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As the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, with Florida teams are squarely in the spotlight. The latest Florida teams mock draft gives fans plenty to debate. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins have first-round picks, but each has different needs and a different approach.
Buccaneers Lean Toward Defense and a Falling Star
Mock drafts for the Bucs are all over the place. Edge rushers and linebackers dominate expert boards. Defensive lineman Mykel Williams (Georgia) and linebacker Jihaad Campbell (Alabama) are two popular choices. Both bring speed and intensity to a Tampa Bay defense that needs fresh legs. But ESPN’s Peter Schrager broke from the crowd. He mocked Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan to the Bucs at No. 19. That’s a big slide for a player once pegged as a top-10 lock. His talent is undeniable. His 2024 season ended with 84 catches and over 1,300 yards. Still, questions about his motivation linger.
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Dolphins Stack Defense and Fill Key Holes
Miami enters this draft with 10 picks. The Dolphins have needs at cornerback, guard and defensive tackle. According to fan polls, over 50% of fans want a guard, but the mocks say otherwise. Joe Schad, a Palm Beach Post reporter, has mocked Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron to the Dolphins at No. 13. Miami’s cornerback room is thin after the Jalen Ramsey fallout. Barron is ready to start right away. In the second round, Schad projects that Tampa will select defensive tackle Kenneth Grant (Michigan). At 332 pounds, Grant brings size and disruption, and compares himself to Vita Vea, a current Tampa Bay defensive tackle.
The Dolphins keep stacking defense in the third round with Florida State defensive lineman Joshua Farmer. Then they double-dip at cornerback with Cobee Bryant (Kansas) in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.
