6 Draft Sleepers the Buccaneers Should Target in the 2026 NFL Draft

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers don’t just need to hit on early picks in the 2026 NFL Draft—they need to uncover value late.

That’s where general manager Jason Licht has consistently delivered. With roster needs at linebacker, edge rusher, and offensive depth, Tampa Bay will need contributors from outside the spotlight.

These six prospects aren’t dominating headlines—but they bring traits, production, and developmental upside that fit what the Buccaneers need.

Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo 

• Instincts: Quick to diagnose and attack downhill
• Physicality: Plays with force and urgency in the box
• Motor: High-effort defender who stays active

Murdock isn’t getting national buzz, but his play style stands out. He’s aggressive, decisive, and plays like a linebacker who understands his role.

Why he fits: Tampa Bay needs tone-setters at linebacker after Lavonte David, and Murdock brings that mentality.

Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State 

• Coverage: Smooth in man with quick feet
• Ball Skills: Tracks the ball well downfield
• Competitiveness: Doesn’t shy away from physical matchups

Johnson flies under the radar in a deep corner class, but his ability to stay connected in coverage shows up on tape.

Why he fits: Todd Bowles values corners who can hold up in man coverage—and Johnson offers developmental upside there.

Sam Roush, TE, Stanford 

• Hands: Reliable target in traffic
• Frame: Solid build for in-line work
• Versatility: Can contribute as both blocker and receiver

Roush isn’t a flashy tight end, but he’s well-rounded. He does the small things that keep offenses on schedule.

Why he fits: Adds depth behind Cade Otton while bringing a balanced skill set.

Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky 

• Burst: Quick acceleration through the hole
• Contact Balance: Runs through arm tackles
• Big-Play Ability: Can create chunk gains

McGowan is a low-profile back with real traits. He runs with urgency and flashes the ability to generate explosive plays.

Why he fits: Gives Tampa Bay a developmental back with upside to contribute in a rotation.

Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati 

• Size: Good frame for boundary work
• Catch Radius: Expands the strike zone
• Red Zone: Wins in contested situations

Caldwell isn’t widely discussed, but his physical tools stand out—especially in contested catch situations.

Why he fits: With Mike Evans no longer in the picture, Tampa Bay needs size on the outside.

Mikail Kamara, DE/EDGE, Indiana 

• First Step: Explosive off the line
• Motor: Relentless effort as a pass rusher
• Upside: Flashes ability to disrupt consistently

Kamara is the type of edge prospect who can outperform his draft slot. The tools and effort are there.

Why he fits: Tampa Bay needs pass-rush juice, and Kamara offers developmental upside with real traits.

Final Thoughts

The Buccaneers don’t need just stars—they need depth, competition, and upside.

This group of sleepers offers:

• Physical traits worth developing
• Scheme fits across key positions
• Potential to outperform draft position

If Jason Licht can land even a couple contributors from this tier, Tampa Bay won’t just fill holes—they’ll quietly strengthen the roster heading into the 2026 season.

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