BR’s 2026 Buccaneers’ 7 – Round Mock Draft 1.0

Pros:

• Exceptional Build & Power: He’s a formidable presence at 6’6″, 284 lbs, backed by incredible strength (a 700lb squat and 415lb bench!). This raw power translates into dominant hand usage and rock-solid anchoring at the line.
• Pro-Ready Run Defender: His run defense is already top-tier, showcasing an NFL-caliber ability to shut down opponents. He led all FBS edge defenders with 62 run stops over three seasons, consistently disrupting plays.
• Versatile Playmaker: Defensive coordinators love his ability to align anywhere—from a 5-technique to a 3-technique, or even standing up on the edge. This flexibility creates mismatches and keeps offenses guessing.
• Masterful Hand Usage: Faulk’s long-arm stab is a serious weapon. He uses his reach to create immediate separation, preventing offensive tackles from gaining control and winning reps.
• Non-Stop Effort: His motor is absolutely relentless. He plays hard from the first snap to the last, leading to critical cleanup sacks and high-effort plays, especially when linemen start to tire in the fourth quarter.
• Disciplined Edge Setter: He’s a fundamentally sound player, maintaining excellent gap integrity against misdirection. He’s not chasing stats; he’s consistently forcing runners back inside and handling his assignments.
• Blocker Annihilator: Faulk routinely manhandles pulling guards and other blockers, tossing them aside with ease on power and counter runs. His performance against Alabama in the Iron Bowl was a perfect example of this dominance.

Cons:

• Inconsistent First Step: Sometimes, he’s a bit slow off the snap, especially when he’s trying to figure out if it’s a run or a pass. That hesitation can let offensive tackles get a jump on him and establish good positioning.
• Limited Cornering Ability: When trying to get around the edge, his bend and speed aren’t quite elite. This makes it tough for him to really threaten the outside shoulder of athletic NFL tackles and turn those tight corners toward the quarterback.
• Needs a More Diverse Pass Rush: If his first pass-rush move gets shut down, he often doesn’t have a reliable Plan B. He can get stuck on blocks, struggling to disengage and create pressure later in the down.
• Hand Placement Needs Work: His initial hand placement can be a bit sloppy, sometimes allowing offensive linemen to get their hands on him first. This means he loses out on gaining leverage early in the rep.
• Lateral Agility Against Blocks: He tends to rely on pure power to beat reach blocks instead of cleanly redirecting. This can limit his ability to chase down plays in offensive schemes that heavily feature zone runs, affecting his pursuit angles.

Summary:

Finding the perfect home for Faulk means slotting him into a defense that loves odd-front looks and truly values a versatile lineman. Picture him as your go-to 5-technique on early downs, then effortlessly shifting inside to a 3-tech on obvious passing plays. He’s the kind of player who can fundamentally reshape your defensive front, consistently collapsing gaps from various spots. Schemes that thrive on pre-snap movement and hybrid roles are where his unique skillset will truly shine.

That comparison floating around to Calais Campbell? Honestly, it’s spot-on. It paints a clear picture of a massive, powerful defensive end who’s athletic enough to be far more than just a run-stopper. Like Campbell, he’s a player who, with the right coaching and system, has serious double-digit sack potential waiting to be unleashed. At just 20 years old, with that incredible physical profile, his ceiling is still incredibly high. Faulk isn’t the finished article yet, but the raw talent and foundational strength he brings are as robust as any defender in this entire draft class.

Round – 2, Buccaneers’ Pick 46: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

HT: 6’3
WT: 238 lbs

Accolades:

• 2× Second-team All-American (2024, 2025)
• 2× First-team All-SEC (2024, 2025)
• Freshman All-American (2023)
• Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2023)

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Pros:

• Possesses exceptional lateral quickness and acceleration, allowing him to cover ground from sideline to sideline with the speed of a safety but the hitting power of a traditional middle linebacker.
• Shows advanced instincts, diagnosing run plays, consistently beating blockers to the spot and knifing through traffic with remarkable efficiency to find the ballcarrier.
• Brings the thunder as a tackler, striking through his target with explosive hip rotation and delivering bone-rattling hits that create highlight-reel moments and demoralize opposing offenses.
• Displays natural pass rush talent with an array of moves, demonstrating the versatility to win with speed around the edge or power through the interior on well-timed blitzes.
• Consistently delivers in clutch situations, as evidenced by game-clinching plays against Alabama as a freshman and his dominant performance against Oklahoma, showing he elevates in the spotlight.
• Shows a rare knack for creating turnovers with four forced fumbles against SEC competition. By using precise hand placement to target the football while completing tackles.
• Processes information at elite speed, rarely taking false steps or getting manipulated by misdirection, allowing him to play faster than testing numbers would suggest.
• Demonstrates surprising coverage awareness for a downhill thumper, showing fluid hip turn in zone drops and consistently getting proper depth in his landmarks.

