2026 Midseason Bucs Mock Draft Roundup
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, currently with a 6-2 record, are looking to strengthen their positions as they approach the second half of the NFL season. Aiming for a fifth consecutive NFC South title, they also hope to secure a high seed in the playoff race for a shot at their third Lombardi Trophy. With their next game scheduled against the 6-2 New England Patriots on November 9, it’s time to turn an eye toward the future, particularly the 2026 NFL Draft.
2026 Midseason Bucs Mock Draft Roundup
The NFL draft season will kick off following the postseason, starting with events like the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl. The NFL Scouting Combine is expected to take place in late February or early March, leading up to the main event—the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled for the final weekend of April. This article reviews current predictions and assessments from various mock drafts regarding the Buccaneers’ draft needs.
Current Draft Projections
As of now, analysts agree on Tampa Bay’s primary needs heading into the draft. Here are some key picks from various sources:
- CBS Sports’ Cooper Petanga (Oct. 30): Round 1, Pick 28: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech — Known for his explosive play, Bailey has amassed 10.5 sacks this season.
- ESPN’s Jordan Reid (Oct. 15): Round 1, Pick 32: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M — Howell has battled competition earlier in his career but has flourished with eight sacks currently.
- Fox Sports’ Rob Rang (Oct. 30): Round 1, Pick 27: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee — McCoy has the potential to surprise after recovering from an ACL injury.
- The Draft Network’s Justin Melo (Oct. 26): Round 1, Pick 28: Damon Wilson II, EDGE, Missouri — Impressive performances, including a two-sack game against Alabama, have made Wilson a strong candidate.
- CBS Sports’ Mike Renner (Oct. 21): Round 1, Pick 24: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State — With his background as a former safety, Styles brings significant athleticism as a linebacker.
- Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings (Oct. 25): Round 1, Pick 27: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State — As a potential three-down starter, Styles could significantly enhance Bucs’ defensive line-up.
Beyond the first round, the Buccaneers are also looking for talent in subsequent rounds.
- Round 2, Pick 58:Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia — Adding depth to the tight end position could be crucial for the team.
- Round 2, Pick 60:Jaishawn Barham, EDGE/LB, Michigan — Barham’s versatility could fit well within the Buccaneers’ system.
The Buccaneers’ front office, led by General Manager Jason Licht, is preparing to address these positions of need. As the season progresses, assessments of college prospects will become even clearer, shaping Tampa Bay’s strategy in the 2026 NFL Draft.
