The Tampa Bay Buccaneers nearly saw their season fall apart in 2024, largely due to issues with their defense, but they were able to salvage it thanks to a strong offensive effort late in the year and a defense that managed to stay afloat during crucial moments.
With head coach Todd Bowles, who is known for his defensive background, the Buccaneers will likely work hard to ensure that their defense is not a liability in 2025.
According to USA Today’s latest mock draft, the Buccaneers are projected to select East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. with the No. 19 overall pick in the first round.
From the NFL Scouting Department at Bleacher Report: “Shavon Revel is anticipated to be an early-round pick, with the chance to make an immediate impact as an outside cornerback. His height, speed, and physicality make him well-equipped to defend against larger receivers and cover vertical routes. Although his ball skills and discipline may limit his turnover generation, Revel’s ability to tightly cover receivers and disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage adds significant value. With further development, he has the potential to evolve into a high-caliber starting cornerback at the next level.”
Unlikely Path to Potential NFL First Rounder
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 193 pounds, Revel has taken an unexpected journey toward becoming a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft. He graduated from Ronald W. Reagan High School in Pfafftown, North Carolina, and spent his first two college seasons at Louisburg College, a junior college. Unfortunately, he didn’t play during his freshman year in 2020 due to the pandemic and only managed to participate in six games in 2021.
After transferring to East Carolina University, Revel earned All-AAC honors in 2023, racking up 55 tackles, 1 interception, and 6 pass deflections. He started the 2024 season strong, recording 2 interceptions in just 3 games—including a notable 50-yard interception return for a touchdown against Appalachian State—before suffering an ACL tear in practice.
“Revel has the length and physique that NFL teams desire, especially for outside cornerbacks,” wrote Cory Giddings from Bleacher Report. “His combination of size, speed, and physicality has made him one of the more exciting prospects in the 2025 draft class, with the potential to excel in both man and zone-heavy defensive schemes.”
Bucs Had One of NFL’s Worst Passing Defenses
There’s no denying that the Buccaneers had one of the weakest passing defenses in the NFL during 2024, finishing 29th in the league by allowing 243.9 yards per game.
A significant factor in Tampa Bay’s struggles against the pass can be attributed to the injury-plagued season of free safety Antoine Winfield Jr.
Winfield had an outstanding 2023 season, establishing himself as the best free safety in the NFL with 122 tackles, 3 interceptions, 12 pass deflections, 6 forced fumbles, 6.0 sacks, and 4 fumble recoveries, which earned him an NFL All-Pro selection. He secured a lucrative 4-year, $ 84.1 million contract extension before the season began.
However, that lucrative deal was followed by a disappointing year for Winfield, as he played only 9 games due to various injuries, recorded a career-low of 60 tackles, and didn’t manage to secure an interception during the regular season for the first time in his career.
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