The Tampa Bay Buccaneers addressed the EDGE position early by selecting Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 15 overall, which may shift the Buccaneers' draft focus heading into Day 2 toward other areas of the roster.

Cornerback remains one of the clearest needs in Tampa. The Buccaneers have not added a proven replacement for Jamel Dean, and the team still lacks established depth at outside cornerback heading into the 2026 season. Adding a player who can compete for snaps early at corner would help stabilize the position.

Linebacker is another top priority. The current group includes Alex Anzalone and SirVocea Dennis, but there is no long-term answer locked into a full-time role in the middle of the defense. A player who can handle volume, cover crafty offensive players, and communication responsibilities would fit immediately.

Interior defensive line depth also remains in play for the duration of the draft. Tampa Bay has core pieces up front, but adding another rotational player would help maintain consistency.

On offense, the wide receiver position is worth monitoring following the departure of future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans. The current group leans toward separation and speed, and adding size would give the offense a more balanced profile and another weapon for current Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield.

With picks No. 46 and No. 77, Tampa Bay is positioned to address multiple needs without forcing a selection, which will ultimately determine how effective this class becomes.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Draft: Bucs need a linebacker in Rounds 2 or 3