The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw their streak of NFC South titles end in 2025 after four straight years atop the division. How do they reclaim their division crown and return to playoff contention in 2026?
That process began early this offseason with some key free agency signings (and re-signings) and will take another leap forward in the 2026 NFL Draft. Tampa Bay owns all of its own picks entering this year's draft – the Buccaneers own one pick per round with no compensatory picks or trades affecting their draft capital.
Among the top priorities for general manager Jason Licht is building up the defense. Tampa Bay allowed the sixth-highest success rate on dropbacks (49.7%) in 2025 and just lost cornerback Jamel Dean to the Steelers in free agency.
NFL MOCK DRAFT 2026: ChatGPT AI gives the worst predictions you'll ever see
In addition, the Buccaneers have to decide how to move forward offensively without wide receiver Mike Evans for the first time in 12 years. Will Tampa Bay add to their receivers room in the draft with Evans leaving to join the San Francisco 49ers in free agency?
USA TODAY Sports compiled a 2026 NFL Draft tracker for the Buccaneers, including their full list of picks, team needs and a mock draft with potential best fits:
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana2. New York Jets – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech
3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
5. New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
7. Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)
12. Dallas Cowboys – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
18. Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)