Akheem Mesidor, The No. 15 Pick And Development
March 25th, 2026
Miami edge Akheem Mesidor.
Look, Joe doesn’t think anyone in the Tampa Bay area has been harping longer or louder than Joe how the Bucs need an edge rush in the worst way.
But at No. 15?
In less than a month, the 2026 NFL Draft will be here. And Joe is trying his best to limit references to schlock drafts because they trigger Joe so.
(You want to talk about “clickbait,” the only reason folks do more schlock drafts than change their socks is because people click. If folks wanted to use these things sensibly, have just one mock draft per spring, just like the best mockers did like Joel Buchsbaum and Mike Mayock. Stick to your guns! If you have to change your schlock drafts weekly, that tells Joe you are not confident in your research or sources and you have faulty intel and are trying to cover your arse.)
Over at BSPN, Field Yates has his 30th of 85 schlock drafts and in this one, he has the Bucs drafting edge rusher Akheem Mesidor out of Miami.
Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
An improved pass rush is a must for Tampa Bay after it tied for 18th in total sacks last season (37) and lost defensive end Logan Hall in free agency. The relentless Mesidor would help achieve that goal, coming off a College Football Playoff run where he had 5.5 sacks in four games.
Mesidor was primarily a defensive tackle at West Virginia before reshaping his body and skill set to play largely from the edge at Miami. He has an impressive get-off and nuance as a rusher. While he turns 25 before the draft, most view him as a top-15 player off ability alone.
Yes, Joe knows Mesidor had excellent coaching at Miami as Hall of Fame edge rusher Jason Taylor was the Hurricanes’ defensive end coach for years.
But guess what? Chris Braswell had an excellent defensive coach in college, too, perhaps the greatest defensive mind in all of football, Nick Saban.
Armed with this superior schooling at Alabama, how’d Braswell turn out in Tampa? Saban said Braswell would be fine if he just rushed the quarterback. Whoops.
“This Joe” might just cry if the Bucs burn a No. 15 pick on an edge rusher. Does anyone really believe he will be developed in the Todd Bowles defense?
Hey, if you want to draft any other position at No. 15 and then, in the second round, draft an edge rusher, good. Yeah, the same development questions still linger, but at least you are not lighting a No. 15 pick on fire.
March 25th, 2026 at 10:20 am
That, and he’s 25 yrs. old. I really think trading back might be the best bet unless a couple of good players slip through the cracks.
March 25th, 2026 at 10:21 am
I like Messidor, and Keonte Scott who can play slot CB outside. Both are play makers.
Love me some Sadiq too. Imagine 12 personnel with Sadiq. Good 12 personnel is a nightmate for d coordinators.
No Howell, Allen or Faulk at 15.
March 25th, 2026 at 10:25 am
“While he turns 25 before the draft, most view him as a top-15 player off ability alone.”
So are the 2 surgically repaired feet he’s standing on, which some say are going to cause him to fall in comparison to his peers at the same position.
Won’t fully knock him because of the age or the injury history, BUT I doubt that’s something any scouting department wouldn’t have noted in his evaluation
March 25th, 2026 at 10:25 am
Trade back hard to draft a 25 yr old rusher who is perhaps the 4th best rusher in the draft
March 25th, 2026 at 10:25 am
Not trusting a high round draft pick on edge rusher with todd having him pass cover 50% of the time. We’ll get our star edge with our first next draft…probably a top 7 pick. Sorry todd, cant trust you. Thats why I want beef in the middle to protect Baker….IOANE
March 25th, 2026 at 10:32 am
Mesidor is a stud. 25 yes but he doesn’t need any development, he’ll step in day 1 as an impactful edge. Everyone wants that possible 20 sack guy, but a 10 sack guy with high pressure rates and great run defence and versatility is something I’d certainly take at 15.
March 25th, 2026 at 10:37 am
Braswell was a 4th round pick for a reason. You make it sound like we burned a top 10 pick on a kid who’s never played a snap in the NFL. And Saban coaches the DB’s. That’s been his specialty going back to the 1980’s with the Giants, the Browns, Michigan State, LSU, Alabama. He’s always put his focus on defensive backs. The Bucs front office cant scout DE talent to save their lives, going all the way back to the Adrian Clayborn pick. Let alone getting a DE to flourish in this scheme with this staff.
March 25th, 2026 at 10:38 am
Jermod McCoy is my dream pick dude would’ve been a top 5 pick if he played this season he is a stud at our biggest weakness, all the edge talk is ridiculous, Todd’s scheme is why our defense sucks, we had superstar talent on offense and defense during the Brady years, Brady’s offense stayed on the field and scored that’s why Bowles defense looked better than it was scheme wise, the opposing offenses were one dimensional and Shaq, Suh, Vea, n JPP could tee off, only year I’ve ever rooted for a 3 win season because that’s the only way to move on from Bowzo
March 25th, 2026 at 10:42 am
I get it Joe but saying we have no edge rush – then questioning drafting one with our first pick is confusing.
