Fun Possiblities For Bucs In First Round
March 28th, 2026
Options.
The more Joe thinks about it, next month’s opening round of the draft will be fascinating for Bucs fans to watch.
Do the Bucs need an edge rusher? Yeah, but they just pumped (some) money into bringing a guy in who had double-digit sacks and nearly double-digit tackles for loss, even if he couldn’t start a game.
If Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht really does believe second-year David Walker is all that and his recent words on Walker were more than just a public boost of confidence, would the Bucs draft an edge rusher at No. 15?
(Looking at Todd Bowles’ history of not developing edge rushers may also be a factor.)
Then you have inside linebacker. This may be a bigger need unless you think recent signing Christian Roseboom, Carolina’s leading tackler last season, is already penciled in as a starter.
Early research shows there isn’t an inside linebacker in the range of No. 15 where the Bucs pick. Licht would either have to trade up at a prohibitive cost to land Sonny Styles or reach to an extent he injures his ribs for C.J. Allen or Anthony Hill.
Would Licht draft a corner at No. 15? Or a defensive tackle? Jenna Laine of ESPN broke down possibilities.
Top three needs: edge, LB, TE. Signing Al-Quadin Muhammad to a one-year, $4 million deal doesn’t preclude the Bucs from drafting an edge rusher, even with his production (11 sacks) last season. The Bucs did sign both Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom at inside linebacker ahead of Lavonte David’s retirement, so there’s some wiggle room there. And with coordinator Zac Robinson’s frequent use of 12 personnel, they need to add another tight end who can serve as a big-play threat.
The tight end position looks more and more plausible to Joe. Maybe drafting a defensive tackle at No. 15, Texas Tech linebacker and forced fumble machine Jacob Rodriguez in the second round and landing Baylor tight end Michael Trigg if he slips to the third round would be the way to go?
March 28th, 2026 at 8:03 am
They should absolutely trade up for Sonny Styles. Package a trade with Godwin.
March 28th, 2026 at 8:14 am
If they like Rodriguez, then take him at #15 or he might not be there in the 2nd. Mocks are starting to show him going in the lower 1st round.
I don’t think we will be sorry with that pick.
For a TE take Delp in the 2nd.
March 28th, 2026 at 8:16 am
Trade down
March 28th, 2026 at 8:21 am
Got a feeling it’s going to be sadiq
March 28th, 2026 at 8:22 am
Seems like this draft is deep at defensive positions of need for our beloved Bucs. Trade back – acquire more picks.
March 28th, 2026 at 8:31 am
it will be more like watching crash test dummies fly through a windshield.
the real fun question is who of todds former team mates children will get drafted by the bucs in what round??
March 28th, 2026 at 8:33 am
I have a strong feeling they will try trading. No idea if it will work.
March 28th, 2026 at 8:35 am
We’re gonna eff around and miss on both Hill and Rodriguez. If we draft a tight end first or second ( or anywhere for that matter) I’m taking my shlt and going home. We better get McDonald if we miss on these two ILB’s. All due respect Joe, but screw the edge rusher. 2 DT’s, 2 ILB’s, 2 corners, and a flyer on a QB(Strand). This ain’t rocket science and that’s a dang good thing because it sure looks to me that Jason Licht ain’t nowhere near a rocket scientist. Although we might need one to fix shlt if we draft a TE with the Clear needs this team has.
March 28th, 2026 at 8:40 am
if i’m me, and i am me…here’s what i do…
if sadiq is floating there at 15 i grab him…(ME13 is gone)
in the 2nd round i figure out a way to grab rodriquez which might require moving up…
3rd round i add a front line guy…end/edge or a DT…
4th i might rinse and repeat what i said for round 3…
5th licht work his magic on a OT if they deem one necessary…
6th let coach and his cohorts see if they see a back end gem laying in the weeds somewhere…
7th try to find another tez…so maybe go WR…
round 2 is vital to grab an ilb that you’ve had your eye on for a while — gotta make that happen if going sadiq in round one…
keep in mind while i’m typing this, i’m wearing a “burgundy blazer” and munching on a coconut donut with my morning java
March 28th, 2026 at 8:44 am
Joe … ‘Maybe drafting a defensive tackle at No. 15, Texas Tech linebacker and forced fumble machine Jacob Rodriguez in the second round and landing Baylor tight end Michael Trigg if he slips to the third round would be the way to go?’
