The Perils Of Drafting An Edge Rusher At No. 15
March 22nd, 2026
Todd Bowles
You know it, Joe knows it: the Bucs need an edge rusher like a fish on a boat needs water.
Of course, a potential simple way of solving this is to draft an edge rusher at No. 15.
Better brace yourself, Lee Roy Selmon breath.
Joe was listening to a recent edition of Mina Kimes’ podcast and she had words of caution for Bucs fans. She watched edge rushers bank coin in free agency this month and believes there was a reason. Kimes noted she does not see any edge rusher in the draft below a potential top-10 pick who can contribute as a rookie.
The Bucs draft at No. 15.
So in Kimes’ eyes, a team drafting an edge rusher after No. 10 is looking at 2027 for him to make an impact. Maybe later.
And this dovetails into Joe’s biggest fear of drafting an edge rusher at No. 15: “This Joe” may get home that night and break down and cry because that’s burning a valuable pick for the 2026 season.
Bucs coach Todd Bowles has not developed a double-digit edge rusher. Not in Arizona when he was a defensive coordinator. Not in New York when he ran the Jets. And never in Tampa. Then throw in these little unpleasant nuggets: Since Bowles has been Bucs head coach, edge rushers he had as rookies never improved on their rookie sack totals.
Joe doesn’t like betting against “never.”
Joe is OK if the Bucs want to roll the dice and take an edge rusher after their first-round pick. But reaching for an edge rusher at No. 15 (if you believe Kimes), expecting the current coaching staff to develop a monster off the edge, that’s a Sunshine Skyway Bridge too far for Joe to expect.
March 22nd, 2026 at 11:03 am
ILB.
March 22nd, 2026 at 11:10 am
One thing hurting the Bucs chances of landing a solid pass rusher is the lack of QBs being offered in this draft…
Only one QB will be drafted before the Bucs pick at #15.
Unlike the last few years when there were several decent QBs drafted before pick #15.
It’s a Bucs life.
Do we really want the 5th or 6th best pass rusher with pick #15?
I don’t think so.
Would rather trade back and draft the 2nd best ILB plus add another 2nd or 3rd round pick.
March 22nd, 2026 at 11:11 am
We need an Edge and ILB but it feels like the players that will be available by the 15th pick will be a reach. I am all for drafting BPA and getting an Edge an ILB in the other rounds. It is a deep Edge and ILB class
March 22nd, 2026 at 11:14 am
CJ Allen at 15. Lead the Bucs D for the next 10 years no matter who’s coach. With Anz taking David’s spot, Allen replacing Dennis, a weakness becomes a strength. The middle of our D becomes tough, not soft. Allen at 15, big problem solved.
March 22nd, 2026 at 11:22 am
DL or ILB
March 22nd, 2026 at 11:29 am
I’ve been saying exactly what Mina Kimes said
I watch a lot of college football, and l follow college football closely
Arvell Reese
David Bailey
Rueben Bain Jr
Those 3 are the cream of the crop, Top-10 talent
The rest of the Edge Rushers are Late 1st – 2nd round talent
If Licht draft one of them at 15, he’s not reaching, he’s stretching out
Trading down for more picks is my opinion
If he can’t trade down, then it have to be BPA
March 22nd, 2026 at 11:34 am
Draft some coaches. Just try it. If it’s not allowed, it won’t make a difference.
March 22nd, 2026 at 11:38 am
I like the trade down for an extra pick or two scenario myself.
March 22nd, 2026 at 11:42 am
Chop Robinson is a perfect example–everyone wanted that guy, (he went at 21 last year) he is average at best thus far
March 22nd, 2026 at 11:42 am
Use the second round pick to move up otherwise you’ll draft two limited players
instead of one quality player.
March 22nd, 2026 at 11:46 am
All the mocks last year projected Jihad Campbell at linebacker.
I wonder how he worked out?
March 22nd, 2026 at 11:46 am
Grok says it would cost THIS year’s 1st and 2nd, and NEXT year’s 1st to move up to #5
March 22nd, 2026 at 11:53 am
Abdul Carter was one the best Edge Rusher to come along in years
He didn’t get his first full sack until the Giants 13th game
And he was playing opposite of Brian Burns
Washington Huskies WR Denzel Boston won’t be a bad pick
It’s not like we have to go Edge
March 22nd, 2026 at 11:54 am
That’s Bowles problem if he can’t develop talent which is in the job description. The sun is setting on a mediocre career for him, maybe Licht if he whiffs again like he did with brasswell.
