Atlanta Pass Rush
The Atlanta Falcons bolstered their pass rush in the 2025 draft by selecting Jalon Walker with the 15th overall selection, and the club double-dipped at No. 26 with James Pearce Jr. after a trade back into the first round. During the pre-draft process, many pundits expected the Bucs to take a defense-heavy route, including in the first round. Tampa Bay ended up selecting Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka with its first overall selection, but both of the aforementioned names now on the Atlanta roster had been linked to the Bucs. Todd Bowles discussed what added dimension they bring to the Falcons and what he saw from the speedsters prior to the draft.
"They bring a lot of speed," noted Bowles. "Pearce was a heck of a pass rusher in college and he could really run. I saw Walker a few times myself and he was one of my favorite players in the draft coming out and he is really multi-faceted. He can do a lot of things for them outside and inside. He plays with a high motor and he is a high-character guy. Great leadership so between the two of them, they really infused themselves with two young pass rushers."
Walker played a hybrid, chess piece role at Georgia, splitting time between inside linebacker, outside linebacker and edge rusher. He led the Bulldogs in pressures (34) and pass rush win percentage (17.2) in 2024, possesses outstanding change-of-direction abilities and explodes downhill to collapse the pocket. Walker was experienced playing in the box and plays with effective rush angles. Pearce Jr. led the Volunteers in sacks and tackles for loss as both a sophomore and junior. His 107 pressures over the previous two seasons ranked No. 1 in the SEC (No.6 in FBS) and he wins with speed to the edge and an explosive first step. Tampa Bay will face the revitalized unit on Sunday in Week One.
Benjamin Morrison Injury Status
The Buccaneers selected Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison in the second round of the 2025 draft. Morrison fell in the draft a bit after injuries to both his shoulder and hip ended his junior campaign. Signs pointed to a healthy recovery post-surgery and Morrison impressed when he was back in action during training camp but a hamstring injury caused the rookie to miss the preseason slate. Bowles confirmed the first-year cornerback could be back on Wednesday but the staff will monitor how he progresses.
"He is still up for grabs right now," said Bowles. "There is a possibility that he could come back on Wednesday, but we will see. He has been moving."
Morrison has a natural feel in coverage and is confident at the catch point. He tracks the ball well and plays with superb foot quickness and ability to mirror releases. When he returns, Morrison will help solidify the Bucs' secondary.
Graham Barton Mental Development
Graham Barton, the Bucs' first overall pick out of Duke in 2024, solidified the line for Tampa Bay last season. Barton tied for fourth in fewest sacks allowed among centers last season with Miami's Aaron Brewer and Buffalo's Connor McGovern at 2.0. After serving as a three-year starter at left tackle for the Blue Devils, Barton made a smooth transition in the pros. He assumed his new responsibilities, including making blitz/stunt adjustments, setting protections and getting linemen set up with proper assignments. Barton helped create rush lanes out of the team's gap-heavy scheme and led the way for Bucky Irving with second-level blocks. Entering Year Two, Barton credits his mental fortitude to his development.
"When you have so much going on in your mind, I think I have calmed down my mind a lot and I have been just thinking more clearly," said Barton. "I am thinking about the fundamentals and the technique that I want to execute and not just making sure where everyone is and where everyone needs to go and actually excel at my play. I think that all comes from being able to quiet the mind and just go out there and play football."