Could live with that Joe, although I still think that grabbing a CB should still be a higher priority than drafting another TE.
o Would love for that DT to be Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald (6’2″ & 326 lbs) although I’d be just as happy with Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter (6’4″ & 318 lbs) or Florida’s Caleb Banks (6’6″ & 327 lbs).
o Preference for a Rnd 2 ILB is Texas’ Anthony Hill (6’3″ & 235 lbs), although again I’d be just as happy with Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriquez (6’1″ & 237 lbs) or Georgia’s CJ Allen (6’1″ & 230 lbs).
o Personally don’t see anything special in Baylor’s TE Michael Trigg (6’4″ & 240 lbs with a 2.65 sec 40 time). I guess what makes him unique is that he changed schools every year (Baylor, USC, Ole Miss). Walter Football adds that Trigg is too light to be a great blocker and “is talented, but has some make up and character concerns”. Not a glowing review.
One TE who could probably be had in Rnd 4 or 5 who I do like is SMU’s Matt Hibner (6’5″ & 252 lbs with a 2.57 sec 40 time). Admittedly mostly because of what Walter football says about him … “Hibner was one of the standouts in a strong group of tight ends at the Senior Bowl. Team sources say Hibner impressed them with his receiving ability and potential as a blocker”.
March 28th, 2026 at 8:45 am
i think we’re set a rb as well..
we’ve got our 3…
and maybe the 2 camp guys from last year are still around…both looked good and one was up on the roster for a handful of games i think…i’m forgetting both their names at the moment…both flashed last preseason…
so rb should be ok unless bucky starts being bucky again haha
March 28th, 2026 at 8:49 am
^^^ lol at the guy who said trade godwin…i can not see the bucs letting chris and mike go in the same season…no f’in way dude…
maybe they don’t resign him or something – but absolutely he’s here as a trade would be a public relations disaster all on it’s own with that after mike’s departure
March 28th, 2026 at 8:49 am
You can’t trade Godwin. We would take a salary cap hit like you wouldn’t BELIEVE. Besides, with the loss of Evans, we need Godwin!
March 28th, 2026 at 8:51 am
to move up for sonny styles you throw winfield into the deal before his stock plummets…
yep i just said that
March 28th, 2026 at 8:53 am
Right there with ya @KentonSmith. I like McDonald and Rodriguez. No ideas on DE’s but definitely need CB. If we draft a TE we’re just that much more stupid than I thought. Probably add a G late rounds.
March 28th, 2026 at 8:54 am
1000% Trade Up for Sonny Styles
Most Sure Fire Pick in the draft IMO
Dude Would Be Perfect Torch Bearer for LVD
Dude Got Perennial Pro Bowl Written All Over Him
March 28th, 2026 at 8:56 am
My hope is that someone else falls in love with Sadiq and trades up with us and we add a second rd pick in the process and concentrate on LB/DT and double up on 1 of those with the first 3 picks. That would be a really great scenario UNLESS one of the top guys tumbles to within our reach. Certainly no projects/hopes/ or what ifs, just solid on tape playmakers with attitude.
March 28th, 2026 at 8:56 am
Whoever said to trade Godwin is mentally challenged
March 28th, 2026 at 8:59 am
If we can’t reach a trade either up or down we simply HAVE to take the BPA, whether they think it’s Sadik, Allen, McDonald, but I think Mesidor fits there at 15.
March 28th, 2026 at 9:04 am
When you can draft a potential best in league at his position, you do it Still like Rodriguez after trade down
March 28th, 2026 at 9:04 am
I don’t really love the idea of drafting a TE with the #15 pick. Not with all the needs we have on defense.
But with ME gone, who is a BIG TD target when the Bucs are in the red zone? Otten? Please don’t tell me that. Otten had 1 TD for the year.
