Schedule Projections by SI
Each year before the inception of a new NFL regular season, endless speculation persists over the future of each club. Who are contenders and who is in a rebuilding phase? Which teams have a stacked roster to make a legitimate run? There is a plethora of narratives linked to every team that monopolize the internet throughout training camp, and many outlets begin to assemble record predictions. Sports Illustrated projected that the Buccaneers will finish their 2025 docket with a 12-5 record and the No.1 seed in the NFC. In their rundown, Tampa Bay emerged with wins over the Eagles in Week Four, the Niners in Week Six, Detroit in Week Seven and a victory over the Bills in Week 11 post-bye. In SI's estimation, the Bucs log wins over powerhouses. To look at the full compilation, click here.
Character is Paramount for Bucs' Brass
Under the instruction of General Manager Jason Licht, the Buccaneers have taken an unorthodox yet effective direction in building the team's roster. For Tampa Bay, character evaluation supersedes all. Five years ago, a change occurred. Licht did not like the direction of the club's culture and decided to shift the process. Now, the scouting department and front office spend a week solely on character evaluation prior to the draft and create a grade-based tier system. The same level of scrutiny spent on detailing the nuances of a player's skillset is spent on an individual's drive and moral compass. If a player does not fit the Bucs' criteria and red flags are raised, that individual's name is turned over on the draft board. Drafting the 'right kind of players' has led to success for Jason Licht and company.
Twenty of Tampa Bay's 22 Week One starters in 2024 were originally drafted by the Buccaneers – the most in the NFL. Across the last 10 seasons, the Bucs have ranked in the top 10 in cumulative EPA by rookie classes. Under Licht, the Bucs are No. 1 in the NFL with 1,873 games started and 132,091 snaps played from their own players drafted in the first through fifth rounds (2014-2024). All 38 of Licht's draft selections in the first through sixth rounds from 2019-2024 were on an NFL roster in 2024. That hit rate is predicated on the team's decision to bring in men of undisputed character. The Athletic’s Dan Pompei detailed the origin story of Licht and how his upbringing in Yuma has influenced his decision-making.
Injury Status in Secondary
The Buccaneers have been plagued with injuries in the secondary but are hoping to get potential reinforcements back this week. Benjamin Morrison, Bryce Hall and Tyrek Funderburk are dealing with unspecified injuries and J.J. Roberts is expected to land on injured reserve with a knee injury. The injuries on the back end have created more opportunities and snaps for Kaevon Merriweather, Rashad Wisdom and Shilo Sanders.
"They played a lot," said Bowles. "I'm not finished going through the tape yet, but Merriweather probably has the most experience since he was here last year and played the last half of the season. He knows both positions. Wisdom was on the practice squad last year and actually played nickel [cornerback] in the second half because we were down corners. He did a heck of a job playing nickel, strong safety, and free safety from a knowledge standpoint. Shilo is very aggressive, very young, and very hungry. He can make plays in the box and run down to give us 100% on special teams. This last week is going to be very important for those guys to show up."