We have to take our short. I’d prefer a DT at #15 if there is a great one, then DE in round 2, but I’ll be pleased if we take a shot at an Edge at 15.
This draft must be heavily defense focused.
March 25th, 2026 at 10:45 am
I’d prefer trade for a tackle
March 25th, 2026 at 10:46 am
Mesidor is a no brainer.
March 25th, 2026 at 10:50 am
Chris Braswell was a second round pick.
March 25th, 2026 at 10:51 am
I agree with you on the mock drafts, Joe. I remember when I did on a year, just for the Bucs picks, and posted it here annually.
I learned it was a waste of time. Sure, I got some right (such as Ali Marpet, for example), but the draft is just too unpredictable.
I wouldn’t mind doing a wish list though.
I firmly believe these mock drafts are designed to hit every possible choice so that they can say, “I predicted this one in my 7th mock, this one in my third…etc”
March 25th, 2026 at 10:52 am
Chris Braswell was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2nd round, 57th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.
March 25th, 2026 at 10:54 am
Cometowin2 Says:
“Chris Braswell was a second round pick.”
He hasn’t been great. This is the year he needs to step things up. Right now, he’s depth.
Though, I will say, last year was an odd year…anything that could go wrong did go wrong. The fates were against us.
March 25th, 2026 at 11:03 am
Licht will never reach like that. I don’t think he’ll trade back though, having learnt his lesson passing on Karlaftis. He’ll either trade up to get an EDGE in the draft or via trade, or he’ll continue to invest in the trenches with players like Peter Woods or Vega Ioane.
March 25th, 2026 at 11:08 am
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
March 25th, 2026 at 10:54 am
Though, I will say, last year was an odd year…anything that could go wrong did go wrong. The fates were against us.
^^^^^^^^^
Could having a Charmin soft HC/DC, soft defense, and soft practices have anything to do with their “fate”?
March 25th, 2026 at 11:19 am
Agree with Joe. This team is good at drafting and developing O linemen, Def backs, Wide Receivers and absolutely terrible in drafting and developing O lineman.
Why waste another pick? Go LB or CB and try to finds D line help in rounds 3-5.
March 25th, 2026 at 11:21 am
For Bowles and the Bucs, that may be a positive, not a detractor.
March 25th, 2026 at 11:28 am
It’s been said many times, this coaching and scheme makes the players irrelevant. It’s a plug and play. Any/all will perform the same, showing regression and utter lack of passion. Licht could draft a Chinese Panda and it would perform the same as any touted first round prospect.
March 25th, 2026 at 11:31 am
Joe could not agree more on wasting a pick on an edge rusher at 15. They have an incredibly bad history at that. However in that they did not add more than a 31 yr old rotational player it appears that is exactly what they are going to do. I don’t know what is worse drafting an edge player at 15 or thinking they are set and not drafting one at all. Either way it does not look good. Then take a look at our starting cornerbacks and the bells are ringing. Maybe Ira is right draft the TE if available and try to score 40 points a game. Currently that may be the plan, who knows, but building a great defense any time soon does not appear to be in the plan. Sorry hard to be a fan right now!!!. It really is
March 25th, 2026 at 11:33 am
With Jason Taylor’s help, Mesidor is more NFL-ready than most edges. The foot injuries and short arms are a concern. I would be happy with Edge (including a ‘healthy’ Mesidor) or DT at #15. Or, trade down a couple spots. Definitely no ILB until rd2. I don’t mind going edge at 15 because I think the head coach will be gone after this season.
March 25th, 2026 at 11:34 am
Who was the coach when the Bucs drafted Lavonte David? Mike Evans? Warren Sapp? John Lynch?
In all those cases: not the coach who turned them into Hall of Famers.
We need edge rushers for the next decade, not just 2026. If we’re able to get a highly productive great one at 15, we absolutely should.
March 25th, 2026 at 11:37 am
The age here IMHO is immaterial should Mesidor actually bring the juice and turn out to be effective pass rusher/defender. That said, taking a swing at 4th ranked (at best) edge vs ensuring OL stays intact (Baker upright + open holes for Bucky) with either top Guard prospect Ioane or top 2 Fano [anywhere on entire offensive line..seriously Fano can play everywhere] would be smartest move. Polynesian Power to OL like VV does for DL. Sadiq terrific consolation price if both gone. Defense is one player away. Offense is the way for #15 assuming Bain/Bailey/Styles do not unexpectedly drop.
