Buccaneers' 2026 Mock Draft: All 7 Rounds Focused on Team's Needs

Bucs have 7 original picks, including 15th overall, to address defense and depth

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:30pm

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In a Buccaneers-focused mock draft, the team selects players to bolster the defense and offensive line depth, including an edge rusher, linebacker, defensive tackle, center/guard, and cornerback. The Bucs also add a wide receiver and tight end for their offense.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers are looking to reload their roster through the draft after some key free agent departures. This mock draft highlights how the team could address needs on both sides of the ball to remain competitive in the NFC South.

The details

The Bucs hold all 7 of their original picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including the 15th overall selection. In the first round, they take edge rusher Akheem Mesidor from Miami to boost their pass rush. In the second round, they land linebacker Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech, who has impressive athleticism and ball-hawking skills. The Bucs then add depth on the defensive line with Gracen Halton from Oklahoma in the third round. In the fourth round, they select versatile interior offensive lineman Matt Gulbin from Michigan State. The secondary gets a boost in the fifth round with cornerback Devon Marshall from NC State. The Bucs then add a vertical threat at wide receiver in De'Zhaun Stribling from Ole Miss in the sixth round, and a Swiss Army knife tight end in Dan Villari from Syracuse in the seventh round.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
  • The Buccaneers currently hold 7 original picks in the 2026 draft, not receiving any additional selections from other teams.

The players

Akheem Mesidor

An edge rusher from the University of Miami who was developed by Hall of Famer Jason Taylor. Mesidor is a polished pass rusher with a relentless motor, advanced technique, and the ability to stop the run.

Jacob Rodriguez

A linebacker from Texas Tech who transitioned from quarterback. Rodriguez has outstanding instincts, athleticism, and ball-hawking skills, earning multiple national awards in 2025.

Gracen Halton

A defensive tackle from the University of Oklahoma who can push the pocket and disrupt the interior of the offensive line.

Matt Gulbin

An interior offensive lineman from Michigan State with experience at center, left guard, and right guard. Gulbin is a physical run blocker with a strong anchor in pass protection.

Devon Marshall

A cornerback from NC State who has excellent ball skills and coverage ability, leading the FBS in pass breakups in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Mesidor attacks oversetting tackles with a relentless ferocity. He has a tactical rush plan entering games, including a cross-chop, elongated double swipe and club-rip.”

— Brianna Dix, Contributor

“Rodriguez reached a top speed of 18.43 miles per hour during the backpedal and react drill at the Combine, the fastest by any linebacker over the last four years.”

— Brianna Dix, Contributor

What’s next

The Buccaneers will look to address any remaining needs through undrafted free agency and potential trades during the 2026 NFL Draft weekend.

The takeaway

The Buccaneers have targeted key areas of need in this mock draft, adding defensive playmakers, offensive line depth, and skill position talent to complement their existing roster. These selections could help Tampa Bay remain competitive in the NFC South and make a playoff push in 2026.