We’re getting closer.
After months of waiting and discussing all the options, the Bucs will be on the clock on April 23rd. With just one month to go, it is fitting to take a look at where Tampa Bay stands. Free agency has come and gone, although general manager Jason Licht could always opt to make one more move.
When it comes to prospects the team could target in the 2026 NFL Draft, there is a wide range of players at various positions that could plug right in. Many would assume the first addition will come on the defensive side of the football, but the same thing was said last year before Licht chose to select wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Continuing to reinforce the defense could happen at any position, although the consensus line of thinking is on adding another outside linebacker to boost the pass rush or an inside linebacker to fortify the middle of the field.
Bucs GM Jason Licht – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
With the 2026 Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview, the Bucs front office is hard at work building a big board and deciding which players will be the best ones available when it comes time to make the 15th overall selection. Nothing can be ruled out, even if that is taking a tight end or an offensive tackle and kicking him inside to left guard. Tampa Bay is in a situation where they need to find the best talent and hope that it addresses some of the biggest needs on the roster.
It remains to be seen how they go about it, as even though the draft is nearing, there is a not a clear idea of what the team will do.
PewterReport.com is the best source of Buccaneers’ draft coverage, which will only continue as it comes more into focus. After watching and interviewing plenty of prospects, our analysis will soon feature positional previews and our Bucs Best Bets. Until then, here is a look at what national insiders have predicted will happen in the first round.
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq
Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Troy Wayrynen
A pass rusher was also a solid consideration here, but Kenyon Sadiq’s athleticism is just too good for the Buccaneers to pass up. At the NFL combine, Sadiq displayed incredible speed (4.39-second 40-yard dash) and explosive leaping ability (43.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-1 broad) at 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds.
Sadiq uses his speed to beat defenses deep. His five touchdowns on deep passes (targeted 20 or more yards downfield) in 2025 led all tight ends. Over his career at Oregon, Sadiq lined up in the slot on 53.4% of pass snaps, inline on 30.5% and out wide on 12.8%, so the Buccaneers can use him all over the field.
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Auburn EDGE Kedric Faulk
They need more help for their pass rush. Faulk seems to fit the type of player general manager Jason Licht likes to draft. His best football is in front of him.
Browns get: No. 15 overall
Bucs get: No. 24 overall, No. 70 overall, No. 107 overall
No. 24 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia ILB CJ Allen
Georgia ILB CJ Allen – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Dale Zanine
After trading back and adding more picks, the Bucs are able to get better value while filling one of their biggest needs. Even if Lavonte David returns for a 15th season, Tampa Bay needs to invest in an eventual successor for the future Hall of Famer, and Allen would be a strong candidate. He’s proven he can be an every-down playmaker against both the run and pass, and he has the mental traits and intangibles to handle the “green dot” role at the heart of the defense.
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor
It’s unorthodox to spend a top-15 pick on a pass rusher as old as Mesidor (he’ll turn 25 in April), but the Bucs have gone with some older prospects in the past. Mesidor fills a need for another disruptor on the edge.
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Clemson CB Avieon Terrell
A team can never have too many corners, so Tampa Bay grabs a steady player in Terrell near the midpoint of the first round. Terrell isn’t the most explosive cornerback, but he’s fluid and plays the ball well — just like his older brother A.J. on the Atlanta Falcons. Tampa Bay would’ve liked to grab a defensive lineman with the potential to play on the end, but with Faulk going a few picks earlier, they go elsewhere with the pick here.
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq
For the first time since he was drafted in 2014, Mike Evans won’t be suiting up for the Buccaneers. The veteran receiver signed with the 49ers, and though Tampa Bay still has Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan, it is going to miss Evans’ 6-foot-5 size downfield and in the red zone.
Sadiq could fill some of that void. Defenses struggle to match up with him because of his big 6-3 frame and 4.39 speed, and he has the explosive traits to go up and get 50-50 balls. Sure, the Bucs re-signed tight end Cade Otton, but new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson ran 12 personnel (two tight ends) 38.2% of the time in Atlanta last season, second most in the NFL.
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker
Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Ken Ruinard
This slot in mock drafts has become pass rusher roulette. Cashius Howell was a common thought for a long time, but you have to wonder if his size has him fall out of round one. Akheem Mesidor is already off the board, so T.J. Parker enters the picture. He has the size and power Todd Bowles typically prefers. If Tampa Bay gets the 2024 version of Parker, this is excellent value. That’s the key question teams are trying to crack.
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor
Kadyn Proctor could kick inside to left guard next to Tristan Wirfs to form a terrifying double-team combination. We’ve seen how Baker Mayfield’s play has slipped when the line in front of him struggles, so keeping that unit a strength is critical.
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor
Tampa Bay lands a productive pass rusher (35.5 college sacks, including 12.5 with Miami last season) who can set the tone off the edge with his physical play.