The Tampa Bay Buccaneers possess the 19th pick in this year’s NFL Draft. While they could certainly use some defensive upgrades, there aren’t any critical gaps mandating them to remain at their current draft position.
Thus, it’s plausible that Tampa Bay might trade down in the first round, a move Chad Reuter from NFL.com anticipates they will pursue. Ellis has suggested a significant trade with the Green Bay Packers: Tampa Bay would exchange their No. 19 and a fifth-round pick for the Packers’ 23rd overall pick and a third-round selection.
Reuter elaborated, “The Buccaneers could remain at No. 19 and select a pass-rusher. However, it would be difficult for them to resist the chance to upgrade one of their three Day 3 picks to a Day 2 selection, especially since they could still target an edge rusher or a standout defensive back at Pick 23.”
Cameron Ellis from The Pewter Plank described this trade as a “no-brainer” for the Bucs, emphasizing that moving down four spots in the first round is well worth turning a fifth-round pick into a third-rounder.
Nonetheless, it’s uncertain if the Packers—a franchise known for its cautious approach—would agree to this deal. Reuter believes the Packers may wish to move up in the draft to secure Texas Longhorns cornerback Jahdae Barron, though Barron might still be available at No. 23. Ultimately, it could depend on how eager the Packers are to acquire Barron.