March 25th, 2026 at 11:38 am
With rare exceptions, Danielle Hunter being the most obvious, one, production in college equals production at the NFL level. Particularly with edge rushers. This guy has been productive at a high level. And he’s obviously a more mature player at this point. Braswell wasn’t highly productive at Alabama. Nor was tryon shoyinka. Nor was Logan Hall. Patterns develop. This guy at least has pedigree and production.
March 25th, 2026 at 11:41 am
Production is the reason I’m excited about Walker and the possibilities with him. Highly productive even at a lower level. Average nearly 10 sacks. Every season he played. This guy had similar numbers. If you don’t do it in college, how do you expect them to do it in the NFL?
March 25th, 2026 at 11:42 am
Get the best talent you can cuz its really not for bowles who doesn’t care to develop a pass rusher to rush the passer it’s for who comes in after Todd.
March 25th, 2026 at 11:47 am
As a huge Miami Hurricanes fan, I watch of lot of Canes football. Mesidor is not a developmental pick. When healthy, he has been very productive every year he has played, which included his two years at West Virginia. With all the playing time he has received in his six years playing college ball, I would imagine he would be a significant contributor in his first season, which is a BIG need for the Bucs. I would prefer Bain, but Mesidor is no slouch.
March 25th, 2026 at 11:52 am
Dont know who the right players are, but i know the positions and that the bucs better hit GS with the first 3 picks
March 25th, 2026 at 12:02 pm
Im not a Miami fan but would take Bain Jr or him over Braswell any day
March 25th, 2026 at 12:02 pm
If Styles isn’t there at #15 (don’t expect he will), trade back. Then Allen or Howell or Mesidor become a better pick. Also should look at a top DT in the 20s (Baker from UF, Hunter from TX Tech or MacDonald from OSU). I expect a run on DT and ILB late 1st/early 2nd round
Who don’t I want? Potential with no production. Woods DT from Clemson, Faulk Edge from Auburn. ILBs who can’t cover Golday from Cincinnati and Louis from Pitt.
March 25th, 2026 at 12:05 pm
We have 3 huge holes in our Defense still, and we need future legends to get back to the promised land.
We’re missing our Brooks/David
Our Simeon Rice
And a CB1 matured to Ronde’s level.
Need stellar player at every level of Defense to fix this D,
Especially with Todd’s scheme
March 25th, 2026 at 12:11 pm
This is probably the best ILB draft in ages. I wouldn’t have an issue with trading back and taking 2 out of the 3 of CJ Allen, Hill Jr., and Rodriguez. We would have a pair of the most fearsome ILB’s in the league. The latter 2- especially Hill are good at coverage too. There’s still good DT’s and even EDGE’s later in the draft. ILB would go from possibly our worst position to our best on defense. We’ve already picked up some good edge defenders that could turn out great in Muhammad and Walker to go with Diaby. Someone will play at least decently. I agree with Defense Rules that we also need to look for a third mammoth DT to line up next to Vea/Robinson. Hopefully we can find him later.
March 25th, 2026 at 12:12 pm
The whole point of Mesidor is that he’s ready to play from day 1, shouldn’t require much development. He doesn’t have a high ceiling, but also has a high floor.
March 25th, 2026 at 12:15 pm
Currently that may be the plan, who knows, but building a great defense any time soon does not appear to be in the plan. Sorry hard to be a fan right now!!!. It really is…..Football1
It sure is. Draft someone like Howell and let him flourish in”27 when Bowles is gone.
March 25th, 2026 at 12:15 pm
Exactly Mesidor is ready to play.
Either trade up for Styles which JL wont do
Or Akheem it oughtta be
March 25th, 2026 at 12:16 pm
Akheem Mesidor a 25 year old rookie Edge Rusher
David Walker a 26 year old rookie Edge Rusher
They will fit in perfectly with the old ILBs
March 25th, 2026 at 12:19 pm
Watch us go TE round 1 lol
March 25th, 2026 at 12:21 pm
An Edge rotation of Diaby, Mohammad, Mesidor, Walker would be much better than where we’re at
March 25th, 2026 at 12:28 pm
If he is still there at #15 I don’t think the Bucs pass on the stud tight end out of Oregon, Sadiq. The kid is a physical specimen and had a really good college career. Nothing against Cade Otten but Sadiq has legit 4.3 speed and can stretch the middle of the field vertically and he can block.
