4 Prospects Tampa Bay Buccaneers Should Avoid With No. 19 Pick In 2025 NFL Draft

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a successful season in 2024, winning the NFC South and earning a playoff berth.

This offseason, the team didn’t have to make too many outside additions as the roster is solid at most spots. Arguably the biggest moves the team made were re-signing wide receiver Chris Godwin and linebacker Lavonte David.

Now, the team can prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft with just a few obvious needs. Most of the needs are on defense as the unit finished 19th in yards allowed per game and 17th in points per game.

The team is slated to have the No. 19 pick in the first round, and there should be a quality day-one starter available for the taking. However, today we’re going to identify four prospects the team should steer clear of.

Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Don’t get it twisted- Matthew Golden is not a bad player. In fact, Golden could end up being the best wide receiver in this class.

However, the Bucs need to avoid Golden in this draft. The team would likely be very tempted if the receiver is still available at No. 19, but there are far more pressing needs than another receiver.

Mike Evans will return in 2025 and Chris Godwin was also re-signed. Additionally, Jalen McMillan showed promise in 2024, pushing the receiver position even further down the list of needs.

If Godwin would have left in free agency, it would’ve made more sense to entertain a player like Golden.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Like Golden, Tetairoa McMillan could end up being the best pass-catcher in this class. However, also like with Golden, the Bucs should pass and address another need.

McMillan has also earned comparisons to Mike Evans. Both receivers are big-bodied with sure hands and both players can extend plays after the catch. Regardless of McMillan’s talent, would it really make sense to have two players who have virtually identical play styles and body types?

With such a deep crop of defensive talent, there’s a possibility that McMillan slides to 19. Even if that happens, the team needs to stay the course and take a defender.

Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Like Golden and McMillan, Colston Loveland is a talented pass-catcher who would likely improve any offense in the league from day one.

But, again, the Bucs need defense and this edge-rusher class in particular is very deep. If Loveland slides to No. 19, the team could be tempted to take the Michigan product, but they should instead choose one of the defenders who will undoubtedly be available.

Additionally, the Bucs already have Cade Otton at tight end. Otton performed well in 2024, ending with the second-most receiving yards on the team and showing a real ability to get open over the middle of the field and make contested catches.

Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

The Bucs definitely need to add to their secondary during the 2025 NFL Draft. Christian Izien is currently penciled in as the starting free safety, and that should probably change before the season kicks off.

With the safety spot being a need, the Bucs could be intrigued by South Carolina defender Nick Emmanwori. However, Emmanwori wouldn’t be the best possible option for the team.

Some evaluators believe the South Carolina product will eventually transition to the linebacker spot. Emmanwori was inconsistent in 2024 and often looked unimpressive against the run.

A better pick for the Bucs would be Malaki Starks or even Xavier Watts if the team wants a traditional safety.