March 22nd, 2026 at 11:57 am
Amen! What would be worse case scenario is wasting a top 15 pick on round 2 mediocre non-contributing Edge player for no good reason. Especially when we can safely hit on OG Ioane or ILB CJ Allen (or Hill Jr, J Rodrigues, pick your flavor) at #15. Pick later round prospect Edge in the appropriate round. Hell, double/triple up in rounds 4-6 after LB/OG then CB in 1-3.
March 22nd, 2026 at 11:58 am
I’ve been saying the same thing for a month. You have to draft defensive starters with picks 1 and 2. You Cannot draft edge as that player most likely doesn’t start or contribute much this season. Look for round 3 or 4 for an edge. You don’t a starting TE 30 million and then draft one with first pick, not happening.
March 22nd, 2026 at 12:03 pm
That’s has been the main problem with Jason Licht drafting Edge Rushers
He spends premium draft picks on the likes of Spence, JTS, Braswell
And they don’t immediately produce, so the fanbase label them as a bust
But they’re only a bust because they were drafted too high
If they were drafted accordingly to their talent level
They would’ve been drafted between 3-5 round
And they would be producing like a 3-5 round pick
That’s why Anthony Nelson never received the bust label
March 22nd, 2026 at 12:04 pm
BPA front 7 the first round unless we can the #1 or #2 corner in the draft.
March 22nd, 2026 at 12:08 pm
This regime hasnt been able to evaluate edge rush talent for a decade. Just face the music and realize your strengths and weaknesses. We cant evaluate RB or DE talent period. OL and WR and even CB and DT have been pretty solid. For whatever reason they just dont know how to evaluate pass rushers.
March 22nd, 2026 at 12:16 pm
I hear you Joe. I said prior to FA, draft a stud LB with the first pick because even if the Bucs were picking 1 they could not draft an edge rusher!!. Yes don’t waste the pick. I am not sure what kind of plan they have but having a good defense this year is not in the plan. Take a look: Presently two of the worst corners in the league, 3 more stud LBs needed and yes an edge rusher. They can’t do all that in the draft!!. So the plan ,think we all want to know! Hope the offense can score like 35 40 points a game cause the defense has big ,big holes.
March 22nd, 2026 at 12:24 pm
Sorry guys, best player available = Sadiq!
March 22nd, 2026 at 12:24 pm
Yeah I don’t like the idea of edge in round 1.
Looking at a 25 year old, a developmental prototype with no production or a dude with alligator arms.
The draft lines up well for the Bucs needs, just not at 15 unfortunately.
March 22nd, 2026 at 12:27 pm
Keep shooting keep drafting odds are you’re gonna hit one eventually take a premium and get that best edge rusher
March 22nd, 2026 at 12:44 pm
Superfranky respectfully, sir, throwing a dart at #15 for another guy standing on sideline on Sundays is precisely what we should avoid.
March 22nd, 2026 at 12:45 pm
Don’t do it. Best player available. Use those 4 round picks for reaches.
March 22nd, 2026 at 12:49 pm
No. TJ Parker or CJ allen
March 22nd, 2026 at 1:08 pm
If they can’t find a trade partner at 15 or move up for Baily, Bain or Styles I would take Mesidor from Miami. He’s played solid, not a reach, and I think you can move Kancey off his hip outside, I think that would be a dynamic 1-2 punch, add some ILBs as quick as you can and go from there.
March 22nd, 2026 at 1:12 pm
If the best player on the board is an edge rusher you take him. Simple as that.
Also Kimes is as insightful about football as Sidney Sweeney is about subtlety.
March 22nd, 2026 at 1:21 pm
@Marine. Amen
Trade down may be hard to find. Maybe the 2nd corner falls to us or #1 IOL even though that sucks. Still better than edge who can’t get on the field. We have enough of those already.
March 22nd, 2026 at 1:25 pm
I agree Joe. Bucs should take the best player available when it comes to the number 1 pick. Knowing Licht thats what they will do.
March 22nd, 2026 at 1:38 pm
@ BadBucs
“Still better than edge who can’t get on the field. We have enough of those already.”
Exactly.
This team needs production not potential.
We need to draft 2 maybe 3 starters in April and selecting a 4th string OLB at pick #15 seems extremely idiotic to me…
March 22nd, 2026 at 1:41 pm
Just remember and never forget…..
