The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone, which means it’s full speed ahead toward the 2026 NFL Draft. The Bucs, along with the other 31 teams in the league, will now enter a time period full of top-30 visits, pro days and local pro days. Of course, there’s also the balancing act of focusing on draft prep while also addressing team needs in free agency, which is set to open next week.

Up to this point, the Bucs’ roster needs have been pretty obvious. They most desperately need help at outside linebacker and inside linebacker, plus they could use a new tight end, depth at cornerback and another running back. With all of that in mind, mock drafts have typically been centered on those top two priorities thus far. And that’s likely to continue all the way throughout draft season, but any moves made by Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht and his staff in free agency or the trade market could shake things up going forward.

That brings us to the latest Bucs Mock Draft Roundup. This is kind of a no man’s land edition, where it comes after the NFL Scouting Combine but before free agency. So, while stocks will have risen and buzz will have been spread throughout the last week in Indianapolis, there’s also the free agency period coming up in a matter of days.

Nonetheless, let’s take a look at what the latest mock drafts from around the football world are projecting for the Bucs. If you missed our pre-Combine edition, check it out here. 

Bucs Mock Draft Roundup: Post-NFL Combine

Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer

Published March 1

Round 1, Pick 15: Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk

“The Buccaneers should be interested most in linebacker for Todd Bowles, either someone to be rangy making plays from the inside or an outside pass rusher. With Mesidor and Reese rising in that capacity, the Bucs can feel better about landing Faulk, holding steady after the Combine.”

Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk Photo by: USA Today

Yahoo Sports Staff

Published March 1

Round 1, Pick 15: Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk

“Faulk has an ideal build for a classic defensive end and fits the type of defensive ends that Todd Bowles has deployed in the past (Logan Hall, William Gholston). Faulk is young and still developing as a pass rusher, but he can be a needle-moving run defender right out of the gate as he polishes the rest of his game. Faulk’s versatility to move across the defensive line helps him fit in any type of scheme, but is a clean fit in Bowles’ defense. A strong option to help out for 2026, but a swing at something more for the Bucs while picking in the middle of the first.”

Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling

Published March 1

Round 1, Pick 15: Georgia ILB C.J. Allen

“Even if Lavonte David returns for a 15th season, the Bucs need an elite linebacker to play next to the future Hall of Famer, and/or eventually take over for him. Allen is a high-floor defender who has all the physical and mental traits to be the perfect fit.”

Georgia ILB CJ Allen – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Dale Zanine

SB Nation’s Mark Schofield

Published March 2

Round 1, Pick 15: Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor

“While the three previous prospects moved up in this mock draft due to workouts, there is an added layer with Akheem Mesidor’s rise in this mock draft.

While I was not able to attend the Combine this year, many analysts that I do trust were in Indianapolis, and some debriefing sessions indicate that the league might be higher on Mesidor than those of use in the media space are.

A lot higher, depending on who you talk to …”

Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema

Published March 2

Round 1, Pick 15: Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor

“The Buccaneers could target a linebacker here, as they have a big need at that spot. But with so many linebackers testing well in Indianapolis, I wonder if they feel like they can wait and hit another one of their top needs: pass rusher.

Mesidor didn’t participate in any of the combine testing, which was mostly expected after Miami’s long season. He was one of the best pass rushers in all of college football this season, logging an elite 92.5 PFF pass-rush grade (sixth best among draft-eligible edge defenders), and would immediately be Tampa Bay’s best edge rusher.”

Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor – Photo by IMAGN Images – Jerome Miron

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein

Published March 2

Round 1, Pick 15: Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor

“Sure, Mesidor will be a 25-year-old rookie, but his pass-rush bag is as deep as a 15th-year veteran’s. The Bucs must produce more pressure, and Mesidor can supply that quickly.”

CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson

Published March 2

Round 1, Pick 15: Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq

“Sadiq’s 2025 tape might not have been as consistent as what he showed in 2024, but it was still really, really good. He also confirmed his high-end athleticism at the combine. Beyond his God-given traits, he’s one of the best blocking TEs in the class and a difference-maker on special teams. Hard to imagine Baker Mayfield wouldn’t love throwing to Sadiq and Egbuka on Sundays next fall.”

Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq – Photo by: USA Today

USA Today’s Nate Davis

Published March 2

Round 1, Pick 15: Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq

“The first tight end in combine history to record a sub-4.4 40, Sadiq, who also had a 43½-inch vert, certainly made some money over the past few days. He’d not only give QB Baker Mayfield another downfield weapon, this offense might need a partial reload with WR Mike Evans and TE Cade Otton currently unsigned for 2026.”

Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo

Published March 2

Round 1, Pick 15: Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk

“Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk is 6-foot-6 and 276 pounds with 34 ⅜” arms. That’ll appeal to Todd Bowles. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to lose Haason Reddick and Logan Hall to free agency. Faulk is super versatile with the capability to move around Bowles’ defense line. He’s a 20 year old prospect with a super-high ceiling and untapped potential, and he’s already a floor-raiser as a run defender. He’s going early.”