Jason Licht's Underrated Draft Prowess Shines Again for Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Since taking over as general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014, Jason Licht has arguably had one of the strongest draft track records in the NFL. Yet, he seldom receives the accolades that his talent in evaluating players deserves. This draft season was no exception, as the Buccaneers delivered what many analysts quickly labeled one of the best drafts in 2025. Indeed, Licht's team received one of only three "A" grades from several commentators. This was predicted not just for the immediate impacts of these picks, but for addressing the long-term future. With the first-round choice of wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, the Bucs opted for a player who, while not an immediate need due to a crowded receiver room, offers tremendous potential for growth. The team also successfully filled defensive gaps with selections that included two standout cornerbacks. While each draft evaluation is inherently subjective and does come with the caveat that it takes a few years to truly gauge the effectiveness of these picks, many believe Licht's latest class may continue the strong history of contributions from his draftees. For instance, Egbuka's selection surprised many but was celebrated for its future-forward thinking. With the intention to adjust for potential future departures on the team, Tampa Bay is realizing that building from a strong base of talent is essential. In a year marked by notable trades and high-stakes decisions—such as the bold move by Jacksonville to trade up for Travis Hunter at No. 2 overall—the Buccaneers managed to keep their draft focused and strategic. They also strategically followed their selection of Egbuka with two cornerbacks, an area that the Buccaneers have struggled in the past. Overall, the solid performance of this draft class might ensure Licht finally receives the recognition he has long deserved, even if the immediate impacts are best observed in subsequent seasons. This year's draft results serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of the process. For instance, while many teams, particularly the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs, were praised for their bold, immediate moves, the Bucs demonstrated that a well-thought-out plan can bring long-term success. It will still be vital for Licht to help these young talents develop into NFL-ready players, as history shows the pressure on GMs can ride heavily on short-term evaluation pressures alongside looking at long-term potential. As Licht continues deftly navigating the complex landscape of NFL drafts while remaining underrated, Tampa Bay fans may have renewed hope for a bright future built on this significant weekend's work.