Mike Evans threw up on Bowles’ shoes and Jason Licht’s desk and left for a well coached team who won despite more injuries than an ER on New Years Eve.
He waved good bye to Baker Mayfield for Brock Fargin Purdy.
All the hopium in the world isn’t changing that and moving on from it to pretend brighter days are around the corner is a fool’s errand.
Unless/until youknowwho is no longer employed by the Buccaneers, the last 9 games of 2025 will look like a playoff run.
March 22nd, 2026 at 1:54 pm
3.28.Evans
You mean the 28-3 OC Kyle Shanahan
So Mike will get him his ring
March 22nd, 2026 at 1:59 pm
Pick 15 is no man’s land this year. Very little value for our defensive needs. Maybe corner still has some value in that spot, but I dont see them picking that position that early.
A trade down would be great, and trading down twice would be ideal. This team needs options on the roster, and more players better the odds.
March 22nd, 2026 at 2:03 pm
mesidoe is ready to start. 25 yrs old, mature, physical, PRODUCTIVE. anyone else at edge after him is a project. there are 6 solid LB to choose from after that in the 2nd & 3rd round. BPA at #15 doesn’t move the needle for this team. the bucs are young and solid with OLINE, RB, WR, TE. the defense needs as many potential impact players as possible in the draft. mesidor & rodriguez are 2 of them
March 22nd, 2026 at 2:03 pm
I’d like DT Lee Hunter, but bypass him and get Edge Malachai Lawrence if there in the 3rd.
March 22nd, 2026 at 2:07 pm
OK going edge if he’s at the top of the board simply because there’s a high probability there’s a new DC and scheme next season.
March 22nd, 2026 at 2:10 pm
Preach Lakeland. This girl talking about a stupid 28-3 regular season game must have forgot about the biggest blunder in NFC south history. Lol
March 22nd, 2026 at 2:12 pm
I agree with Joe and Kimes here.
Bain or Bailey are the 2 guys id take as sure fire impact edge rushers. After that there’s a whole lot of potential (Faulk..looks like Tarzan, plays like Hall) and questions marks (Howell..big production but questionable arm length).
JL will not reach for “need”. If he can trade out of the 15th spot a d is forced to stick and pick, I could see best available DT, OL or CB.
Perfect case scenario would be trade into mid 20s and get J Rodriguez, CJ Allen or Howell. While picking up 2 more 2nd round picks. Then with 3 2s, you can address lots of “needs”.
March 22nd, 2026 at 2:17 pm
History has shown that in his time as a defense cord and head coach Todd Blowes has never developed a high end LB or edge rusher. It doesn’t really matter if they draft for those positions – because they still have a coach that can’t develop those players.
March 22nd, 2026 at 2:39 pm
Honestly wouldn’t trust Todd Bowles with a top 5 edge rusher. Nope. Braswell couldn’t improve and he set the bar really low for himself as a rookie. Still waiting Jason, Braswell is still getting bullied by offensive lineman and blocking backs, probably punters also. Best linebacker or trade back and draft the next two best linebackers with the first two picks.
March 22nd, 2026 at 2:39 pm
“ He spends premium draft picks on the likes of Spence, JTS, Braswell
And they don’t immediately produce, so the fanbase label them as a bust”
Is that not EXACTLY what they are?
March 22nd, 2026 at 2:41 pm
PUNTER OR KICKER!
March 22nd, 2026 at 2:42 pm
There’s a chance one of the top corners is available at 15. If we can’t trade back that may be the play at 15 rather than reaching for an edge rusher or ILB. I would prefer they trade back and get CJ Allen somewhere in the 20’s and acquire an extra 2nd round pick but it takes 2 to Tango.
March 22nd, 2026 at 2:43 pm
Joe is going to stick up for Noah Spence. He looked like he was something. Then he blew out his shoulder twice and was never the same.
Joe can never call a guy who gets hurt a “bust.” To Joe, a “bust” is a guy who is fully inept. Way over his head. So far, Chris Braswell is that kind of a guy. Completely looks lost on an NFL field. JTS too.
March 22nd, 2026 at 2:44 pm
The leader of the Yuccaneers clings to his pathetic 3-4 defense no player can understand. It needs edge rushers that do not exist. Bowzo is a lost cause as are the Yucs.