Cons:

• Can overpursue running plays, allowing cutback opportunities when he commits too aggressively to his initial read without maintaining gap discipline.
• Struggles disengaging from longer, more powerful offensive linemen who can lock onto his frame and control him once they establish contact.
• Man coverage skills are a work in progress, particularly against quicker receiving backs who can create separation with sudden breaks in their routes.
• Tends to rely more on athleticism than technique when taking on blocks, sometimes attempting to run around rather than through engagement points.
• Could improve hand placement and leverage in confined spaces, occasionally getting caught upright when navigating through interior traffic.

Summary:

Hill brings a unique blend of physicality and range that translates to the next level. He plays with a controlled aggression and instinctual feel that’s impressive for his experience. Hill’s ability to sniff out plays and anticipate the ball’s movement is a huge asset. His performance against Oklahoma showcased his standout traits: quick diagnosis, explosive gap penetration, and devastating tackles that shift momentum.

Round – 3, Buccaneers’ Pick 77: Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn

HT: 6’3
WT: 300 lbs

Accolades:

• First-team All-SEC Freshman (2023)

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Pros:

• Elite pass protection technician with phenomenal hand placement and reset ability
• Exceptional lateral quickness and balance, moving like a pulling guard in space
• High football IQ, making protection calls and identifying stunts and blitzes pre-snap
• Improved anchor strength, capable of absorbing bull rushes from larger SEC nose tackles
• Plays with controlled aggression and nasty finishing mentality
• Exceptional leverage fighter, using center-of-gravity advantage to win battles
• Next-level awareness and processing speed, picking up late blitzers and stunts
• Battle-tested against NFL-caliber competition as a rare three-year starter at center in the SEC

Cons:

• Frame limitations can make him vulnerable to larger SEC nose tackles (340+ pounds) with proper leverage
• Leans forward in pass protection, creating vulnerability to quick swim moves by explosive defensive tackles
• Can get driven back into the quarterback’s lap against powerful bull rushers
• Slow getting out on screen passes, needing refinement in timing and coordination with quarterback and running back
• Tends to attack with same hand pattern on initial engagement, a tendency NFL defensive tackles may exploit

Summary:

Lew profiles as a scheme-versatile pivot who will thrive in systems emphasizing movement over raw power. His athletic tools and proven production against elite competition suggest high ceiling. Technical flaws are correctable, and his year-over-year improvement indicates he’s not near his development peak. The right offensive coordinator will maximize his second-level blocking and protection recognition while scheming around his size limitations.

Round – 4, Buccaneers’ Pick 116th: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

HT: 5’10
WT: 186 lbs

Accolades:

• First-team All-ACC (2024)
• Second-team All-ACC (2025)

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Pros:

• Fluidity/Footwork: Loose hips and sharp feet allow him to mirror receivers and stay attached through stems and breaks
• Speed/Recovery Burst: Top-tier testing speed translates on tape with the ability to close ground and recover when initially beaten
• Zone Awareness: Advanced eyes and instincts; reads the quarterback while maintaining proper spacing and discipline
• Ball Skills/Play Strength: Competes above his size at the catch point with strong timing and vertical explosiveness
• Trigger/Run Support: Quick to diagnose screens and drives downhill with efficient, controlled pursuit angles
• Coverage Production: Limited completions to around 50% of targets during his top 2024 campaign
• Communication/IQ: Reliable in zone exchanges, consistently passing off routes without breakdowns
• Blitz Ability: Effective slot pressure option with good snap timing and the ability to disrupt the pocket
• Experience/Clutch Factor: Four-year ACC starter who elevated his play in high-leverage matchups

Cons:

• Size/Length Limitations: Short arms and a lean build create issues when matching up with bigger, more physical receivers in press
• Tackling Consistency: Technique regressed as a senior, with a noticeable spike in missed tackles
• Eye Discipline (Man): Tendency to peek into the backfield leads to lost leverage and separation underneath
• Coverage Regression: Senior-year production dipped compared to his standout 2024 performance
• Double-Move Vulnerability: Can bite on initial routes, leaving him susceptible to counters and vertical shots
• Run Support Impact: Overall run defense is just average, with size limiting his ability to consistently finish plays

