Recent mock draft has Buccaneers bolstering defensive line even further

The Buccaneers would have a chance to add some serious talent in a recent mock draft.

Oct 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been one of the best teams in the league recently when it has come to the NFL Draft.

A mock draft from NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice has the Buccaneers trading with the Los Angeles Chargers to move up from the 22nd pick to No. 19 overall.

In the deal, Filice has Tampa Bay selecting Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant.

READ MORE: Buccaneers potential draft targets and best fits: Running back

Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (78) celebrates after Ohio State misses a field goal during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Buccaneers have one of the league’s top lineman in Vita Vea, and would add even more muscle to the middle of the defensive line by selecting Grant.

Tampa Bay has made it clear this offseason that the defensive front is a priority, and pairing Grant with Vea gives them one of the most physically imposing interior duos in the NFL. Filice loved the potential fit:

“Who wouldn’t like to see Grant line up alongside Vita Vea to block out the sun with 700 pounds of BEEF? Opposing offensive lines, presumably,” Filice wrote. “Like Vea, Grant offers a rare blend of colossal size, raw power and eye-popping athleticism. With those two clogging run lanes, Calijah Kancey can do what he does best: rush the passer.”

Adding Grant not only boosts Tampa Bay’s ability to stop the run but also frees up explosive pass rushers like defensive lineman Calijah Kancey to attack upfield, creating a well-rounded, aggressive front that could cause problems for NFC South offenses.

The trade signals a win-now mindset from general manager Jason Licht and gives Tampa Bay a physical identity on defense that few teams can match.

---

READ MORE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM reveals big insight into this year's draft

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2025 offseason.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Buccaneers potential draft targets and best fits: Quarterback

• Buccaneers quarterback Kyle Trask gets married

• Buccaneers keeping close eye on ‘consensus first-round pick'

• Buccaneers’ NFC South success dismissed by Saints rival