The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are already making waves in the aftermath of the 2026 NFL Draft, and ESPN's Matt Miller has taken notice. In his annual breakdown of top selections, Miller has highlighted three Bucs picks among his personal favorites—a strong endorsement for the team's draft strategy and future potential.
Miller, a respected draft analyst, doesn't just rank players by talent alone. He evaluates a mix of factors: value relative to pre-draft rankings, scheme fit, how well each pick addresses a team need, on-field performance potential, and even the draft capital used or acquired in trades. It's a comprehensive approach that separates the good picks from the great ones.
For the Buccaneers, the spotlight falls on a pair of Miami Hurricanes who are expected to make an immediate impact. These two rookies bring a winning pedigree and high-level athleticism that could inject new energy into the roster. But the real sleeper might be Ted Hurst, the wide receiver out of Georgia State. Hurst is being touted as the team's new deep threat, stepping into a role that could see him compete with Tez Johnson for targets. With Mike Evans moving on, the Bucs are counting on Hurst and Johnson to fill the void—and early signs suggest they're up for the challenge.
Whether it's the Hurricanes duo's proven college production or Hurst's underdog story, the Bucs have clearly caught Miller's eye. For a team looking to reload, these picks could be the foundation of something special.