Summary:

Rivers projects most naturally as a nickel corner at the next level. His lack of ideal length and bulk will create challenges holding up consistently on the outside, but his short-area burst, route recognition, and comfort operating within zone concepts make him a strong fit inside. His Combine performance backed up the film—he’s a twitchy, explosive mover who can redirect and close on the football quickly, his 2024 tape showed what he looks like when everything is in sync, particularly during his interception run against Florida State, SMU, and Miami, where his production stemmed from anticipation, positioning, and execution rather than randomness. The key evaluation point moving forward is determining whether that 2024 stretch represents his true level of play or an outlier compared to his 2025 season.

Round – 5, Buccaneers’ Pick 155th: Jack Endries, TE, Texas

HT: 6’5
WT: 244 lbs

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Pros:

• Route Running Prowess: Jack carves up defenses with crisp, sudden routes and an innate ability to settle into soft spots against zone coverage, creating easy throws for his QBs.
• Elite Football IQ: He’s got a fantastic feel for the game, constantly anticipating where the defense will be and adjusting his routes to always be open.
• Iron Man Durability: This guy is tough! He’s started 26 games straight, logging heavy snap counts for two seasons without missing any time.
• Positional Versatility: You can line him up anywhere – in-line, H-back, slot, or even outside – and he’ll seamlessly adapt, making him a chess piece for offensive coordinators.
• Deceptive Speed: Don’t let him fool you; once he gets into the open field, he’s got the juice to take short catches and explode for big gains.
• Reliable Blocker: He holds his own in pass protection, using solid technique and fundamentals to keep the pocket clean and give his quarterback time.
• Big-Game Performer: When the lights are brightest and the competition is fierce, Jack consistently delivers, showing up in high-pressure and clutch situations.
• Vacuum Hands: His hands are exceptional, with a natural ability to extend and haul in contested catches even in heavy traffic.

Cons:

• Struggles in Run Blocking: His run blocking is a definite area for improvement. He often displays poor technique and lacks the power to consistently drive defensive linemen, impacting the ground game.
• Limited Post-Catch Playmaking: While he can catch, he doesn’t consistently show the breakaway speed or elusiveness to break tackles and turn routine receptions into significant gains after contact.
• Maxed-Out Frame: At 244 pounds, his physical frame appears to be near its limit, which might hinder his ability to add the necessary functional strength to significantly improve his blocking.
• Average Physical Measurables: He doesn’t possess the standout size or physical attributes that would make him truly distinctive among other tight end prospects across the country.
• Question Marks Against Elite Competition: There are concerns about his relatively limited experience playing against top-tier competition, which could raise questions about how well his college success will translate to a higher level of play.

Summary:

Jack Endries’ film reveals a fundamentally sound receiver with a knack for getting open, though he doesn’t possess the kind of physical dominance typically seen in elite tight end prospects. He shines in the short and intermediate passing game, where his precise routes and dependable hands offer immediate value. However, his ongoing struggles as a run blocker really hinder his potential to be a three-down player, often signaling play calls when he’s on the field. While his ability to line up in various positions offers valuable schematic flexibility, his difficulty in consistently moving defenders in the run game ultimately limits how creatively coaches can deploy him.

Round – 6, Buccaneers’ Pick 195th: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss

HT: 6’2
WT: 208 lbs

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Pros:

• Release/Vertical Threat: Closes cushion quickly off the line; corners in off coverage struggle to recover once he gets into his stride
• Hands/Ball Skills: Extends naturally and finishes away from his frame, especially on downfield targets
• Route Craft: Flashes nuance, highlighted by a well-sold double move vs. Tulsa (2024) that created a 63-yard touchdown
• Deep Tracking: Locates and adjusts to vertical throws over his shoulder without breaking stride
• YAC Ability: Slips contact with spin moves and shows spatial awareness to set up the next lane
• Tempo/Zone Feel: Controlled pacing on curls, hitches, and comebacks; finds and settles into soft spots versus zone
• Blocking Effort: Competitive in the run game; willing to engage and match up with safeties
• Development Curve: Clear year-over-year improvement, with 2024–2025 tape showing significant growth from earlier seasons

Cons:

