JR’s 2026 Buccaneers’ 7-Round Mock Draft 1.0

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the 2026 NFL Draft in a transitional phase on defense while continuing to build around quarterback Baker Mayfield on offense. After finishing the 2025 season just outside the playoff picture, general manager Jason Licht will likely prioritize reinforcing the trenches and adding long-term starters at key defensive positions.

Holding the 15th overall pick along with a full complement of selections, Tampa Bay has a strong opportunity to reshape the roster with both immediate contributors and developmental upside.

Round 1 — Pick 15

LB CJ Allen — Georgia

Linebacker could quietly become one of Tampa Bay’s most important draft priorities, making Allen a strong value selection in the middle of Round 1.

He is an instinctive defender with excellent processing speed and physical play temperament. Allen consistently diagnoses run concepts quickly, flows downhill with urgency, and finishes tackles with authority. His range and leadership traits project well to a future signal-caller role in an NFL defense.

This pick gives the Buccaneers a potential long-term centerpiece at the second level.

Round 2 — Pick 46

EDGE T.J. Parker — Clemson

Landing Parker in Round 2 would represent outstanding value for Tampa Bay.

He brings explosive get-off, natural length, and the ability to convert speed to power as a pass rusher. Parker flashes the upside of a double-digit sack producer while already showing functional strength against the run.

Adding Parker allows the Buccaneers to continue building young depth along the edge in Todd Bowles’ pressure-heavy defensive system.

Round 3 — Pick 77

EDGE Zion Young — Missouri

The Buccaneers double down on pass rush with a developmental selection.

Young offers intriguing physical upside with burst, length, and closing speed. While still refining his hand usage and pass-rush plan, his motor and athletic profile give him starter potential with proper coaching.

Depth at edge rusher remains a premium investment in today’s NFL.

Round 4 — Pick 116

OL Kage Casey — Boise State

Continued investment in offensive line depth helps maintain stability around Baker Mayfield.

Casey provides positional flexibility with experience at tackle and guard. He plays with strong physicality in the run game and shows the anchor strength needed to develop into a reliable interior option.

This selection gives Tampa Bay valuable developmental depth with starting upside.

Round 5 — Pick 155

DT Chris McClellan — Missouri

Tampa Bay continues reinforcing the defensive front by adding interior toughness.

McClellan is a powerful run defender who plays with leverage and effort at the point of attack. He projects as an early rotational contributor capable of strengthening Tampa Bay’s defensive line depth.

Round 6 — Pick 195

EDGE Nadame Tucker — Western Michigan

The Buccaneers take another late-round swing on pass-rush upside.

Tucker is an explosive but raw defender whose athletic traits make him a worthwhile developmental gamble. With refinement and strength development, he could grow into a situational pressure player.

Round 7 — Pick 229

TE Will Kacmarek — Ohio State

Tampa Bay closes the draft by adding depth at tight end.

Kacmarek is a traditional in-line option who brings blocking value and size in the red zone. His physical play style and special teams potential give him a realistic path to making the roster as a developmental TE3.

Final Take

This mock draft emphasizes strengthening Tampa Bay’s defensive identity while continuing to add long-term offensive depth. If the Buccaneers can secure a future linebacker cornerstone and multiple young pass rushers, they would take meaningful steps toward building a more sustainable roster for the coming seasons.

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