“We don’t have a lot of depth. That’s crystal clear, we don’t have a lot of depth. We hope to address that at some point in the draft, as well.” With these words, Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ HC Todd Bowles started the strategy of the 2025 NFL draft and carved out a picturesque painting with a total of six picks. Starting with Emeka Egbuka at No. 19, the Bucs organisation started off picking strong draft prospects to help out Baker Mayfield. But there is a twist.
After Todd Bowles’ Bucs exhausted their six picks and the draft ended, the franchise surprised a young offensive tackle. It might have been the most nerve-wracking three days of Jake Majors‘s life. After the first two days of the NFL Draft, he likely thought his name would soon come off the board. But that moment never came — he went undrafted. Heartbreaking, right?
However, the Buccaneers didn’t waste much time letting Jake know they wanted him as an undrafted free agent (UDFA). After the official announcement, Jake simply said, “Thank you God. #WeAreTheKrewe.” The offensive tackle played 57 games, setting a program record with 56 starts over his five-year college career. Now, if he makes the roster, his task will be protecting Baker Mayfield in the 2025 season.
The #Bucs are signing Texas OL Jake Majors as an UDFA per, @gregauman #WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/fYO2YVRufx
— SleeperBucs (@SleeperTBBUCS) April 26, 2025
But he is not the only one from Texas to get drafted as an UDFA. The Vikings have drafted WR Silas Bolden. Tim Pelissero reported, Texas receiver/punt returner has signed as a UDFA with the Vikings.
According to Longhorns Wire, there are five reasons the Bucs should be excited after drafting Jake Majors. The OT has a ton of experience, underrated athleticism, and, along with keeping the QB clean, is his strength. If you look at the stats, he has allowed only eight hits to the Longhorns QB after playing 56 games. And the other two are that he is technically sound and smart.
Last year, Todd Bowles’s QB1 was sacked a staggering 40 times. So, let’s see how he protects Baker Mayfield. Well, we will see that during the 2025 NFL season, which kicks off on September 6, 2025. But before we move on to OTAs, other training camps, and the start of the season, let’s check out another blockbuster pick by Todd Bowles’s Buccaneers.
Todd Bowles’s defense gets Shilo Sanders
“I don’t even know what they’re going to do with me, bro. Cause they are doing you like this.” This was Shilo Sanders‘s honest reaction after the day 1 snub of his brother, Shedeur Sanders, who was a round-1 contender according to many mock drafts. The Browns finally picked up Shedeur in round 5, and excitement skyrocketed for Shilo Sanders. However, just like Jake Majors, Shilo remained undrafted. But wait, a twist was waiting for him as well.
NCAA, College League, USA Football: Oklahoma State at Colorado Nov 29, 2024 Boulder, Colorado, USA Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders 2 and safety Shilo Sanders 21 before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Boulder Folsom Field Colorado USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xRonxChenoyx 20241129_szo_ac4_0024
The Buccaneers surprised Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders by signing him as an undrafted free agent. Judging by his college football experience and performance, it’s clear Todd Bowles saw potential in him. Shedeur Sanders’s older brother played college football at South Carolina, then spent two years at Jackson State and two more at Colorado under Deion Sanders’ leadership. But just how good is Shilo Sanders?
Looking at his 2024 college stats, Shilo recorded 67 total tackles, including 45 solo tackles. He also registered one sack against Utah on November 16 and forced a fumble in the same game — a major turning point in his college career.
But wait — could this opportunity with Todd Bowles’s Bucs be an even bigger turning point? Who knows? If Shilo shines, he might just land a massive deal with Tampa Bay. Let’s see how it all unfolds.
The post After Landing Shilo Sanders, Todd Bowles Invests in Baker Mayfield’s Protection With 315lbs O-Lineman appeared first on EssentiallySports.