March 25th, 2026 at 12:42 pm
Fear JL may give up on D and try to stack O Rd 1 to attempt to give us an Edge without an Edge
March 25th, 2026 at 12:52 pm
With the skill set Sadiq possesses? It’s going to be hard to pass on him. Yes, he’s a tight end. But he also has deep, long-play capabilities. He looks polished as hell
Been watching his tapes a lot. Dudes a load and a stud. Instant plug-in. I hate saying this because we still need a DE.
March 25th, 2026 at 1:03 pm
Mike Johnson
It will be hard to pass on WR Denzel Boston
If you’re really looking for a Mike Evans replacement
He has the best ball skills in this draft
A 77% catch ratio last season
And he’s 6’4 215 lbs
March 25th, 2026 at 1:06 pm
Sadiq would ignite and complete our Offense and make it Elite
March 25th, 2026 at 1:07 pm
Being an overaged prospect has never been a positive. Gaines Adams (24), Peria Jerry (25), Danny Watkins (28), and a few other linemen have parlayed great collegiate production and physical measurables, into 1st round status…. and it’s never went well for their drafting teams. Seems that guys playing in their 6th and 7th years of eligibility have a huge physical advantage over guys 2-3 years out of high school… and when the same guys move into the NFL, they never become anything more than just a guy. Overaged linemen is the biggest red flag there can be… just say NO… unless its well into round 2.
March 25th, 2026 at 1:20 pm
Is this Tight End you guys speak of going to be the next OJ Howard?
March 25th, 2026 at 1:21 pm
Can’t remember the last time an older prospect produced
March 25th, 2026 at 1:22 pm
He would indeed not be developed by Todd Bowles. That doesn’t mean that you don’t take an edge rusher if it’s BPA. The next coach can help accelerate the development.
The only thought I would toss in on this particular individual is that he’s two years older so his early years would certainly be a lot more important in development than a younger prospect.
Heck of a player tho.
March 25th, 2026 at 1:30 pm
“Turns 25 before the draft”
This is what is killing college ball.
A 19 year old freshman competing with a 24 year old?
WTF?
March 25th, 2026 at 1:34 pm
Sadiq would be a good pick. Do you watch football? 4.3 40, benched 435, plays all 3 positions, x, y and z. Above avg blocker. Fiery guy. Runs all routes. He and 88 as 12 personnel would be tought to stop.
We have 1 decent size body for crossers, thats Cade.
CG maybe but he got abused for doing that.
Rams often use 13 personnel. Sadiq would be Bakes best friend.
Sadiq is top 15 talent. Take him and get rid of the two other scrubs.
I do like Hunter and Messidor. Nooo Howell, Faulk or Banks.
March 25th, 2026 at 1:35 pm
The has production. That is all i care about.
The guy has had big games when it counts.
That is pretty good measurement for me. consistency vs. great competition…
Who cares about 25. The NFL is always win now.
find a DE with better production.
March 25th, 2026 at 1:46 pm
we drafted a defensive lineman from Miami before who helped us win a super bowl
March 25th, 2026 at 1:47 pm
Dline , ILB or CB. You ca never go wrong with beefing up the trenches. Vea is getting old, Robison was a nice addition but that’s not long term and same with the ILB we signed. Dean left so we need to fill that hole. We have walker still but who knows what he does after missing a full year. Yaya is developing nicely. Maybe he breaks out this year and I think we should move kancey outside. It would help a need at edge rush and maybe keep kancey a little more healthy
March 25th, 2026 at 1:54 pm
I’ve had them drafting him for about a month now. Yeah I’m usually not a big fan of drafting somebody a little older but he should be able to come in right away & help. Bain should be gone because if he would still be there I’d take Bain. I’d probably go LB after that.
March 25th, 2026 at 2:15 pm
Bucky … ‘Mesidor is a stud. 25 yes but he doesn’t need any development, he’ll step in day 1 as an impactful edge.’
Isn’t that EXACTLY what so many said last year when we drafted David Walker last year?
And Walker did step in on Day 1 … to the tub in the Training Room. Missed the entire season, and NOW he’s back to being a rookie (his FIRST NFL year?).
March 25th, 2026 at 2:17 pm
The beef on our current OLine aren’t youngsters (Vea 31 & Robinson 31). BOTH are UFAs next year. Drafting a beastly NT/DT in the top Rnds LAST YEAR was critical, but we passed. And the defensive results should’ve been very predictable. It’s even more critical THIS YEAR. IF we pass again, we’ll very likely be looking at another sub-par season in which our defense finishes ranked #20 or worse.
March 25th, 2026 at 2:26 pm
We don’t need another rookie. We’ve got 7 OLBs already on the roster, of which we’ll probably keep 5-6 active.
March 25th, 2026 at 2:26 pm
Draft us something tall and strong-Make it a Hurricane before I go insane… that’s how that song goes I think?
