The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently in early-stage negotiations to potentially secure quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and they believe he’s the perfect fit for their future. While the Bucs have a solid quarterback situation with Baker Mayfield leading the charge and Kyle Trask serving as backup, there’s still a possibility that they could add Gabriel to their roster in the upcoming NFL Draft. Gabriel, who played for Oregon, has impressed many scouts with his pre-snap recognition and ability to process plays post-snap. Despite concerns over his size and ability to make plays outside of the pocket, Gabriel’s skill set makes him an intriguing option for Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers enter the 2025 NFL Draft with flexibility, having already made solid moves in free agency, retaining key players like Lavonte David and Ben Bredeson and adding depth with signings such as linebacker Anthony Walker and cornerback Kindle Vildor. This allows them to approach the draft without being locked into a specific position, although there are still some key areas they need to address, such as cornerback, inside linebacker, edge rusher, and safety. The team has just six draft picks, so they will need to be strategic with their selections.
Though quarterback is not a pressing need for the Bucs, they are still keeping an eye on potential prospects. With Mayfield coming off a career year and Trask in line to back him up, they aren’t expected to select a quarterback in the first few rounds. However, there is value to be found later in the draft, and Gabriel, in particular, stands out. His college career was impressive, with 18,722 yards passing and 155 touchdowns, and he added 1,209 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns on the ground. He’s known for his calm presence in the pocket and his quick release, making him an ideal candidate to develop behind Mayfield. Gabriel’s skill set aligns well with what the Buccaneers could use in a backup role.
Other quarterbacks that could be on Tampa Bay’s radar include Kurtis Rourke and Brady Cook. Rourke had a strong season at Indiana after transferring from Ohio, showing excellent ball placement and good mechanics, though he struggled with progressing through reads and making plays under pressure. Cook, a three-year team captain at Missouri, also presents intriguing traits with his functional arm strength and ability to escape pressure. While he’s a more raw prospect, Cook could be a developmental player worth taking a chance on in the later rounds.
While it’s unlikely the Buccaneers will prioritize a quarterback early in the draft, Dillon Gabriel could be a perfect addition as a potential future starter or a solid backup for the team’s current needs. If Tampa Bay does decide to draft a quarterback, the fourth round would be the sweet spot, with Gabriel being the standout choice in that range.
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