After a strong start to the 2025 NFL season, Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went through a second-half slump that saw them go from near the top of the NFC to missing the playoffs entirely. What can Todd Bowles and company do to separate themselves in the NFC South?
The first wave of free agency saw them lose long-time star wideout Mike Evans, who signed a three-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. Still, the wide receiver group should be solid with the core of Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan and Tez Johnson. The also have tight end Cade Otten returning after re-signing in free agency.
When it comes to needs in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Buccaneers look to have a top need on the defensive side of the ball, particularly pass rusher, linebacker and cornerback following the loss of Jamel Dean in free agency.
So, with the No. 15 overall pick in the draft, which position do the Buccaneers address? Which prospect could help them re-gain control of the NFC South?
Here is a look at what some mock drafts have as prospects who could be in line to wear the pewter and orange.
ESPN NFL Mock Draft: Tampa adds another big target
In losing Evans in free agency, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has the Buccaneers using their top pick on Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Even with Cade Otten returning, Kiper sees Sadiq as more of a big receiver who can fill some of the void left by Evans but also give the Buccaneers another pass-catching tight end who can do significant things with the ball in his hand after the catch.
Kiper writes:
“Sadiq could fill some of that void. Defenses struggle to match up with him because of his big 6-3 frame and 4.39 speed, and he has the explosive traits to go up and get 50-50 balls. Sure, the Bucs re-signed tight end Cade Otton, but new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson ran 12 personnel (two tight ends) 38.2% of the time in Atlanta last season, second most in the NFL.”
A tight end duo of Otton and Sadiq could add an element to the Buccaneers offense they haven’t had since Rob Gronkowski, Cameron Bate, and O.J. Howard all filled the tight end depth chart.
CBS Sports NFL Mock Draft: Solidifying the offensive line
While grabbing an offensive weapon is intriguing Mayfield and company, stabilizing the interior of the offensive line is also a big need to fill according to Mike Renner. The CBS Sports’ writer has the Buccaneers selecting Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor with the pick which the prospects of moving the big tackle inside to take care of a starting guard spot.
Renner writes:
“Kadyn Proctor could kick inside to left guard next to Tristan Wirfs to form a terrifying double-team combination. We've seen how Baker Mayfield's play has slipped when the line in front of him struggles, so keeping that unit a strength is critical.”
The massive specimen that is Proctor would be a solid pick for the Buccaneers, but if they are going to go guard, why not select a natural guard like Olaivavea Ioane if available at No. 15? Better yet, the Buccaneers could use their Day 2 pick on a prospect like Chase Bisontis is he is available when they select again at No. 46.
NFL Mocks pick for Buccaneers at No. 15
NFL Mock’s contributor Ian Harper has the Buccaneers addressing defense with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This has been a popular approach with past mock drafts and other NFL Mock Drafts nationally. With the selection of Miami’s Ahkeem Mesidor, the Buccaneers address their need at edge with a versatile player who can add consistent pressure on the quarterback.
The question surrounding Mesidor is not his high motor or impact in the pass rush, but he’s an older prospect at the age of 25. Is No. 15 too high? If we are going off talent and what he brings to the table as a versatile defender along the defensive line, Mesidor is worth the pick.
Harper writes:
“Ahkeem Mesidor has shown to be proficient as both a pass rusher and a run defender, making him a valuable defensive line prospect. Tampa Bay's defensive front was a point of emphasis going into the offseason, and they simply haven't done much to address the EDGE position. This pick gives them extra help in pass rush sets and continues their entire defensive overhaul.”
In all, the Buccaneers filled a few needs via free agency. Health will assure that they are good offensively, especially with group of receivers they still have after the departure of Evans and what they have at running back with Bucky Irving and the addition of Kenneth Gainwell. While Sadiq or Proctor fills a void, Tampa could find fits at either of those positions on Day 2 or Day 3. What they may not have an opportunity to find later in the draft is a highly effective pass rusher like Mesidor.
So, in this roundup for Tampa Bay, the nod goes to the home team. Mesidor would be a nice piece off the edge in the Buccaneers’ revamped defensive attack.