Devin’s Buccaneers’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

You know the drill. I’m drafting for the Buccaneers. If you’re here and don’t know what a mock draft is, that’s a you problem and you should probably fix that. No trades, full 7-rounds. Join me if you want. And probably get mad.

Round 1 (15)- OG Olaivavega Ioane

There will be a lot of people that do not like this pick. However, I absolutely love this guy and would rather get the better player rather than reach for need. It was either him or Jermod McCoy. I think Vega is probably one of only a few players who I cannot imagine doing badly in the NFL. Guard is kinda a need for the Bucs considering I don’t see Ben Bredeson as the long-term option. Plus, he has played all across the interior, so he could provide depth for a line that suffered severe attrition.

I share my thoughts more in-depth in my video about potential offensive targets. In short, this guy is a kickass guard that could be an anchor for the Bucs inside for an incredibly long time. One of his only flaws is his run blocking doesn’t match his excellent pass blocking, but that can be fixed.

Round 2 (46)- Edge Malachi Lawrence

Stick to the Model did not seem to like this pick here, but I think a lot of people would be happy. And that includes me. Lawrence has been rising up draft boards after a really great combine performance. Hell, there has been some chatter about him being a sneaky first round selection. I think that would be a little bit of a reach, but pick 46 would be awesome for the Bucs. He has ideal size and frame for edge rusher at 6′ 4″, 253 lbs, and arms that could reach God while he is sitting, he also knows how to use all of this to get into the backfield. He is not a perfect prospect as he is currently not great in defending the run. So really the anti-Keldric Faulk. Todd Bowles is dreaming about having that burst and athletic ability coming off the edge.

Round 3 (77)- LB Kyle Louis

If the Bucs want to solve the very real problem of their LBs not being able to cover a snail, Kyle Louis is the guy. He is the definition of a coverage LB. He had six picks over two seasons at Pitt and is decisive with the ball in the air. I think his former role as a QB definitely helps there. You can see those former instincts in how he is able to diagnose plays. I think it would be a lot easier to advocate for him if he was just like 2 inches taller. He is 6′, which is incredibly short for LB. This has also led to some questions about his position in the NFL. I have seen some call him a slot DB or even a safety (although 6′ seems small for a safety as well).

But I think the Bucs can find a place for a guy who always seems to make a turnover. He also makes up for his size limitations with his eagerness in the run game and tackling.

Round 4 (116)- Daylen Everette

It’s hard to go wrong with a guy who has been proven against the SEC. True the SEC isn’t what it once was, but there are still plenty of talented players. And Daylen Everette has shown out against those talented receivers. He has elite ball skills and is incredibly physical in coverage. Plus, his RAS score is exactly what the Buccaneers look for in players at 9.81. And like Lawrence and Louis, he’s another guy who boosted his stock at the Combine, He has the physical tools and the experience to make an immediate impact for any NFL team. Corner is by no means the biggest need, but after losing several guys in free agency and not really addressing it there, they need to do something to replenish the room.

Round 5 (155)- TE Joe Royer

The Buccaneers just brought this guy in on a visit and I agree with the want to look at him. He is a surprisingly good YAC guy despite looking incredibly slow. His hands are silky soft and can make contested catches, something this room lacks. However, as good of a receiver as he is, he is sub-optimal as a blocker, something that is kinda important for a tight end. There’s also the fact that he didn’t produce at Ohio State and only started showing out when he transferred to Cincinnati. With that said, if the Buccaneers want to get a guy who can make tough catches as well as YAC, he is perfect in that role.

Round 6 (195)- DL Skyler Gill-Howard

SGH is an undersized d-lineman that can get pressure from the interior. This is something that Todd Bowles always values in his interior defenders. I think if drafted he would find a role on the defense as a guy who comes in on very obvious passing downs to heat up the pocket. Most likely not a full-time player, but certainly a great result for a late-round pick.

Round 7 (229)- S Jalen Huskey

Safety depth is needed on this team with the departure of Christian Izien. His RAS is definitely lower than most prospects the Buccaneers draft at 7.03. However, I think you can overlook that when you see the fact that he has 11 picks over three seasons at Maryland. His speed is also not what you want to see at the position. I would also like to see him add more muscle and overall weight as he’s fairly small at 6′ 1″ 196lbs. However, this feels like a guy that just inexplicably falls in the draft even though he should be going much earlier.

I used STTM’s mock draft sim to make this article. Check them out at here if you want to do your own.