The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are once again being praised for a sharp, calculated NFL Draft performance, and this time, it’s not just the picks getting attention, but the surprisingly blunt philosophy behind them. According to general manager Jason Licht, the Bucs‘ 2025 draft board was built by stripping away the distractions, literally.
“We just take the [expletives] and [expletives] off,” Licht told Pat McAfee in a now-viral interview, referring to players who don’t genuinely love football or bring drama into a locker room. While the exact words were bleeped out, the message was crystal clear: Tampa Bay isn’t drafting personalities, they’re drafting professionals.
Results that speak louder than words
Despite the eyebrow-raising method, Licht’s approach has produced real results. Tampa Bay came away with a class that earned an “A” grade from CBS Sports, one of only three teams to do so this year. Their first-round pick, Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, might have surprised some fans, but given the aging core of Mike Evans and the injury history of Chris Godwin, the move makes sense.
The Bucs also shored up their secondary with two corners-Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish. The latter, taken in the third round, is already expected to compete for the nickel corner role despite playing on the outside in college.
No drama, just depth
Tampa Bay’s draft wasn’t just about flash. They picked up Tez Johnson in the seventh round, a receiver whose game speed far exceeds his combine numbers. It’s another example of the Bucs trusting the tape over the hype, a philosophy that seems to define Licht’s tenure as GM.
Licht’s strategy may not be conventional, or particularly family-friendly in its phrasing, but it’s grounded in football fundamentals: find great players who love the game and avoid the headaches. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it’s building a roster that’s ready to compete now and long term.
As other teams chase hype and headlines, the Bucs are building something steadier. And if history is any guide, Jason Licht might just be the quiet genius behind one of the league’s most sustainable franchises.
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