Bucs’ Draft Order For 2026 Is Set

While PewterReport.com will continue to cover what happens there in the coming days and potentially weeks, the focus now formally shifts to the offseason and what moves the Bucs make in free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft order.

It is now official where Tampa Bay will be picking in the draft, as they will hold the 15th pick. Boasting such a high pick gives the ability to address one of many team needs across the roster. General manager Jason Licht and the rest of the front office will be busy the next few months kicking draft preparation into high gear in the hopes of landing a star player with a more premium selection than they are used to.

Here are the five biggest needs as they currently stand for the Bucs:

Outside Linebacker/Edge Rusher

It is no secret that the Bucs need to find a true No. 1 outside pass rusher. Whether that comes by way of Jason Licht making a big trade or adding one through the 2026 NFL Draft remains to be seen. Should they look to draft one, the expectation is that Tampa Bay would use its first-round pick on the position.

Outside linebacker has been Licht’s kryptonite in drafts, with the best selection during his tenure being Yaya Diaby in the third round in 2023. In recent years, 2021 first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and 2024 second-rounder Chris Braswell have not panned out, while the jury remains out on 2025 fourth-round pick David Walker, who missed the entire year after suffering a torn ACL before the preseason.

For the defense to take the next step forward, they must find someone to pair with Diaby long-term and there are a variety of options in the early part of the first round.

Inside Linebacker

Inside linebacker was another position the Bucs did not put premium resources into during the 2025 NFL Draft. In fact, Tampa Bay did not draft a single linebacker, instead signing undrafted free agents Nick Jackson and John Bullock. Jackson and Bullock made a minimal impact in the middle of the defense, and it will be even more of a need than it was.

It sure sounded like Lavonte David would be hanging them up as he spoke during his press conference on Saturday night. If so, it was a fitting end for the 35-year-old linebacker who is turning 36 years old at the end of the month. His starting spot will need to be filled, while SirVocea Dennis had an up-and-down first season as a starter. Dennis’ spot should not be guaranteed to him, leaving the team in a position to potentially add two starting linebackers. Doing so might mean adding one in free agency and another early on with a Day 1 or Day 2 pick in 2026.

Cornerback

Despite investing second- and third-round picks into cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish in 2025, the position remains a need for the Bucs. Jamel Dean is now a free agent after restructuring his contract before the season, with the expectation being that his time is up in Tampa Bay. Dean was the team’s top cornerback in 2025, while Zyon McCollum struggled after getting a contract extension. McCollum failed to improve and take the next step, adding even more uncertainty on the outside.

Morrison filled in as a starter the last couple of games of the year, but like SirVocea Dennis, he should not be handed such a pivotal role. “B-Mo” went through a trying first NFL season and needs more seasoning to lock down a long-term spot. Parrish fits best as a nickel corner, although he did play on the outside due to injuries and finished his rookie year with an interception. Regardless, finding a true No. 1 cornerback would go a long way for a pass defense that has been below-average for a while.

Tight End

It is for good reason why the defense should again be prioritized in the offseason, as each level of the unit needs significant upgrades. Comparatively, the offense is in a much better place but could be looking for a starting tight end. Cade Otton is a free agent after four seasons in Tampa Bay. Otton finished his year on a high note but is a jack-of-all-trades kind of player who is average. He is likely to command $10 million-plus on the open market, and the team might elect to get even younger at the position and not allocate those funds there.

Having a middle of the field threat to target would make quarterback Baker Mayfield’s life easier, and it would be even better if they found a tight end in the first round who is athletic and has potential to grow as a blocker. After going offense in the first round in 2024 (Graham Barton) and 2025 (Emeka Egbuka), it would not be surprising to see the team stick with picking on that side of the ball if that is the best player available.

Defensive Tackle

Defensive tackle is not as pressing as the Bucs’ other defensive needs, as there is at least a solid trio under contract heading into 2026. Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and Elijah Roberts are a solid start, but should the right player be there early, do not be surprised to see Tampa Bay add to the trenches. That is something Jason Licht emphasizes, having used top picks upfront in 2022 (Logan Hall) and in 2023 with Kancey.

Hall is another free agent who likely will not be back, while Vea will turn 31 years old in early February. Kancey missed most of this past season with a torn pectoral muscle and has played just 14, 12, and three games across his first three years in the NFL. Add it all together, and it makes sense why Licht could draft a defensive tackle with a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.