The Tampa Bay Buccaneers used seven draft picks to upgrade both sides of the ball. Looking at each selection in depth, we’ll assign grades to each of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft picks.
Grading Each Draft Pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Round 1, Pick 26: Graham Barton – C Duke
Baker Mayfield earned a new contract with the Buccaneers by playing lights out in 2023. The team’s decision to build around Mayfield impacted how they approached free agency and the draft. Throughout his career, Mayfield has played some of his best football when the pocket has been clean. At Duke, Barton occupied multiple positions on the line but was projected to land in the NFL as a left tackle. Last season was a good example of how important offensive line depth is around the league. Barton gives the Buccaneers a player to build around and someone who can be asked to fill a hole if injuries hit the offensive line. This pick wasn’t flashy, but Tampa Bay landed Barton with good value.
Grade: A
Round 2, Pick 25: Chris Braswell – EDGE Alabama
With holes on the defensive side of the ball, Tampa Bay prioritized its pass rush here. The team could have looked to replenish the secondary, which has experienced change over the last couple of seasons. Instead, the Buccaneers landed Braswell. At Alabama, Braswell barely played but made an impact when he did. Braswell’s upside in the pros lies more in potential than proven production. He has enticing tools but needs to develop.
This pick indicates the team might not pick up Joe Tryon-Shoyinka’s fifth-year option. Tampa Bay is a team that has prioritized the defensive front in the draft, so picking a player with Braswell’s upside makes sense. A final grade on this pick will be clearer in a few seasons.
Grade: B-
Round 3, Pick 26: Tykee Smith – S Georgia
Coming out of Georgia, Smith was listed as a safety. The depth chart at ourlads.com indicates Tampa Bay will use him elsewhere. If Smith does return to the safety position, it could come as early as next season when Antoine Windfield Jr.’s contract expires. The future of Tampa Bay’s safety room is in flux, but with Smith, they now have a player who can step in and play if necessary. Georgia’s defense was loaded when Smith was a member, which can make grading individual talent more difficult. But the tape shows a player who plays fast and aggressive. Under Todd Bowles, the defense is just that: fast and aggressive. Smith could carve out a significant role on this defense, even if that role is yet to be determined.
Grade: B
Round 3, Pick 29: Jalen McMillan – WR Washington
Although Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are signed through 2025, the offense needed more weapons. Godwin and Evans are both explosive but not like McMillan. The former Washington star adds a needed infusion of speed to the receiver room. He covers a lot of ground quickly and is the perfect fit for the slot in the NFL. With Godwin and Evans commanding plenty of attention on the outside, McMillan should be productive in Tampa Bay. This pick fits both sides and the Buccaneers got McMillan with good value in the third round.
Grade: A-
Round 4, Pick 25: Bucky Irving – RB Oregon
Tampa Bay looks to have found a solid starter in Rachaad White. After coming on strong in 2023, White should have a stronghold on the running back position in Tampa Bay. His diverse skill set makes him an ideal everydown back. By drafting Irving, the Buccaneers landed a solid complimentary piece to White. Irving is like a bowling ball as a runner and can make plays out of the backfield as a receiver. While he’s not the fastest, Irving is a powerful runner and could become the sort of goal-line back the team envisioned in Sean Tucker. In the fourth round, the Bucs got good value by drafting Irving.
Grade: B+
Round 6, Pick 44: Elijah Klein – OL UTEP
After focusing on playmakers for the offense, Tampa Bay turned their attention back to the line. Klein played mostly guard at UTEP but has experience playing at tackle. His versatility is one reason the organization is high on him. Having versatility and experience along the offensive line should help Klein find a role in Tampa Bay. As a sixth-round pick, the team could have done worse.
Grade: B-
Round 7, Pick 26: Devin Culp – TE Washington
Although they have two stud receivers, the Buccaneers still need juice at tight end. At Washington, Culp was used mostly as a receiving tight end. His blocking skills leave a lot to be desired. If he can make some splash plays in training camp and pre-season, Culp has a chance to stick on the roster. With most of the offense locked in, this pick was more of a flier.
Grade: C-
