Bucs Mock Draft Roundup 2026: Midseason Edition

“Bailey is having an extraordinary season in Lubbock, already racking up 10.5 sacks through his first eight weeks as a Red Raider after transferring from Stanford. A quick-twitch, explosive pass rusher with heavy hands, Bailey consistently disrupts the pocket and wins with burst and a heavy motor. He’ll need to prove he can hold up as a three-down defender, but the pass-rushing upside may be too enticing for a Buccaneers team searching for juice off the edge.”

ESPN’s Jordan Reid – Oct. 15

Round 1, Pick 32: Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell

“I’m higher on Howell than most, but his tape is awesome. The upfield burst, bend and closing speed he has shown are Round 1-worthy traits. After waiting his turn behind Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart — who both went in the opening two rounds this April — Howell has flourished with eight sacks in six games. If his performance stays at this pace, expect him to keep climbing up draft boards. Haason Reddick is on a one-year deal, and Yaya Diaby’s contract is up after 2026, and Tampa Bay needs depth on the edge.”

Fox Sports’ Rob Rang – Oct. 30

Round 1, Pick 27: Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy

“Buccaneers GM Jason Licht may have drafted the NFL’s Rookie of the Year with Emeka Egbuka at No. 19 overall this past spring. He could find a similar falling star in McCoy — a player who received early first-round grades from area scouts prior to the season — but has not played this year after tearing his ACL in January.”

The Draft Network’s Justin Melo – Oct. 26

Round 1, Pick 28: Missouri EDGE Damon Wilson II

“Damon Wilson II has thrived since transferring from Georgia to Missouri. His two-sack performance against Alabama was a resume game that gained him entrance into the first-round conversation. Wilson is incredibly talented and athletic, and his decision to head to Mizzou is paying major dividends right now. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be in the market, given Haason Reddick is on an expiring contract.”

CBS Sports’ Mike Renner – Oct. 21

Round 1, Pick 24: Ohio State LB Sonny Styles

“Styles is a former safety who wouldn’t stop growing. Despite tipping the scales at over 240 pounds now, he still maintains that safety athleticism. If you’ve watched the Bucs’ linebackers this year, you know they need an infusion of athleticism at the position.”

Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings – Oct. 25

Round 1, Pick 27: Ohio State LB Sonny Styles

“The Buccaneers are sitting pretty with Baker Mayfield, Emeka Egbuka, a stalwart offensive line (when healthy), and a voracious defense led by Todd Bowles. But the 2026 NFL Draft will give them a chance to target specific holes, and LB is at the top of the list.

“Lavonte David might be on the way out, and SirVocea Dennis has not developed as hoped. Sonny Styles is a Top 15 prospect on my board, and profiles as a three-down starter with excellent coverage instincts, gap-to-gap range, and processing ability in the box.”

Round 2, Pick 58: Georgia TE Oscar Delp

USA Today’s Ayrton Ostley – Oct. 22

Round 1, Pick 27: Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey

“Tampa Bay is second in the NFL in pressure rate (41.4%) but could always use more help off the edge for coach Todd Bowles’ scheme.

“Bailey transferred from Stanford to Texas Tech this season and continued his torrid pace off the edge. He’d likely be confined to a designated pass rusher role early on at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds. That’s not a huge knock on him, though. He leads college football in sacks with 11 and ranks third with 26 hurries. He’d be an immediate help off the edge on passing downs.”

Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling – Oct. 30

Round 1, Pick 27: Ohio State LB Sonny Styles

“Even if future Hall of Famer Lavonte David returns next season, the Bucs will still need to improve the linebacker spot next to him. Styles has rare size and versatility for the position, along with the leadership and intangibles Tampa Bay highly values. Whether he lines up alongside David or replaces him, he’s a perfect fit for Todd Bowles’ complex scheme.”

Round 2, Pick 60: Michigan EDGE/LB Jaishawn Barham