The Buccaneers were not among the teams which made a major free agent splash at the cornerback spot. That position thus represents one to watch on the draft front. 
“We don’t have a lot of depth,” head coach Todd Bowles said during the league meetings (via NFL.com). “That’s crystal clear — we don’t have a lot of depth. We hope to address that at some point in the draft, as well. We didn’t sign many [corners] in free agency… We’re going to address that in the draft.”
Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum represent the top options on Tampa Bay’s depth chart, although Bowles noted Dean’s injury history is a concern. The 28-year-old has yet to handle a full campaign during his six seasons in Tampa Bay, and he was limited to a career-low 12 games in 2024. A fifth-round pick in 2022, McCollum is entering his walk year as things stand but he is a core member of the team’s secondary after handling over 1,000 defensive snaps last season.
While it would come as no surprise if McCollum were to receive a new deal this offseason as a result, he and Dean (on the books for two more years) will likely soon have company on the depth chart. The Bucs added Kindle Vildor from the Lions in free agency while losing special teamer Tavierre Thomas. Tampa Bay also re-signed Bryce Hall after he was limited to just one game in 2024. Defensive depth (or, potentially, competition for a starting gig) would be welcomed during this month’s draft.
Tampa Bay’s offseason has also included a one-year deal for Haason Reddick. The two-time Pro Bowler’s Jets tenure consisted a lengthy holdout and, ultimately, 10 largely ineffective games to close out the campaign. As one would expect, the Reddick addition will not drastically alter the Buccaneers’ draft strategy. General manager Jason Licht said the team could still select an edge rusher despite Reddick’s presence (video link via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times).
Shaquil Barrett intends to play in 2025, and another Tampa stint could give the team a veteran presence on the edge. A rookie could also be in play early in the draft, though, with Bowles’ comments confirming the same is true at the cornerback position. The Buccaneers will have options to consider at both positions with the No. 19 pick.