Yes, Mesidor if Baltimore doesn’t snag him at #13. There are a lot of older prospects in the NIL era. The guy practically lived in Jason Taylor’s office and swims four miles every Sunday for the sake of his body. He is a manimal on game day but he is a different creature off the field as well. He is very cerebral about the game and his body so what you see is a truly uniquely developed and refined prospect. He’ll contribute like a veteran on the field, in the film room and beyond.
Hopefully he can teach YaYa a few things so he can blow-up.
Bain and his T-Rex arms (he wins without his arms so who cares?-in his case) may be going a little higher but the Hurricane I want for the Bucs is the one who called players only meetings that contributed to Miami’s playoff run. That team leader was Mesidor so he is 100% worth the Bucs #15.
March 25th, 2026 at 2:32 pm
Joe I’m curious. Those last 3 comments of mine above wouldn’t even post until I took out 1 sentence that had the names of the 7 OLBs that we currently have under contract.
What in those words was wrong? Those are just the players names. That’s been happening more & more for some reason. All it takes is TIME to figure out what’s causing the input to disappear and then to delete that little part. Rather bizarre. I know it’s not you, but instead the algorithm. Still bizarre.
March 25th, 2026 at 2:34 pm
Yah brother, bring it on with Mesidor. Bring nothing but the biggest, the tallest the most speediest on our defense and offense.
March 25th, 2026 at 2:44 pm
Get the biggest, best DT available to line up next to VV. Concentrate on a big push up the middle and let Kancey, Yaya and the new guy from Carolina provide edge pressure. This means Todd moves to a 4-3. What does he have to lose? Not like any teams have feared the Bucs defense. In fact, the only supporter of Bucs defense has been Rod Munch. Really interesting since Licht is going to replace about 7 guys who started on that defense last season. Losing Dean is a big plus. LVD gets the nostalgia vote but he made right decision in retiring.
March 25th, 2026 at 2:47 pm
We need to go defense 1st 3 picks
March 25th, 2026 at 2:52 pm
Atleast if they deviate from this he’ll make up for the OJ Howard squander.
But we’d be better off filling our 3 holes on D and relying more on Cade rn.
Losing David left 2 gaping holes in front 7. And who is our Cover corner.
We have 4 TE’s, can upgrade from Durham later.
Mesidor then Hill Jr. or another top ILB Rd 2 seems best.
Fix the front 7 before luxurizing the Offense. And we need Oline depth more
March 25th, 2026 at 2:55 pm
It don’t take much effort for a 24 year old Edge Rusher
To dominate and abuse a 18-20 year old Offensive Lineman
But if you think he’s gonna come into the NFL and dominate these OTs
Then you have you have a few loose screws in your head
March 25th, 2026 at 3:07 pm
I think he’ll be a better pass rusher than Braswell our current #3, behind a #3 from the Lions
March 25th, 2026 at 3:08 pm
When a 24 year old in college going against green youngsters, he’s boss
But in the NFL, you’re going against full grown men
The best the world has to offer, it’s a different story
And you’re going to have a different outcome
That’s life
March 25th, 2026 at 3:12 pm
It would be great to have the talent level of a complete elite offense, we thought we did that with OJ when we had a better defense.
No Edge in any other Rd is going to beat out Braswell.
But believe me I know JL wont go Edge Rd 1, just luke he wont go get Sonny Styles.
Fully expect Sadiq followed by ILB Rd 2
And then will hear about not 1 but 2 Edges that are about to shock the world
March 25th, 2026 at 3:14 pm
And we will enter the season with no difference at Edge except for swapping Reddick for Mohammad and Jason will be like David Walker to go with Braswell tho 4 real this time
March 25th, 2026 at 3:18 pm
I get it tho.
Players Id really take are Styles, a higher rated Edge, or …. Sadiq.
And if not, then Mesidor
March 25th, 2026 at 3:21 pm
Mesidor doesn’t dominate OTs or blow-up double teams but he almost never gives up a blade of grass on his edge and handles blockers with strength, technique and the tenacity and wiggle of a honey badger.
Without getting into how all these top 100 DTs are good at being heavy, one other thing and falling down let’s look at how draft picks affect Vegas odds on the over/under for wins. Drafting a QB or edge on average nudges Vegas’s projected win total for a team up one. OTs, WRs and CBs add an average of 0.5 wins. DTs OG, TE, S and LB first round picks do not move the Vegas needle on a team’s projected wins.
