The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are holding steady in the middle of the pack after the 2026 NFL Draft, checking in at No. 15 in Bleacher Report's latest post-draft power rankings from analyst Gary Davenport. That spot puts them right in the thick of the league's competitive landscape—neither dominant nor doomed, but definitely in the conversation.
On paper, this is a roster with talent on both sides of the ball, but a few lingering questions keep them from climbing higher. The biggest one? Life after Mike Evans. With the future Hall of Famer no longer in Tampa Bay, all eyes turn to how the passing game will evolve. Receiver Emeka Egbuka is poised to take on a bigger role after flashing his potential early in the 2026 season, while veterans Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan will need to stay healthy to anchor the unit and provide the consistency this offense craves.
There's reason for optimism beyond the starters, too. Third-round pick Ted Hurst brings big-play ability that could stretch defenses, and Tez Johnson offers a reliable safety valve underneath—perfect for keeping the chains moving when the first-stringers need a breather.
The bigger wild card might be offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. After an inconsistent run in his previous role, the pressure is on to adapt and maximize what this roster can do. With Baker Mayfield still commanding the huddle, Robinson's ability to scheme around the team's strengths will be critical.
At No. 15, the Bucs are in that sweet spot where improvement is expected—but not guaranteed. That makes the upcoming season a true litmus test for how quickly this group can gel and prove they belong among the NFL's elite.