March 22nd, 2026 at 2:45 pm
Braswell and JTS were following Bowzo’s instructions.
March 22nd, 2026 at 2:55 pm
If the Bucs win it’ll be because of the O.
If we can’t trade back, BPA of ILB, CB or DT. If ILB isn’t our first pick, we have to grab one in round 2. I really want a new TE in round 2 for the red zone, hoping we can get a trade back in round 1.
March 22nd, 2026 at 3:38 pm
15 is too early to draft Mesidor, CJ Allen, or Rodriguez or Hill jr. If any of these players is our target, we need to trade down to acquire him. 15 is kind of a weird spot in this draft. It makes sense for other positions like O-linemen. But we don’t need one of those that high either. If Styles drops a little bit (and ILb’s tend to do that) consider trading up for him. If he goes early, trade back. Then trade back again if possible. Pick at the end of round 1 and 3 times in the second round! Get VALUE at ILb positions and grab a DT or DE or edge or both. And 2 ILB’s- all by the end of the second round!
March 22nd, 2026 at 3:42 pm
Just because you don’t/can’t understand a 3-4 defense, or Todd’s schemes, or defense @ all doesn’t mean the players cant.
March 22nd, 2026 at 3:47 pm
Marine Buc nailed it…if there’s not alot of QBs going early, like usual, that makes the 15th pick watered down on defensive talent! Cant draft a D-line guy just to do it! Has to be a stud…trade down if we can or even fo best o-line player if there is a run on quality defensive help
March 22nd, 2026 at 4:00 pm
Cowboys needs are similar to ours on defense (LB/CB/DL). They will pick CJ Allen at 20 (unless Styles miraculously falls to 12).
March 22nd, 2026 at 4:00 pm
Kenyon Sadiq @15
We have chain movers as WR’s
No explosive modern NFL offensive players
Git sum !
March 22nd, 2026 at 4:08 pm
We don’t need to draft defensive talent early
We are blessed to have a Genius defensive minded head coach with a established .500 career record. He can develop the defensive side of the ball.
March 22nd, 2026 at 4:10 pm
Grover are you sure it isn’t you that doesn’t understand how a 3-4 defense actually WORKS? Perhaps you should try looking it up. Most of the top defensive teams use that alignment and there are many useful reasons for it. The things people complain about around here often don’t seem to understand what the various positions are and how they work. This is especially true if they are used to watching our old cover-2/Tampa 2 4-3 alignment. Bowles does mix that in periodically also.
March 22nd, 2026 at 4:12 pm
If Allen goes we take Hill and Rodriguez in that scenario. I’d probably be happier with them anyway…
March 22nd, 2026 at 5:14 pm
StPete…IMO the Bowzo Defense a discombobulated 3/4 scheme is a total FLOP. Even the players do not comprehend it. It Bends and Brakes at all the wrong times. It is obvious to anyone with a brain by the results over the last few years.
For this year a 30 point plus offense is the only hope to win the division again.
March 22nd, 2026 at 5:41 pm
The mockers are always wrong. It’s very likely someone will fall to us.
That’s why I take rankings with a grain of salt.
Joe, no offense, but I hope you cry the first night of the draft, lol.
March 22nd, 2026 at 5:46 pm
I don’t know if the Bucs should draft defensive players high until they get a coach who knows what they’re doing on that side of the ball. Half the guys they’ve taken in the first 2 rounds, guys like Devin White and JTS, just ran around out there like they had no clue of how to play football. That’s partly Licht’s fault for drafting these numb knobs, partly Bowles fault for letting them get away with it/not coaching them up.
March 22nd, 2026 at 6:55 pm
Fanofdabucs … ‘Best case scenario is he doesn’t start much for the Bucs either because Walker and whoever we draft balls out.’ (the article on Muhammad disappeared Joe).
Our Edge rushers are one big unknown at this point. Walker is the biggest unknown far as I’m concerned; he’s a rookie since he spent all last season on IR. Lots of guys do well in college but it doesn’t translate to the NFL.
Diaby is in a contract year & will be looking to ball out. He’s great at ‘Pressures’ (32 in 2024 & another 32 in 2025), but can’t seem to quite get home (4.5 sacks in 2024 then 7 sacks in 2025). I think he plays the run very well (Missed Tackle rate of 7.2% for his career) and he’s durable as all git-out (17 games every season so far).
