Buccaneers Interested In Trading Down

There is likely to be a first-round run on offensive linemen beginning in the 10 to 14 range, according to insider Jordan Schultz. As Breer notes, the Lions (17), Panthers (19), Steelers (21), Eagles (23), Browns (24) and Bears (25) are all candidates to draft an O-lineman in the first round. That could put the Buccaneers in prime position to find a trade partner. As the Bucs’ GM since 2024, Licht has never been shy about moving his first-rounder. He went from nine to 11 in 2016, seven to 12 in 2018, 14 to 13 in 2020 and 27 to 33 in 2022 (h/t: Scott Smith of the team’s website).

The trades in 2018 and ’20 led to the Buccaneers using first-rounders on defensive tackle Vita Vea and left tackle Tristan Wirfs, two cornerstones. The 355-pound Vea and the 320-pound Wirfs are among Tampa Bay’s biggest players. Overall, though, head coach Todd Bowles believes the team needs more size.

“We need to get bigger from a team standpoint,” Bowles said (via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times). “I think we need to get bigger. We’re smaller at some positions from a size standpoint. I’d like to get bigger regardless of what position it is, and I think that will be a little more emphasis this year.”

Regardless of whether the Buccaneers trade down, edge defender, linebacker and guard are among the positions they could target early in the draft. Based on Bowles’ comments, anyone dinged with the “undersized” label may be off the table for Tampa Bay.