2025 NFL Mock Draft: Bucs make big splash in projected trade

USA Today

14-04-2025

2025 NFL Mock Draft: Bucs make big splash in projected trade
We are now just 10 days away from the 2025 NFL Draft. Compared to most years, we have no idea what could happen for teams. While that brings excitement for fans, it makes the jobs of analysts a bit tougher, as well as tougher for teams having to make their selections.
In our final mock draft Monday on Bucs Wire, we wanted to make a splash. Whether the Bucs could actually do it remains to be seen. We decided, though, that if the team didn't want to make a splash, we would make one for them.
The Cincinnati Bengals have their All-Pro edge rusher Trewy Hendrickson unhappy at the moment. While they remain steadfast in not trading him, perhaps the Bucs could make an offer they would find hard to pass up. We did our best attempt at that and made selections with the remaining picks.
Bucs trade for Bengals All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson
Trade: Bucs send the 19th and 121st overall picks in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Bengals for Trey Hendrickson, as well as the 49th and 81st overall picks in the 2025 NFL Draft
The Bucs need to solve their pass-rushing issue now, not later. The best way to do that is to take a chance out of the equation, have no more draft picks, no more projects, and acquire a bonafide All-Pro in Trey Hendrickson. The Bengals insist he is not going to be traded, but he remains steadfast in his request. If Jason Licht could feel compelled to make a splash, this move could make the Bucs Super Bowl contenders immediately.
Round 2, Pick 49: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Morrison has no business being here for the Bucs, but he very well could be, even at pick 53. The hip injury is going to scare a lot of teams, but the Bucs can afford to roll the dice with Zyon McCollum and Jamel Dean on the roster. If Morrison is healthy following his injury, this becomes one of the steals of the draft. Morrison has bona fide man covergae skills and could be a long-term solution opposite McCollum.
Round 2, Pick 53: Kevin Winston Jr., SAF, Penn State
Another player coming off an injury but with great potential is Kevin Winston Jr. If he hadn't hurt his knee in 2024, he would have been a top-15 pick in the NFL Draft. He has great run support skills; he never missed a tackle in college. Pair that with his instincts and ball skills, and the Bucs could have quite the duo at safety with him and Antoine Winfield Jr.
Round 3, Pick 81: Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia
Cody Mauch is still on his rookie deal, and the team just re-signed Ben Bredeson, but they need insurance. Ratledge could be a plug-and-play option in case of injury or if the team decides they want to move on from either one of them next year. The interior offensive line is so close to being solidified that Jason Licht should leave no stone unturned in the process to complete that.
Round 3, Pick 84: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon
Cade Otton is entering the final year of his contract, and he finally showed some promise in 2024 as a receiving option. The team has drafted several tight ends in recent years, but most of them are looking like they are the blocking type. The only thing missing for Baker Mayfield in this offense is a strong receiving option at the tight end position, and Ferguson could be that.
Round 5, Pick 157: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Kyle Trask was brought back in free agency on a one-year deal. The Bucs don't have a need for another quarterback, but I like the idea of them stashing a big-arm quarterback as an emergency option on the practice squad. Quinn Ewers and Baker Mayfield seem like a match made in heaven. Ewers needs some time to develop, and I like his potential to be a fun backup for the team in the long term as he can win games incase Mayfield were to go down with an injury.
Round 7, Pick 235 Konata Mumpfield, WR, Pittsburgh
Last season, the Bucs used Sean Tucker and Bucky Irving on special teams a lot, that won't be the case in 2024. I like Mumpfield as a late day-three option for them to come in as a returns specialist, as well as being a change-of-pace receiver out of the slot or outside.