The NFL Draft is the time of year when all 32 fan bases are filled with excitement and optimism about their team. There is equal excitement within the front office of every team, as they believe the work they have done leading up to the draft is the best compared to the other 31 around the league. They also believe every pick they make will be the one that will lead them to the Super Bowl.
Sadly, that will not be the case.
The Bucs are, of course, led by general manager Jason Licht, who is on a hot streak of sorts in recent years when it comes to finding talent in the draft. Both he and the fans are hoping the momentum carries over to next week’s draft. To do that, they will have to avoid some of the traps in the draft that are in the form of players with high upside but who need further development.
We have three players the Bucs should avoid in Thursday’s NFL Draft.
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Jalon Walker could go in the top five of the NFL Draft come Thursday, or he could fall out of the first round altogether. He is a polarizing prospect with people unsure of what he can be exactly at the next level, which has me wanting the Bucs to avoid him if he is available at pick 19. The team has a need at linebacker, yes, but Walker does not fit what they need at the position. He doesn’t project to be a true middle linebacker type like Lavonte David, and despite his athletic ability, his lack of a defined position has me skeptical of him.
Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
The Georgia offense was frustrating to watch operate in 2024 for a variety of reasons. Not being able to utilize their playmakers is one main reason. Mykel Williams was one of the players who entered the season with high expectations but failed to live up to them. He has the tools to be a successful pass rusher, but the Bucs’ history of failed projects at edge is enough for me to want them to avoid another project instead of targeting a more refined player in round one.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
I want to preface this by saying Tetairoa McMillan is a top-five player for me in the class, and my number one receiver. I think he’s going to be a great pro. I just don’t think he should be a pick for the Bucs. The team has said they are not shying away from drafting another wide receiver, but I just don’t like the idea of spending a top 20 pick on one when so many other needs are present on defense. That being said, if he is there and they select McMillan, it creates a conversation about the 2026 free agent Mike Evans heading into the season.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 3 NFL Draft targets the Bucs should avoid in round one in 2025
The NFL Draft is the time of year when all 32 fan bases are filled with excitement and optimism about their team. There is equal excitement within the front office of every team, as they believe the work they have done leading up to the draft is the best compared to the other 31 around the league. They also believe every pick they make will be the one that will lead them to the Super Bowl.
Sadly, that will not be the case.
The Bucs are, of course, led by general manager Jason Licht, who is on a hot streak of sorts in recent years when it comes to finding talent in the draft. Both he and the fans are hoping the momentum carries over to next week’s draft. To do that, they will have to avoid some of the traps in the draft that are in the form of players with high upside but who need further development.
We have three players the Bucs should avoid in Thursday’s NFL Draft.
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Jalon Walker could go in the top five of the NFL Draft come Thursday, or he could fall out of the first round altogether. He is a polarizing prospect with people unsure of what he can be exactly at the next level, which has me wanting the Bucs to avoid him if he is available at pick 19. The team has a need at linebacker, yes, but Walker does not fit what they need at the position. He doesn’t project to be a true middle linebacker type like Lavonte David, and despite his athletic ability, his lack of a defined position has me skeptical of him.
Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
The Georgia offense was frustrating to watch operate in 2024 for a variety of reasons. Not being able to utilize their playmakers is one main reason. Mykel Williams was one of the players who entered the season with high expectations but failed to live up to them. He has the tools to be a successful pass rusher, but the Bucs’ history of failed projects at edge is enough for me to want them to avoid another project instead of targeting a more refined player in round one.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
I want to preface this by saying Tetairoa McMillan is a top-five player for me in the class, and my number one receiver. I think he’s going to be a great pro. I just don’t think he should be a pick for the Bucs. The team has said they are not shying away from drafting another wide receiver, but I just don’t like the idea of spending a top 20 pick on one when so many other needs are present on defense. That being said, if he is there and they select McMillan, it creates a conversation about the 2026 free agent Mike Evans heading into the season.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 3 NFL Draft targets the Bucs should avoid in round one in 2025