EE led the team with 6 TDs, but they were catch and run if I am recalling correctly. Not close in in the red zone area. Bucky had 3, also catch and runs. And you have to admit, a big catching TE over the middle would help short little Baker to see his target better.
Please, someone tell me this is not a serious problem. As of right now, I fully believe JL will draft Siding at #15
March 28th, 2026 at 9:05 am
Sonny Styles is an absolute perennial all pro lock
Gotta trade up for him for replace Lavonte for the future
Can you imagine?? Getting LVD all those years and then replacing him with Sonny Styles
IMO most sure fire pick in the draft
March 28th, 2026 at 9:08 am
Trading down sounds great until you realize you’ve passed on George Karlaftis. Not happening. BPA all the way. He thing is, we can’t see Licht’s board. Egbuka was top ten on his board but an early day 2 guy on consensus mocks. So we just don’t know. As you say, will be a fun night in Pittsburgh!
March 28th, 2026 at 9:11 am
Agree with Big D …
Trade up, and do something for a change!
People say, “JA, you must be an idiot. Who do we have to trade up with?”
And why might that be? Could it be because we always stay put or trade back to grab mid to above average players and those who become busts?
Could it be it’s because we shop at the Dollar Store for free agents in their 30’s—players we hope will resurrect that one good year from seasons past? Anybody see Reddick after his fleecing of Licht for 14 mil?
Could it be because we are team counting on a 4th round prospect (Licht’s latest “steal”) from last year who, through injury, has yet to take a single snap in the NFL?
We lost our two HOF candidates, one who wanted out and another through retirement.
That leaves this team with no current HOF possibilities—a goose egg! And I love Godwin, but his injuries will most likely keep him out.
Unless you’re happy with a yearly record in the .500 range in a subpar division with a subpar coach, it’s time to part with some future draft picks, make a splash and trade up!
March 28th, 2026 at 9:11 am
The TE they are talking about sounds more and more like what they will do. I don’t see Licht reaching in round 1. At the same time I think Licht and Bowles have their head in the sand on defense. I think they believe they have the edge rush and corners postions set and will pursure a LB at some point. However, like I said heads in the sand neither the corner or edge rush position are even respectable, but they thought Dennis and Mc Column were the next stars. Head in the sand boys heads in the sand
March 28th, 2026 at 9:13 am
Kenton, I get what you are saying, but answer the question I posed above. The Bucs had trouble scoring last year for a variety of reasons. But not have 50/50 ball winner ME on the field was probably the #1 reason. And even if you want to put more of the blame on injuries to the Oline, fine. But which of our short pass catchers are going to come up with the ball in the red zone?
Trust me, I want a BIG BURLY DL player. Im with DR on that one. No point in drafting a DE at 15 when we have a DC who is inept at developing one. And yes, we still need a ILB, but we can get on in the 2nd. That is where LVD was drafted.
March 28th, 2026 at 9:14 am
Absolutely no to trading up for Styles, trading up loses too many picks. At #15, Licht can pick his #1 DT according to most mocks. A’Shawn is not a pass rusher, we need a stud pass-rushing DT.
OR – trade down to late rd1 and pick up an ILB with another ILB in rd2. Roseboom isn’t starter quality, but Bowles will start him anyway just like he started SVD and Britt.
March 28th, 2026 at 9:17 am
Rosenboom is penciled in as a starter? Ian Beckles was just talking about him the other day and said Anzalone is definitely a starter and Rosenboom is absolutely nothing more than depth and special teams
March 28th, 2026 at 9:18 am
Don’t draft a defensive end at fifteen, there will be zero returns. I have come around on drafting the tight end from Oregon if he is there. Look this defense has more holes than this piece of baby Swiss I am eating. The first round won’t fix it. But I honestly can’t remember the last time the Bucs out scored a team and lost.
March 28th, 2026 at 9:20 am
@ BigD Says: “They should absolutely trade up for Sonny Styles. Package a trade with Godwin.”
Delusional. Godwin has ZERO value. We’d have to GIVE a pick at this point, in order for ANYONE to take him off our hands, at THAT amount of remaining salary left. There is literally NO-WAY to move HIM. No one is taking that on, especially after that last season and THAT injury. LICKT IS A MORON.