I’m all about adding DTs to the roster. What the Eagles and Seahawks have won Superbowls with is replicable. Vea is not tailing off. He was right behind Maxx Crosby in pass rush win rate last season on more snaps than ever. The talent at DT in this thin in more than a few ways draft is too one-dimensional to use a first or second round pick on a DT relative to the Edge, DB and LB talent available in that range. I’m all about signing 31 year old DJ Reader to join his teammates from Detroit in Tampa and drafting a day 3 DT as an alternative.
Mesidor is where need and BPA meet and it’s almost never worth going DT in round 1. Using that #15 on a DT will have all the impact of a fart in the wind.
March 25th, 2026 at 3:22 pm
@BigZ
I wouldn’t be surprised if Sadiq ends up in Baltimore now. They lost pretty much everyone at TE & KC is bringing Kelce back.
March 25th, 2026 at 3:26 pm
@Simeon4HOP
I actually had them going DE, LB, OL & CB their first four. Baker was getting killed a bunch when some of the OL were out. Right now their first four I gave them Mesidor, Louis, Parker & Stukes.
March 25th, 2026 at 3:30 pm
That’s a real nice one would handle all needs
March 25th, 2026 at 3:32 pm
Bucs Remaining needs are Edge1, ILB1, CB, Backup Oline, and overall depth.
Then an upgrade at TE and eventual Vita replacement
March 25th, 2026 at 3:34 pm
But acquiring Sadiq in exchange for rolling with Braswell in order to have an elite offense ain’t the worst idea. Because Mesidor ain’t the next Myles Garrett
March 25th, 2026 at 3:35 pm
If the Bucs draft Mesidor, he would have to be a OLB
Unless they try to make him a 3-4 DE, which don’t make sense
So if he’s an OLB, he would have to go against Tackles
March 25th, 2026 at 3:48 pm
Yes at OLB he would go against not just tackles but sometimes a tackle and a guard or tight end at the same time and it sucks to be all of those guys. Mesidor has ample power and a deep bag of pass rush tools.
He trimmed down for the combine. He was listed at 285 in the past. I like that he offers value both as a stand up and hand in the dirt rusher. Dre’Mont Jones wasn’t picked up in FA but I’d like a guy like him for the Bucs that can be valuble in base and Bowles’s bear fronts. That’s flexibility that can make Bowles look good. Mesidor is that dude and more. He is an edge who can wreck stuff inside and eat-up double teams as well.
March 25th, 2026 at 4:03 pm
Every year we hear fans say the same thing and it’s not only annoying, it’s just not very plausible.
In order to trade back, you need a team willing to give up picks to trade up. This draft is deep, but very top healthy with only a handful of blue chip prospects.
So when the Bucs are on the clock at 15, as much as JL might Love to trade back, there has to be a player available that a team really wants in order for the Bucs to be able to trade back.
I 100% agree with the idea of trading back, especially in this draft and with the holes that still need to be filled. But it takes two to tango and it’ll be unlikely there is a team looking to get to pick 15 in this draft.
More than likely there will be Trans trying to get into the top 8 for players like Love, Bailey, Styles, Bain..but those guys will be gone by 15.
March 25th, 2026 at 4:03 pm
The 1st Round is just a crapshoot anyway. Go back 5 years and look at Round 1 in 2021. 10 players have made a Prow Bowl. The other 22 picks are mostly meh.
March 25th, 2026 at 4:04 pm
I’m all for Whoever the Bucs draft at 15
Because they have a need at Every position
Even if they trade down for more picks
Or if they trade up, to get their guy
I’m with them all the way
March 25th, 2026 at 4:38 pm
3 CONDITIONS
1. Ability to drop into coverage.
2. He needs to understand super-ultra-advance schemes
3. He has to be “That Man”
Licht should draft more OLB for Bowles to coach up. It’s their forte.
March 25th, 2026 at 5:03 pm
Bowles has NEVER drafted and developed an edge. His system doesnt value the position and his picks in that position have been horrible.
March 25th, 2026 at 5:25 pm
Yeah, we need an Edge bad but we also need to be planning for VV’s replacement.
I think he’s about done.
March 25th, 2026 at 5:39 pm
We havent had an edge rusher since Simeon Rice
March 25th, 2026 at 5:48 pm
Hopein1Hand … ‘it’s almost never worth going DT in round 1. Using that #15 on a DT will have all the impact of a fart in the wind.’
And yet, just a couple sentences earlier in your comment, you make this statement …
‘Vea is not tailing off. He was right behind Maxx Crosby in pass rush win rate last season on more snaps than ever.’
So our Rnd 1 pick from 2018 turns out to be a real beast. Coming from someone Vita’s size, I’d say that’s a pretty big ‘fart in the wind’.
