TAMPA — In a strategic move to ramp up their quarterback pressure, the Bucs made a bold decision during the NFL draft by selecting two edge rushers. First up was David Walker from Central Arkansas, chosen in the fourth round (121st overall).
Shortly after, they picked Elijah Roberts, a 285-pound senior from SMU who previously played for Miami, with the 157th overall pick.
Walker, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 260 pounds, has had an impressive college career, being a three-time Defensive Player of the Year in both the United Athletic Conference and Atlantic Sun Conference. He racked up a total of 39 sacks during his time on the field.
Last season alone, Walker notched 10½ sacks along with 23 tackles for loss. “His production in terms of sacks, TFLs, and overall tackles shows just how dominant he was on his level,” said Bucs vice president of player personnel Mike Biehl. “He proved himself at the Senior Bowl, going up against top-tier linemen and showing he plays with incredible intensity—that’s exactly the kind of player we want.”
Roberts, a team captain and honorable mention All-ACC in 2024, collected 17½ sacks and 72 tackles during his two years with the Mustangs. His robust 40-yard dash time of 4.78 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine helped boost his draft prospects.
The Bucs struggled with edge production last season. Yaya Diaby led the team with just 7½ sacks as a rookie but saw a decline to 4½ this year. Second-round pick Chris Braswell managed only 1½ sacks, while Joe Tryon-Shoyinka never exceeded five sacks over four seasons, resulting in the Bucs opting not to pick up his option. He has since signed with the Browns.
To bolster their defense, the Bucs also signed Jets free agent Haason Reddick to a one-year, $14 million deal, though he’ll turn 31 in September and might not stay beyond 2026, regardless of his performance.
Walker exhibited impressive athleticism with a 40-yard dash time of 4.69 seconds at the combine and accumulated 82½ tackles for loss throughout his college career.
Bucs Draft Picks
- WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State (first round, 19th overall)
- CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame (second round, 53rd)
- CB Jacob Parrish, Kansas State (third round, 84th)
- EDGE David Walker, Central Arkansas (fourth round, 121st)
- EDGE Elijah Roberts, SMU (fifth round, 157th)
Conclusion
The Bucs are clearly aiming to bolster their defense with these new talents, addressing their need for stronger edge rushing capabilities. With both Walker and Roberts bringing impressive stats and skills to the team, fans can look forward to a more dynamic defense in the upcoming season.
FAQs
What positions did the Bucs draft this year?
The Bucs focused on edge rushers, selecting David Walker and Elijah Roberts.
How did Walker perform in college?
Walker had 39 sacks and was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, showcasing his dominance on the field.
What impact can Roberts have on the team?
With solid statistics and leadership skills, Roberts could be a game-changer for the Bucs’ defense.
