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Buccaneers Have Clear Focus for 2025 Improvement

Last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had one of the best offenses in the league. That's why it was predicted that the team and general manager Jason Licht would focus on defense in the draft.

And, for the most part, that was true, with the exception of their first-round pick, former Ohio State wideout Emeda Egbuka and their seventh-round pick, Oregon receiver Tez Johnson.

But there was a clear focus on improving the defense.

The Bucs struggled in coverage and pass rush last season, and Licht took cornerbacks in back-to-back picks in Rounds 2 and 3.

When your head coach is also your defensive coordinator, you're expected to have at least a serviceable defense. The Bucs did not last season.

Coach Todd Bowles said at the NFL Scouting Combine that he wanted to target "ballhawks" this offseason, and that's what he's got now, across the draft and some free agent moves.

Passing game coordinator George Edwards said on Tuesday that Tampa Bay needs to focus more on takeaways next year.

"I think everyone understands that those were the numbers from last year. Now, where are we going to improve?" Edwards said, per Greg Auman. "We probably had about eight where we had a chance, they were in our hands, and that's what it comes down to, honestly. You gotta make the interception and get the turnovers when they come to you... you gotta take the ball away. That's the No. 1 emphasis.

"From a coaching aspect of it, all you can do is put them in those situations and then make sure they're fundamental on the technique of catching them."

Bowles will have a much-improved defense next season. So if his unit still struggles, more dramatic changes might come.

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