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Buccaneers Trade Back, Still Land Top Defensive Talent
Tampa Bay moves down in the first round but secures a potential star linebacker in Jacob Rodriguez.
Mar. 19, 2026 at 11:14pm
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The Buccaneers trade their 15th overall pick to the New England Patriots, moving back 16 spots to 31st overall. In the deal, Tampa Bay receives a 2027 first-round pick and a mid-round selection in 2026. Despite the trade back, the Buccaneers are still able to land a potential cornerstone for their defense in linebacker Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech.
Why it matters
The Buccaneers have a history of trading back in the first round under GM Jason Licht, valuing their draft capital. This move allows them to acquire additional future assets while still landing a top defensive prospect in Rodriguez, who has the potential to become the long-term successor to veteran linebacker Lavonte David.
The details
The Buccaneers trade the 15th overall pick to the Patriots, who move up to select wide receiver Makai Lemon from USC. In return, Tampa Bay receives New England's 2027 first-round pick and a mid-round selection in 2026. With the 31st overall pick, the Buccaneers select linebacker Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech. Rodriguez was a highly productive player in college, finishing fifth in Heisman Trophy voting in 2025 and winning the Nagurski Award as the nation's best defensive player.
- The Buccaneers and Patriots completed the trade on draft day.
- The Buccaneers selected Jacob Rodriguez with the 31st overall pick.
The players
Jason Licht
The general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, known for his ability to navigate the draft and make strategic trades.
Jacob Rodriguez
A linebacker from Texas Tech who was one of the most productive defensive players in college football in 2025, winning the Nagurski Award as the nation's best defensive player.
Lavonte David
The veteran linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who Rodriguez has the potential to succeed as the long-term anchor of the Buccaneers' defense.
Makai Lemon
The wide receiver from USC who the New England Patriots traded up to select with the 15th overall pick.
Mike Vrabel
The head coach of the New England Patriots, who is looking to give his MVP-candidate quarterback the best chance to succeed by adding a top wide receiver prospect.
What they’re saying
“The deal does not come cheap, costing a 2027 first-round pick and a mid-round selection in 2026 for the swap, but that is the price to climb 16 spots in Round One. Even after adding Romeo Doubs, NFL Coach of the Year Mike Vrabel wants to give his MVP-candidate quarterback the best chance to succeed.”
— Mike Vrabel, Head Coach, New England Patriots
What’s next
The Buccaneers will look to add an edge rusher with one of their second-round picks, as several top prospects at the position remain available after their trade back.
The takeaway
The Buccaneers' willingness to trade back in the first round and still land a top defensive talent in Jacob Rodriguez demonstrates their commitment to building a sustainable roster through strategic draft management. This move allows them to acquire additional future assets while still addressing a key need on their defense.
