The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have come off a disappointing loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 11; however, they still hold the top spot in the NFC South division. If the team secures the division crown, it will not only guarantee a postseason berth but also play a key role in determining where they will end up in the 2026 NFL Draft.
After the Week 11 Sunday slate, the Buccaneers are projected to have the 19th pick in the upcoming season’s festivities. Here are my picks for the Bucs, powered by PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator.
Round 1: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Buccaneers have several areas that they will need to address this offseason and beyond, with the linebacker position being a significant one. The team has several proven defensive leaders, such as Lavonte David; however, given his age, the team would benefit from bringing in a high-potential linebacker such as Sonny Styles.
Thanks to his experience as a safety, Styles has elite upside in coverage, while also being a dynamic pass-rushing threat. This could turn out to be a strong 19th overall pick.
Round 2: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
In the 2nd round, I have the Buccaneers adding yet another high-ceiling linebacker in Anthony Hill Jr. to help bolster the defensive core for years to come. Anthony Hill Jr. might require a bit more polishing than Styles; however, he has the upside to become an impact player at the NFL level.
Round 3: Jaeden Roberts, Guard, Alabama
Jaeden Roberts is now in his 3rd season as a starter for the Alabama Crimson Tide and could provide the Buccaneers with some quality depth on the offensive line. According to PFSN’s Offensive Line Impact, the Buccaneers rank 28th in the NFL in overall rating, something that the team will undoubtedly be looking to address during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Round 4: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
The NFL Draft is challenging to predict, given the draft’s unique nature and the potential for trades to alter player availability and team needs. That being said, if the Buccaneers still have their 4th round pick, Zane Durant of Penn State could be an intriguing option.
Durant’s ability to shut down the run is something that could benefit Tampa if he can live up to his potential. Despite his more petite frame compared to other players at his position, Durant’s athleticism is something to behold.
Round 5: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
Gabe Jacas might not have the superstar ceiling of possible first overall pick Rueben Bain Jr.; however, his tools could continue to help bolster the Buccaneers’ defense in the future.
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Jacas might be a bit of a blue-chip talent; however, his elite athletic abilities and background as a Florida state champion wrestler make Jacas easily worth a selection in the 5th round.
Round 6: Khalil Barnes, Safety, Clemson
In the 6th round, I have the Bucs looking to bolster their secondary again, adding Khalil Barnes from Clemson.
Barnes will need to continue developing some fundamentals of the position, as he tends to get beaten over the top; however, his raw tools make him worth a flier late in the draft. At 6’0″ tall, Barnes has the physical attributes to make up for some of his weaknesses.
Round 7: Brett Norfleet, TE, Missouri
At the end of the 2026 NFL Draft, I have Tampa Bay snatching a true monster of a man in Brett Norfleet. At 6’7″, Norfleet can be a nightmare in the right situation.
That being said, his size will limit his downfield abilities; however, Norfleet’s upside as a situational force makes him worth a shot for Tampa Bay, who could use additional help at the tight end position outside of Cade Otton.
