Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David celebrates after a sack of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Analyst identifies biggest NFL Draft need for Buccaneers

Originally posted on Tampa Bay Buccaneers on SI
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated Apr 17, 2025 5:30 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a week away from the 2025 NFL Draft, where they will be looking to improve their team at a number of different positions.

The team has several needs on both sides of the football, but ESPN analyst Ben Solak believes that the Buccaneers need a middle linebacker more than anything after the moves the team has made during the free agency period.

Bucs need some linebacker help

"The lack of an impactful coverage linebacker really hurt the Buccaneers last season, as Lavonte David (35 years old) simply does not cover the ground he used to. It's a thin linebacker class up top. Jihaad Campbell (Alabama) seemed like a great pick at 19, but offseason shoulder surgery has thrown a wrench in his draft stock. Carson Schwesinger (UCLA) is the next best, but I'm highly doubtful he'd make it to the Buccaneers' second-round pick at 53. Addressing linebacker early may require some repositioning," Solak writes.

The NFL Draft is set from April 24-26. The Buccaneers pick No. 19 in the first round.

This article first appeared on Tampa Bay Buccaneers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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