Johnny Dean’s 2026 Buccaneers 3-Round Mock Draft 1.0

Pros:

• Explosive Start: Howell has a lightning-quick first step, creating immediate separation from tackles and showcasing his ankle flexibility to bend around the edge.
•  Relentless Motor: He’s got a high-energy engine, pursuing plays across the formation with relentless energy from snap one to the final whistle.
• Scheme Versatility: Howell demonstrates impressive adaptability, dropping into coverage against tight ends while maintaining awareness in run fits.
• Pass-Rush Arsenal: He boasts multiple moves, including an effective inside counter, keeping tackles guessing on their sets.
• Bend and Flatten: His natural bend around the arc allows him to consistently threaten the quarterback’s back shoulder.
• Football IQ: Howell shines in complex situations, rarely fooled by misdirection or caught sleeping on RPO action.
• Active Hands: He shows advanced hand-fighting technique, winning leverage battles with active hands and violent swipes.

Cons:

• Anchor Strength: Howell struggles to hold the point of attack against power-gap schemes and double teams, lacking the anchor strength needed.
• Closing Speed: He sometimes lacks the closing speed in the backfield, allowing quarterbacks to escape potential sacks.
• Coverage Experience: Howell has limited experience in coverage situations, which may lead to growing pains in complex zone packages at the next level.
• Stack-and-Shed Technique: His technique needs refinement when facing offensive tackles in run defense, particularly when they get their hands on him.
• Competition Level: Questions remain about his experience playing in the MAC before moving to the SEC, potentially impacting his adjustment to stronger competition.

Summary:

Players like Howell with similar athletic profiles often exceed expectations when they land in the right system, but can get lost if misused or rushed into roles they’re not ready for. His jump from the MAC to the SEC shows he can handle tougher competition, but questions linger about whether his production was due to his skills or playing with higher-profile teammates. The ceiling’s high for a guy with his speed and bend, but the floor’s a situational pass rusher who struggles when teams run at him.

Round – 2, Buccaneers’ Pick 46: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

HT: 6’1
WT: 234 lbs

Accolades:

• Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2025)
• Butkus Award (2025)
• Lombardi Award (2025)
• Chuck Bednarik Award (2025)
• Pony Express Award (2025)
• Unanimous All-American (2025)
• Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2025)
• 2× First-team All-Big 12 (2024, 2025)

Video:

Pros:

• Elite Range: Displays true sideline-to-sideline speed, allowing him to chase down outside runs and cover running backs in the passing game.
• Quick Run Diagnosis: Reads plays quickly and attacks downhill, consistently beating blockers to the spot.
• Powerful Hands: Uses violent hands to shed blocks and keep himself clean to make tackles.
• High Football IQ: Draws on his experience as a former quarterback to recognize formations and align the defense before the snap.
•  Effective Blitzer: Shows natural timing and skill at rushing the passer, consistently creating pressure on the quarterback.
• Ball Hawk: Has a knack for forcing fumbles, always looking to punch the ball out.
• Physical Tackler: An aggressive, old-school linebacker who punishes ball carriers with big hits.
• Proven Leader: A two-year captain who is the clear emotional leader of the defense.

Cons:

• Lacks Ideal Size: His smaller frame can be a liability, as he sometimes gets swallowed up by bigger offensive linemen.
•  Inconsistent Tackling: Will occasionally go for the big hit rather than wrapping up, leading to missed tackles.
•  Coverage Deficiencies: A work in progress in pass coverage, particularly when matched up against faster players in man-to-man situations.
• Average Athleticism: Doesn’t possess top-tier speed or athleticism, which could make it tough for him to cover today’s athletic tight ends.
•  Overly Aggressive: His tendency to play aggressively can sometimes cause him to overrun plays, leaving running lanes open.

Summary:

In a best-case scenario, Rodriguez becomes a key rotational linebacker who sees significant playing time on early downs and contributes immediately on special teams. His work ethic and leadership will help him maximize his athletic ability, potentially allowing him to outplay his draft spot. While he may never be an every-down player in today’s pass-heavy NFL, Rodriguez has the versatility, production, and character to carve out a long career as a reliable depth player trusted by coaches.

Round – 3, Buccaneers’ Pick 77: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

HT: 6’4
WT: 218 lbs

Accolades:

• Third-team All-ACC (2024)

Video:

Pros:

• Dominant Aerial Threat: With his imposing 6’4″, 218-pound frame and impressive wingspan, he transforms every jump ball into a favorable matchup, consistently out-muscling defenders at the catch point.
• Contested Catch King: His ability to come down with contested catches is almost unbelievable. He attacks the ball at its highest point, shields off defensive backs with his sheer size, and snatches the football away as if it’s his by right.
• Exceptional Hands & Grip: Fields boasts incredibly reliable hands that extend beyond his frame, showcasing true grip strength. He effortlessly plucks the ball clean in traffic, avoiding body catches even when contact is imminent.
• Zone Coverage Savvy: His background as a quarterback shines in his keen understanding of zone defenses, allowing him to consistently find and settle into soft spots, making himself a massive target for his QB.
• Deep & Intermediate Ball Winner: He’s not just big; he’s effective downfield. His deep and intermediate receiving grades are top-tier, backed by tape that shows natural deep ball tracking and winning routes at all levels through superior body positioning.
• Post-Catch Powerhouse: Don’t let his timed speed fool you – he’s surprisingly tough after the catch. He’s adept at breaking arm tackles with a physical, combative running style and can spin out of traffic with unexpected short-area agility.
• Impactful Run Blocker: A willing and highly capable run blocker, he uses his size and long arms to effectively engage and control defenders, consistently demonstrating effort and physicality on tape.
• Natural Leader: He carries himself like a true captain, bringing a competitive fire to every snap, relentlessly fighting for extra yards, and setting a physical tone that elevates the entire receiver room.

Cons:

• Struggles vs. Press: He often gets off the line slowly when facing press coverage. His release package needs more quickness and variety to consistently beat aggressive cornerbacks at the snap.
• Average Speed: His timed speed is just average, and that translates directly to the field. He tends to win with superior positioning and strength rather than burning defenders deep or creating significant separation vertically.
• Limited Route Tree Potential: At the next level, his route tree might hit a ceiling. He frequently rounds off his breaks and lacks the foot quickness required to consistently generate separation on sharper, more precise routes.
• Less Dynamic on Short Routes: His production on short and underneath routes is noticeably less dynamic. He doesn’t possess the explosive burst or lateral agility to be a real threat in the screen game or on quick-hitting plays.
• Fails to Improvise When Pocket Collapses: When the pocket breaks down, he struggles to get open. He lacks the crucial gear change and improvisational quickness needed to effectively help his quarterback during scramble drills.

Summary:

Fields feels like a bit of a throwback, doesn’t he? In a league obsessed with pure speed and creating massive separation, he carves out his wins the good old-fashioned way: by simply being bigger, stronger, and more physical than anyone trying to cover him. Seriously, his ball skills are legit; if the quarterback puts the ball anywhere in his vicinity, chances are he’s coming down with it. That incredible ability to dominate contested catches will be invaluable, especially in the red zone and on critical third downs, where tight coverage is the expectation, not the exception. Plus, his uncanny understanding of zone coverage and knack for pinpointing soft spots are skills that should make an immediate impact once he hits the NFL field.