The 2025 NFL Draft only just came to an end, but for some, all that means is it’s time to look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft. The Bucs are happy with their 2025 class and will now embark on the franchise’s 50th season, hoping to secure a sixth consecutive playoff berth and a fifth straight NFC South title before making a deeper run into the playoffs. Getting past the NFC Divisional Round for the first time since 2020 would be a start, but the ultimate goal is a third Lombardi Trophy.
It’s full speed ahead toward rookie mini-camp, OTAs, mandatory mini-camp and then training camp.
Buuuuut… why not take a quick look at some 2026 mock drafts just for a bit of fun, right?
It’s too soon to know exactly what the Bucs’ needs will be, but we can take a general guess. Inside linebacker may be chief among them, while another outside linebacker may be in play with a premium pick considering Haason Reddick is only on a one-year deal and both Anthony Nelson and Yaya Diaby will be in contract years heading into 2026.
The rest of the team’s needs will depend on whether the likes of cornerback Zyon McCollum, tight end Cade Otton, running back Rachaad White and defensive tackle Logan Hall are on new contracts by then.
So, with all of that said, let’s look at some of these way-too-early 2026 NFL mock drafts.
Bucs Mock Draft Roundup: 359 Days Until Draft Day
CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards
Round 1, Pick 19: Oklahoma EDGE R Mason Thomas
“Thomas is not bringing prototypical size to the position, but there will not be many prospects more entertaining. He is in constant motion from the time he takes the field. He produced nine sacks and one forced fumble last season.”
Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk Photo by: USA Today
Fox Sports’ Rob Rang
Round 1, Pick 19: Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk
“Long, lean and slippery off the edge, Faulk’s frame will generate comparisons to longtime NFL standouts Jason Taylor and Montez Sweat. The former four-star recruit made a major jump a year ago as a pass-rusher, going from one sack in 2023 to leading the Tigers with seven. His length and lateral agility could make him quite the weapon, though he needs to get stronger.”
The 33rd Team’s Kyle Crabbs
Round 1, Pick 19: Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk
“Tampa’s pass rush help for 2025 comes in the form of Haason Reddick on a one-year contract and Day 3 rookies Elijah Roberts and David Walker.
Faulk is a supersized rusher, not dissimilar to the build of Elijah Roberts. However, his production in the SEC is hard to ignore — he posted 45 pressures on just more than 300 rush opportunities in 2024.”
The Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy
Round 1, Pick 23: Ohio State LB Sonny Styles
Alabama LB Deontae Lawson Photo by: USA Today
Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski
Round 1, Pick 21: Alabama LB Deontae Lawson
“Many 2025 mock drafts sent linebacker Jihaad Campbell to Tampa Bay because it’s one of the team’s biggest weaknesses.
However, a shoulder injury scared many teams away from the Alabama product as he nearly slid out of the first round and the Buccaneers took wide receiver Emeka Egbuka instead.
Tampa Bay is still left with a hole in the middle of its defense, though, and Lavonte David, who will be 36 in January, only re-signed a one-year deal during free agency. So, general manager Jason Licht won’t pass on a top Alabama linebacker for a second time.
Deontae Lawson could have been a mid-round pick last weekend had he declared for the draft. Instead, he’s returning to school to build on what has been an impressive career with 194 total tackles, 16 TFL, five sacks and 12 passes defended over the last three years in Tuscaloosa.”
The Draft Network’s Keith Sanchez
Round 1, Pick 21: Alabama LB Deontae Lawson
CBS Sports’ Blake Brockermeyer
Round 1, Pick 19: Notre Dame G Charles Jagusah
“Jagusah is a 6-foot-7, 330 pounder who I actually think could be a guard at the next level — and perhaps one of the best in the league. Jagusah is a powerful run blocker with knock-back power and excellent athleticism.”
Florida DE Tyreak Sapp Photo by: USA Today
USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Round 1, Pick 20: Florida EDGE Tyreak Sapp
“Haason Reddick is only signed to a one-year deal, so Tampa Bay could once again be retooling its pass rush next spring. After notching a team-leading seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss last season, the 6-3, 273-pound Sapp figures to be the type of player who could help Todd Bowles maintain a consistent level of pressure against opposing passers.”
247 Sports’ Brad Crawford
Round 1, Pick 20: Florida EDGE Tyreak Sapp
The Score’s Dane Belbeck
Round 1, Pick 19: Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey
“This pick is based on the projection of Bailey rising to the next level after transferring from Stanford to Texas Tech. If he broadens his pass-rushing arsenal, the Bucs will jump at the chance to nab him at No. 19.”