Build from the trenches out, but build with quality. Pinning our ‘hope’ on 5th, 6th, 7th and undrafted heighyweights virtually never works out. Bucs don’t need any more 450 lb space-eaters who can only play the run because they’re too big for any OLineman to move, but who have no pass rush ability.
March 25th, 2026 at 6:24 pm
I think the Georgia Bulldogs, DT Christian Miller will be a good fit
He’s a natural 3-4 DE, DT, they teach them well at UGA
He’s not on the level of Jordan Davis or Jalen Carter, least not yet
But, he will improve in the NFL, and take that next step forward
March 25th, 2026 at 6:28 pm
***Christen Miller
March 25th, 2026 at 6:39 pm
Lakeland … Walter Football has Christian Miller (6’4″ & 321 lbs running a 5.20 sec 40) ranked as their #7 DT, but didn’t sound very complimentary of his talents …
‘In 2025, Miller had 23 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He has some talent, but has not produced much on the field. In 2024, he had 27 tackles with 1.5 sacks. Miller needs to show more pass-rush ability to close out the season.’
Can’t ever remember seeing the talent & production used in the same sentence … ‘He has some talent, but has not produced much on the field.’ Still, I doubt that Kirby would’ve kept him if he wasn’t producing something.
March 25th, 2026 at 6:51 pm
Bro I haven’t missed a bama football snap in 10 years
With that there isn’t a true tide fan that would have used a high pick on Chris.
He just didn’t have gear, he was an okay college guy but didn’t stand out at all
I thought he was a 6th round pick
March 25th, 2026 at 6:53 pm
Defense Rules,
But he was 1st team all SEC
I think he had like a 90.2 Run Grade
So he can fill the gaps, and free up the Edge Rusher
March 25th, 2026 at 7:24 pm
Jordan Davis had 7 sacks in 4 years at Georgia
Jalen Carter had 6 sacks in 3 years at Georgia
Christen Miller had 4 sacks in 3 years at Georgia
Kirby Smart run a 3-3-5 defense at Georgia
His 3 big men up front has to stop the run, and fill gaps
The Linebackers and SS has to cover the middle of the field, and blitz the QB
It’s a complicated defense, that’s why Georgia defenders are NFL ready
When Tykee Smith was SS at Georgia, they had the best defense in the NCAA
March 25th, 2026 at 8:40 pm
Defense Rules- Vita Vea is a unicorn. Banks and McDonald aren’t the same species. The only player I would comparable to him in this draft is Sonny Styles- a player with unique size and movement skills who will go in the top ten. There is no Vea replacement in this draft or coming down the pike.
I’m pleased with Vea and want him resigned but is he the best the Bucs could have done with that pick? Probably not. Drafting DT isn’t about need or value to the voices here. It’s about fashion. Copying what the Eagles and Seahawks did isn’t a bad plan but the only DT help available is in FA. Let every other team overdraft for fashion.
March 25th, 2026 at 8:49 pm
with our hc we will never win he is a lost cause
March 25th, 2026 at 8:50 pm
season over before it starts
March 25th, 2026 at 9:07 pm
Hopein1hand … ‘Drafting DT isn’t about need or value to the voices here. It’s about fashion.’
Without Suh the Bucs wouldn’t have won the 2020 SB. Without the big dogs in the center of their DLine the Seahawks wouldn’t have won the 2025 SB. Without Jalen Carter & Jordan Davis the Eagles wouldn’t have won the 2024 SB. Could go on but you get the drift I’m sure.
If drafting a DT high is about fashion, I’d prefer to be fashionable. It all starts in the trenches, on BOTH sides of the ball.
March 25th, 2026 at 9:22 pm
A panda is too tough for Todd’s defense. Better make it a cuddly koala bear. That’s a better prospect for Todd’s coaching.
March 25th, 2026 at 9:54 pm
Defense Rules- I suppose I’m more inclined to draft according to classic, timeless sensibilities but that really has to do with the talent pool not my heart’s desire. If a Suh or Vea were there I’d go as crazy as considering a trade-up scenario.
That’s why I stump for DJ Reader. He is past his prime but so was another former Detroit DT I share your appreciation for 100%. Is he Suh or a Vea replacement?Heck no but he is as close as we can get right now and he isn’t Charlie Heck. Those of us who crave DTs (I am one) are just in a spot like Carbury was last year. It’s a bit of a talent vacuum at DT right now probably due in part to the current fashion- teams are holding onto their decent DTs and are in the hunt for more. The NFL is a copycat league because that spit works.
I’m not faulting your approach. I could live with Christen Miller in the third. The lay of this draft just tilts all the way toward Edge and ILB early. If there is a Suh or Vea or either of the Eagles’ Ja(e)lens in the CFL bring him in. Find them in a Walmart parking lot on a Saturday morning- I don’t care. The position deserves prime focus for sure.
