The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are returning all 11 starters from 2024. And as they prepare for next season, the offensive unit that finished No. 3 in the NFL last season could be better.
That's why most mock drafts this offseason have suggested that the Bucs will go defense with the No. 19 overall pick in next month's NFL Draft that begins on April 24.
At the NFL Scouting Combine this year, Bucs coach Todd Bowles said he wanted "ballhawks" in the draft. And in the latest The 33rd Team mock draft, the Bucs get just that at No. 19.
19. Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia Bulldogs
"Lavonte Davis is nearing the end of his career, but a guy like Jalon Walker could be a great succession plan as a more modern off-ball linebacker. Many analysts view Walker as an EDGE at the next level, but his slotting into an ILB slot for Todd Bowles would still allow him to rush the passer as a blitzer without sacrificing his sideline-to-sideline range that he could utilize as an off-ball linebacker."
Walker was Third-Team AP All-American and Second-Team All-SEC last year at Georgia and won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker. He led the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and was tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks.
Walker could be just the kind of ballhawk that Bowles is looking for and could help upgrade a position in Tampa Bay that desperately needs it.
Lance Zierlein's draft overview for Walker mentions his "leadership" in the Georgia locker room as one of his strengths.
"Some see Walker as a 'tweener' while others view him as a 'hybrid.' Either way, Walker can go. His career snap count is split between edge and linebacker, and his leadership is famous in the Georgia building. He's still working to fine-tune his instincts and efficiency as an off-ball linebacker but has the take-on and closing burst to become a productive pro at that spot. He's tough but small as an early down edge rusher, but his athletic talent and suddenness to attack both edges make him a menace for tackles.
Related: Bucs Select ACC Edge Rusher in Latest NFL Mock Draft
"The most valuable usage for Walker is likely to come as an early down linebacker who can rush off the edge or match up across the line as a blitzer on passing downs."
BucsCountryfor news, commentary & opinion all season.
FollowTimm Hamm on Xfor all the Buccaneers & NFL news, updates & analysis throughout the season.
For more on the Bucs, subscribe to theBuccaneers Daily Blitz PodcastonFanStreamSports.com!
Related: Buccaneers Meet with Tampa-Raised QB Ahead of NFL Draft
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 30, 2025 at 5:04 PM.