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NFL Team Needs: Prioritizing Each Squad's Biggest Weaknesses Ahead of the Trade Deadline | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors


NFL Team Needs: Prioritizing Each Squad's Biggest Weaknesses Ahead of the Trade Deadline | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Antoine Winfield Jr.

Antoine Winfield Jr.Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have managed to play hard against good teams so far this season, but the team has struggled to get over the hurdle and win in the end. That was the story Monday night as Tampa Bay took Kansas City to overtime but failed to pull off the upset.

These are three straight losses for the Bucs as they trail the Falcons by two games in the AFC South standings while Atlanta has the head-to-head tiebreaker.

  1. Wide receiver
  2. Edge rusher
  3. Defensive tackle
  4. Tight end
  5. Guard

Add now: Traded for EDGE Azeez Ojulari, New York Giants

While Yaya Diaby has faced outside pressure this season, the Buccaneers could use another pass rusher to complement Diaby and play on the other side. Meanwhile, the fourth-year pro was listed as the No. 1 player in B/R's NFL Trade Block Big Board column this week.

“The Giants have picked up a few surprising wins this season, but it's highly unlikely they'll make a serious postseason push,” B/R's Kristopher Knox wrote. “New York will continue rebuilding in 2025, possibly without quarterback Daniel Jones.”

“It would make a lot of sense for New York to trade away the veterans now, and pass rusher Azeez Ojulari remains their top trade candidate. The 24-year-old has performed very well during Kayvon Thibodeaux's absence, but Thibodeaux could be placed on injured reserve in Week 10.

2025 free agency: WR Elijah Moore, Cleveland Browns

After suffering a broken ankle a few weeks ago, Chris Godwin may have made his final appearance for Tampa Bay as he is an impending free agent. Godwin's departure would leave the offense with a need for a wide receiver, particularly in the slot.

Moore is less versatile than the former second-team All-Pro but can be an effective inside receiver, which should make him a cheaper option than Godwin. Despite shaky quarterback play, Moore managed to record 89 catches for 861 yards in 23 games (17 starts) in his first 25 games in Cleveland.

NFL Draft 2025: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia

Even if Jason Litch negotiates a deal for Ojulari, the edge rusher is in a contract year and would only be a temporary solution to the defense's woes. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson are also expected to hit the open market this offseason, so Litch should take a close look at Williams.

“Williams has many attributes that make him highly valuable in the NFL,” the Bulldog’s scouting report states. “He has impressive size and strength and moves pretty well. He also demonstrated some positional versatility in college, playing as a 4i-technique defensive end and a stand-up outside linebacker.”

“…However, the Georgia native still has some work to do as a pass rusher. For now, he'll occasionally win on pure strength and athleticism, and he has the speed and general movement skills he needs to develop. However, his effort is.” Hand count is below average as offensive tackles often make the first significant contact, thwarting his movements before they can begin.

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