxes of a typical Bucs cornerback prospect. He measures in at 6’1 and 194 pounds, and there was a good, non-medical reason that Johnson did not run a 40-yard dash in the lead-up to the draft. None of this means that he would not be an asset to the Bucs’ secondary.
Despite his lack of pure speed, Johnson is a smooth, fluid athlete with great coverage instincts. Johnson’s athletic limitations would also be less evident in Todd Bowles’ zone and off-man coverage-heavy system. Most importantly, Johnson has some of the best ball skills in the class with nine interceptions in three seasons.
The Bucs would have to use their first-round pick to acquire Will Johnson, which is a lot for a prospect with athletic deficiencies. His coverage skills give him a high floor, but the overall value is not ideal.
The risky bet: Shavon Revel
East Carolina CB Shavon Revel fits the Bucs’ "big and fast" edict for cornerbacks. He is probably more athletic than Darien Porter given his size, but there will be no numbers to compare them as Revel is coming off an ACL tear he suffered during the 2024 season.
While he faced less competition in the AAC, Revel was dominant at East Carolina, allowing just 250 receiving yards and one touchdown in 2023 per PFF. Landing in Tampa Bay would afford Revel time to ease into the NFL while sitting behind Dean and McCollum.
Drafting someone coming off an ACL injury is always a risk, but the Bucs have had some experience in this arena. They selected Jamel Dean in the third round in 2018, though he had suffered injuries to both knees at Auburn, and he became one of the best cover corners in the NFL. Revel has the same potential.
The sleeper pick: Tommi Hill, Nebraska
In most years, there are few cornerback prospects who fit the Bucs’ ideal physical mold for the position. 2025 is no exception, but if the Bucs wait until Day 3, one of their best bets would be Tommi Hill. The Nebraska cornerback definitely hits the size and athleticism requirements, if not the length, at 6′ and 213 pounds.
A year ago, Hill might have gotten some Day 2 buzz, but after a breakout 2023 campaign, Hill tried playing through a plantar fasciitis injury that lingered into draft season. When healthy, Hill has speed and burst to go with a pretty solid feel for route trees. Hill is very disciplined in zone coverage and was rarely caught carrying the wrong receiver.
Hill’s lackluster 2024 season and overall lack of experience will cause him to drop in the draft. However, his athletic profile and promising 2023 should have Tampa Bay interested in drafting Hill with their fifth-round pick.
The "let’s try and solve the entire secondary with one pick" pick: Jahdae Barron
Texas CB Jahdae Barron absolutely does not meet the Bucs’ historical size requirements at outside cornerback. However, Barron does pose a viable solution for the Bucs’ overall problems in their secondary.
There is no question that Barron has significant length limitations, standing at 5’10" with a wingspan of under 74 inches. However, he does not win with size, relying instead on smarts, guts, and ball skills. He came down with five interceptions in 2024, which is more than any Bucs defender has recorded since Lavonte David in 2013.
Drafting Jahdae Barron would give Tampa Bay options at virtually every position in the secondary. His most likely landing spot would be at nickel corner, and his instincts could make him a dangerous playmaker at safety next to Antoine Winfield Jr. Barron probably lacks the size to play outside cornerback full-time, but he affords the Bucs ideal flexibility and depth.
What Shape Are the Bucs in With Their Cornerbacks?
As the NFL enters the 2023 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ secondary becomes a focal point for fans and analysts alike. After a series of late-season changes, key departures, and new arrivals, the state of the Buccaneers’ cornerbacks is paramount to their defensive scheme’s success. With the departure of long-time players and the influx of younger talent, the question on everyone’s minds is: what shape are the Bucs in with their cornerbacks?
The Departures and New Faces
Historically, the Buccaneers’ secondary has been the backbone of their defense, bolstered by strategic signings and successful drafts. However, the offseason saw some notable changes. The team bid farewell to talented players who had played pivotal roles in their coverage schemes. These departures left a significant void that needed addressing.
In particular, the exit of veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III to free agency raised eyebrows. Known for his physical style of play and ability to match up against opposing team’s top receivers, Davis’s absence will be felt, requiring the coaching staff to recalibrate strategies on the defensive front. The Bucs also experienced another key departure in Sean Murphy-Bunting, who provided versatility and depth. His departure may force the coaching staff to rely more heavily on emerging players and rookies.
To counter these losses, the Buccaneers have focused their efforts on both the draft and free agency. A cornerstone of their approach has been bringing in younger talent, resulting in an influx of potentially impactful players who can shake up the traditional dynamic within the secondary.
Assessing the Current Roster
As of now, the Bucs boast an intriguing group of cornerbacks. The veteran presence of Jamel Dean stands out as a pivotal component of the defense. Dean’s experience complements the youthful exuberance of newly acquired players like Christian Izien and Zyon McCollum. Dean has shown great potential in his previous seasons, establishing himself as a reliable option; a necessity in a league where pace and size are paramount.
McCollum, a promising third-round pick from last year’s draft, demonstrated impressive athleticism and ball skills during the preseason. The coaching staff has shown confidence in his ability to step up, especially given his high-ceiling potential. Izien, who has proven his mettle in collegiate play, is another name to watch; his tackling ability and coverage skills could make him a surprise asset in the Bucs’ secondary.
Additionally, recent addition Don Gardner provides depth and versatility. While not as highly touted as some of his counterparts, Gardner has the potential to carve a niche for himself within the roster. Under the tutelage of the defensive coaching staff, there might be room for growth that could solidify his position moving forward.
Key Challenges Ahead
While there are optimistic assessments regarding their cornerback unit, challenges loom on the horizon. One of the fundamental issues the Buccaneers will need to address is ensuring that the new pieces can adequately gel with the rest of the defense. The transition of playing styles can impact communication, a crucial element in secondary play. Ensuring rapport among players will require in-depth training camps and effective mentorship from the veterans.
Moreover, the Bucs will face formidable aerial attacks throughout the regular season, with elite quarterbacks and high-scoring offenses dotting their schedule. Matchups against established receivers will test the mettle of the cornerbacks, placing immense pressure on them to perform. Finding the balance between aggressive press coverage and maintaining disciplined zone assignments will be vital in mitigating the impact of the league’s best offensive weapons.
Injuries are always a factor, and the depth of the cornerback position will be assessed as the season unfolds. It’s imperative that the Bucs develop not just a starting unit but also a reliable second line of defense to weather the inevitable injuries that come with a grueling NFL season.
The Bottom Line
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves in a transitional phase with their cornerbacks heading into the 2023 season. While the team has lost some significant players, there is a balance of experience and fresh talent that can provide a solid framework for improvement. The success of the secondary hinges on the development of young players and their ability to adapt to the NFL’s fast-paced game.
The coaching staff will play a pivotal role in blending the skills of their new acquisitions with their seasoned veterans. If they can achieve this amalgamation, there’s potential for the Bucs’ cornerback unit to surprise critics and emerge as a force in the league. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on the cornerbacks to see if they can rise to the occasion and galvanize a defense hungry for success.
The Bucs are currently facing some challenges with their cornerbacks due to injuries and performance issues. Key players may be sidelined, affecting depth and overall defensive strategy. The team will need to evaluate their options, possibly relying on backup players or making adjustments in their schemes to cope with the situation. Effective communication and teamwork will be essential as they navigate these hurdles, especially in competitive matchups. Overall, the situation requires close monitoring to determine how it will impact the team’s performance moving forward.