March 28th, 2026 at 9:20 am
Let’s just get through this year guys!
I don’t think we’re going to a SB by any means, but I do believe we can have a good team, and it’s years like these that show us exactly where we are as a team in this league!
We can trade up next year if need be, when we cross that bridge!
March 28th, 2026 at 9:23 am
Better just hope he balls TF OUT, stays healthy, and looks good enough, so that we CAN move him at the ‘deadline’ this upcoming season, when we are sitting there at 2-6.
March 28th, 2026 at 9:24 am
I wouldn’t be surprised if Sadiq ends up in Baltimore now. They pretty much lost everyone at TE & since KC is bringing Kelce back who knows how much longer he’ll wanna play now. Lamar could use another weapon on offense, too! I’d consider trading down.
March 28th, 2026 at 9:24 am
I am in agreement the scenarios are fascinating and that the Bucs should try to trade in either direction! If Styles (lack of positional value) or Bain (lack of arm length) begin to slide to around pick 10 with Cincinnati, throw them a 3rd and move up. I would double down and move up with my second again for Rodriguez, Hill, Allen or McDonald. But if not, move back and acquire a few of these late 1st early 2nd round guys. Jason Licht should really try to be creative in this draft after losing both David and Evans this offseason. The fans will regain some excitement lost by their departures. Go Bucs!
March 28th, 2026 at 9:28 am
I did myself a mock draft and I also found that maybe taking the TE from Oregon is the best idea. I have a hard time believing he’s going to be the guy for us as pass catcher and both 3rd down blocking TE.
OJ Howard failed because he wasn’t a strong enough blocker. One of the most athletic talents I have ever seen and his historical value was insane. We need all around value. Not just some hole in the wall talents.
March 28th, 2026 at 9:32 am
Before you just start throwing empty trade proposals out there, you have to ask YOURSELF FIRST, “would I do it if I was a (FO/GM) of another team!?” You have to ask that, before thinking of ANYTHING else.
March 28th, 2026 at 9:41 am
Forget who said this, think it was one of the Joe’s on the podcast
“At #15, do you want the 6th best edge rusher or the BEST tight end?”
That made me look at it in an entirely different light
March 28th, 2026 at 9:46 am
JimBob,
Who is the pass rushing stud DT that you want JL to draft?
For the record, im on board with taking a DT at 15 if that happens to be the BPA at 15. I happen to like Banks best. When healthy, he was a menace at Florida. But health is a concern and he already have a DT w health concerns.
This all comes down to 2 things:
How the board falls in the first 14 picks and if the Bucs have the ability to trade down.
For argument sake, lets just assume there isnt a team looking to move into the 15th pick. So assuming the Bucs must stick and pick at 15 and Styles, Bain and Bailey are all gone, then JL has to go BPA at DT, OL, edge, LB, CB, TE
That leaves a group of players like..
Banks DT
Macdonald DT
Fano OL
Proctor OL
Ioane OL
Howell Edge
Mesidor Edge
Thomas Edge
Faulk Edge
Allen LB
Hill LB
Rodriguez LB
Mansor CB
McCoy CB
Sadiq TE
I cant see JL reaching for the 4th or 5th best edge rusher at 15.
I cant see reaching for an off ball LBer at 15.
I think it comes down to getting the highest ranked DT, OL, CB or TE at 15.
March 28th, 2026 at 9:51 am
I really don’t understand why anyone would think that AC/DC-brain-scrambled not-ROH-worthy Roberto-Aguayo-selecting Tom-Brady-hand-puppet Jason Licht is a good GM – here are his picks at TE : Austin Sefarian-Jenkins (Round 2) OJ Howard (1) Cade Otton (4) Ko Kieft (6) Payne Durham (6) Devin Culp (7) – we have 4 of these guys on the roster and Licht needs ANOTHER one so he can have two-tight-end sets ? holy cow – and need I remind you that Einstein Licht has selected TWO QBs in the draft – Jameis Winston and Kyle Trask – the folks who think Licht is great are the guys who get the same warm flustered feeling watching a Licht presser as they do while they watch “Heated Rivalry” in their darkened bedrooms