Anthony Nelson befuddles me. He had a nice 2024 (4 sacks & 20 pressures), but an meh 2025 (3 sacks & 4 pressures). Hard to see paying a guy over $5 mil/yr for those numbers.
Chris Braswell is playing the run better & better (30 tackles last year with 21 solo in only 283 def snaps), but there’s no pass rush there (2.5 sacks & 17 pressures over the last 2 years). I kinda wonder if Bowles is primarily putting him in there for run situations. Or maybe he’s just not a good pass rusher.
Al-Quadin Muhammad excites me more than any of the others. Maybe Bowles will use Nelson & Braswell to cover run situations (both are very good at Run Defense), and Walker & Muhammad to handle the pass situations (both are supposed to be Pass Rush specialists).
In any event, I’m convinced that all our OLBs will do MUCH better if our interior DLine performs better. Adding Robinson to replace Hall was a GREAT START, but now we need to add a beastly NT/DT to replace Gaines. Do that and this defense will be MUCH BETTER this season even if we don’t add any more Edge rushers.
March 22nd, 2026 at 7:17 pm
I wouldn’t trust any assessment of an edge rusher by a sports analysts because they are mostly hype. What makes them qualifided. Very little for most of them. They rely on rumors pull from unknown comments and commentators. The Bucs drafted well in the last few years. At some point they will find their edge rusher. Swing enough times and you will hit a home run.
March 22nd, 2026 at 7:18 pm
All we know for sure is Jason will draft another Licht Loser. We also know that he will be on the roster for 4 years max and have zero impact.
Hey Hey Tampa Bay. 4-13 a the way.
Hopefully, Jason and Todd will be gone so they can’t screw up the top 5 pick in the 2027 draft.
March 22nd, 2026 at 8:38 pm
The kid form Missouri and Oklahoma should both be there at 15. Both are considered to be mid first round talents? What a. waste of an article we will have two good pass rushers to chose from in all likelihood. We take one or the other coach him up and throw them out there.
March 22nd, 2026 at 8:41 pm
Young, Faulk, Parker should all be there at 15! We will take a pass rusher and we will get a good one.
March 22nd, 2026 at 8:58 pm
The flip side to trading down and drafting more in the 2nd is thatJL’s track record in the 2nd is atrocious. Im all for trading down, it makes sense just hope JL can execute
March 22nd, 2026 at 9:20 pm
Agree. This draft is deep with talented defensive players. I expect an offensive player either TE or WR. Then load up on D.
March 22nd, 2026 at 9:24 pm
I like your assessment Defense Rules. Well done.
March 22nd, 2026 at 9:36 pm
@Defense Rules – I think you’ll get your wish. I think we definitely draft our future NT this draft. I hope the Bucs get the opportunity to move back in the first to acquire additional picks and land McDonald or Banks.
I’ll root for whoever they draft but I agree that they need to build up the center of the line first. Would love to see us load up on defensive players with our first few picks.
March 22nd, 2026 at 10:18 pm
JPP was the #15th pick in the draft.
The Bucs have picked #15 twice, picking Booger and Michael Clayton, two pretty good picks. And yes, Clayton AND Booger were good picks.
March 22nd, 2026 at 10:28 pm
Bucs need to draft a big inside DT to pair with VV. If these two can get some strong inside push, should make Yaya and Kancey effective on the outside. Time to scrap the 3-4 for a 4-3 provided we pick the right DT. Seems like there are more choices available inside. What’s to lose by going to a 4-3 to get more consistent pressure? The scheme that TBowles has been running isn’t fooling anyone.
March 22nd, 2026 at 10:40 pm
Licht is a bargain hunter, so that is why Bucs never have a decent edge. Edge is a costly player and Licht is too cheap. Fck this team! 4 wins 2026
March 23rd, 2026 at 12:40 am
They must have a lot of lead in the water in Lakeland. In SF, they don’t make excuses because of injuries, Shanahan adjusts to who he’s got and maximizes them as a team for that given configuration.
2-7
3rd and 28
Mike Evans
March 23rd, 2026 at 3:10 pm
DON’T DRAFT AN EDGE ROUND 1
Come on guys. Come on!!! Name the 1 position Licht CANNOT draft?
EDGE
Easily #1. He sucks at a few positions but he’s batting .000 at Edge with way too many selection. It’s embarrassing.
I’d with an DB, OL, or WR if the other option is an Edge.
Let’s stop testing the definition of insanity.