Mesidor is just too enticing and safe. Thieneman is a pick I wouldn’t curse too hard either. Lee Hunter in round 2 isn’t too shabby but that’s where I want one of this year’s ILBs. Philly did alright drafting a couple DBs at the top two years ago which is another less popular fashion but one that was emulated by the Rams in FA this year. I’m taking that approach into consideration as well, despite how mad I am at Bowles and how many high picks have gone to slot defenders.
March 25th, 2026 at 9:59 pm
I don’t mind drafting a DT.
But not in the 1st round this year — DR.
Suh, Vea, Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter all had much higher grades coming into the draft than McDonald this year or Tyleik Williams last year.
I don’t think at 15 or last year at 19 you reach for a defensive tackle that is not superior. Now Banks has the ability to be elite but a crazy bad injury history including a foot more than once — feels like a Zion Williamson type to me.
Sure, if Kenneth Grant had fallen to us at 19 last year — great. Not sure why you think that Williams, Collins or Sanders last year was worth our 1st round pick.
Am I remembering wrong because I think the 4 guys you mentioned last year wiere Harmon (gone before our 1st round pick) then Williams, Collins and Sanders gone before our 2nd round pick.
Lots of ways to win in the NFL
March 25th, 2026 at 10:05 pm
Christen Miller will be a Day 2 pick
The dude is 21 years old, 6’4 321 lbs
You can do a lot with him, for a lot of years
March 25th, 2026 at 10:11 pm
I like Miller. He had a lot of first round buzz this past summer.
March 25th, 2026 at 10:15 pm
Here’s what I’ve said multiple times in JBF past articles…..
1) Try your hardest to snag Sonny Styles and trade up if you can this adjust your draft pics after that…
If you can’t get him, draft Messidor with 15th pick….
Snag the LVD54 replacement in Anthony Hill Jr in 2nd round!!!! He’s a tackling machine and ran 4.52 at combine…..Sean Sullivan even backed me up as he thinks Hill would thrive in Bowles defense….
3rd round go after the TE – Michael Tripp if available….If not, go after a DT or CB here…
March 25th, 2026 at 10:46 pm
What Bucfan1988 said
March 25th, 2026 at 11:02 pm
This is farging hilarious. Acting like a draft crapshoot where even the first rounders are only 50% productive is going to make the Bowlesaneers winners.
Licht could draft 7 division 3 dudes from Desert Valley State. It won’t matter.
It simply won’t.
March 26th, 2026 at 2:27 am
Hopein1hand … Not opposed to bringing DJ Reader (6’3″ & 330 lbs) onboard at all, as long as the price is right. He’s long in the tooth (will be 32 in July) but could very well have 1 or 2 good yrs left in him. Didn’t do much last year with Detroit (17 games, 583 def snaps, 0 sacks, 4 QB hits, 0 TFLs, 28 tackles) but did significantly better with them in 2024 (15 games, 508 def snaps, 3 sacks, 8 QB hits, 4 TFLs, 23 tackles). Did age catch up with him, or was it more about how he was used last year?
Vea & Robinson & Kancey are all free agents next year (as are Diaby & Muhammad). Maybe it’s just me being paranoid, but I see it as a massive problem when the majority of your DLine starters are all free agents in the same year. If they have a good 2026 then they have all the leverage. If they have a poor 2026, why would you want them back?
Bucs should have been drafting their replacements last year, but we didn’t. If we bypass another year, I think there’s a very good chance we’ll be screwed next year.
March 26th, 2026 at 2:31 am
Geno 712 … ‘Lots of ways to win in the NFL’.
Love your bottom line. Should we let the Bucs in on that one, because it sure feels like they keep beating their heads against the proverbial rock trying to make THEIR WAY work.
March 26th, 2026 at 3:16 am
Yes Defense Rules the Bucs are at a DL cross roads next year and they haven’t drafted to avert it but I can’t really blame them. Last year’s crop was a long shot better than this year’s but besides Mason Graham whose name did we hear after September? Roberts was a nice pick-up in last years draft but the Bucs need a lot more.
Vea looked far from done last year despite his increased snap count thank goodness but even if Kancy balls out can they trust him to stay on the field? I liked Gerald McCoy, who was out too much early in his career but wow was he overpaid once he got it together techniquewise. Probably the most overpaid Buc of all time. I hope the Bucs don’t do something like that again given current trends and their dearth of reliable DTs.
The best I’m hoping for is some lighter DL late in this draft.
March 26th, 2026 at 11:10 am
Go get him he is a dawg‼️‼️‼️