• Change of Direction: High hips and longer stride make him labored in and out of breaks, especially on in-breaking routes
• Press/Release Issues: Patient, physical corners can disrupt his timing and steer him off his stem early
• Play Strength/Ball Contests: Struggles to hold his line through contact; can be knocked off balance at the catch point
• Acceleration Profile: Build-up speed limits his immediate burst, delaying his ability to stress defenders vertically
• Release Package: Limited variety; leans heavily on foot quickness and a swipe, needs added counters vs. press
• Profile/Projection Questions: Older prospect with multiple transfers, which may create concerns about long-term upside

Summary:

Stribling is at his best when he’s pushing vertically and punishing corners who give him space. Against off or bail technique, he chews up cushion quickly with his stride length and puts defenders into recovery mode almost immediately. His 75-yard grab against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl was a clean example—he stacked the corner, located the ball over his shoulder, and finished without breaking stride. He also shows a solid feel on intermediate routes, particularly crossers and deep comebacks, where he works to the proper depth and finds space against zone looks. His hands are reliable in traffic, which supports his ability to finish plays downfield. There’s still work to do in the short-area game, as his breaks can be a bit upright and delayed, but his strengths show up consistently and at a level that can translate early.

Round – 7, Buccaneers’ Pick 229th: Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M

HT: 6’4
WT: 296 lbs

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Pros:

• Frame/Leverage Profile: Lean, flexible build with proportional length; naturally plays with strong pad level and leverage
• Get-Off/Burst: Explosive first step with immediate acceleration that stresses blockers off the snap
• Twitch/Hand Usage: Flashes suddenness to bait inside leverage, then counters quickly with swim moves
• Lateral Quickness: Active, high-energy mover with the side-to-side twitch to work around and through blocks
• Functional Strength: Lean mass and length translate to surprising take-on power at the point of attack
• Leverage Consistency: Flexible frame allows him to win pad level and maintain it through contact
• Rush Sequencing: Builds off power, chaining arm-overs after bull rushes and long-arm attempts
• Block Deconstruction: Uses length and strength to split or fight through combo blocks and find the ball
• Flexibility/Cornering: Shows ankle flexion and torso bend to work tight angles around interior linemen
• Stunt Effectiveness: Burst, agility, and hip freedom make him highly disruptive on games and counters

Cons:

• Play Strength/Build-Out: Still has room to add mass to better anchor and maximize his strength profile
• Double-Team Anchor: Flashes the ability to hold up, but can be displaced when he doesn’t fully lock in his base
• Hip Flexibility: Doesn’t consistently show elite bend to dip and flatten from wider alignments
• Lateral Range Ceiling: Agility is there, but some hip stiffness limits full extension on lateral bursts
• Pad Level at Contact: Tends to rise on first contact, reducing his ability to generate power through his base
• Leverage Consistency: Plays too tall at times and doesn’t always secure optimal pad level early in reps
• Rush Plan Discipline: Needs more consistency with his initial pass-rush approach and hand placement
• Strike Timing: Will drift into blocks without engaging his hands first, leading to lost leverage and control

Summary:

At 6’4”, 296 pounds, Onyedim brings an ideal blend of size and athletic traits. His explosiveness stands out immediately, pairing a quick first step with impressive agility and sudden change-of-direction ability. He’s a fluid mover for his size, showing the flexibility to slip past blocks and adjust his hips on the fly, while his length helps him generate and transfer power effectively.

Iowa State leaned into those traits in 2023, frequently deploying him in roles that highlighted his movement skills. He was particularly disruptive on stunts, where he could stress angles, attack from 5-technique alignments, and throw off blockers’ timing. Against the run, he shows the ability to defeat reach blocks from wider alignments and work into pursuit, with a motor that consistently runs hot.

The pass-rush profile is still developing. Much of his pressure comes as a result of alignment, movement, and scheme, rather than a refined set of counters. When isolated in true one-on-one situations, he can struggle to string moves together and consistently defeat well-anchored blockers with his hands.

Mock Summary

The Buccaneers were able to address every need they have on this mock draft. Faulk and Hill Jr. are plug-and-play guys. Connor Lew could very well be the Buccaneers’ starting left guard to begin the season. Chandler Rivers is more of a rotational guy with the upside of a starting nickle. Jack Endries might be the players the Buccaneers think Payne Durham is. Finally, Tyler Onyedim would be a developmental player for the Buccaneers. Occasionally being promoted from the practice squad and used as a rotational relief guy.

All in all this mock shook out well for the Buccaneers. Every need was met, and depth secured.