Is it ever too early to look into a Bucs mock draft? Probably, but when a quarterback is attached to it, there brings a lot more intrigue.

With questions still lingering about the long-term future at quarterback, the Bucs already have been linke to a potential successor to Baker Mayfield, albeit via a mock draft.

In a recent mock draft by Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated, Tampa Bay was projected to select Miami quarterback Darian Mensah — a move that reflects both uncertainty and forward-thinking at the position.

Mayfield is entering a contract year, and while he has stabilized the position since arriving in Tampa Bay a couple of seasons ago, the organization has yet to make an official long-term commitment for after this season. Mayfield gave a deadline of by the start of training camp to agree to a contract extension or else he will play the this season on the last year of his deal.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: IMAGN – Jim Dedmon

That reality makes the idea of drafting a quarterback far from surprising, especially if the Bucs find themselves picking in a range where a high-upside prospect is available. Mensah is potentially a player that’s fits that mold.

Why The Bucs Could Go With A QB

Coming off a standout season with Duke, Mensah threw for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns while leading the Blue Devils to an ACC Championship. His production, combined with his arm talent and poise can elevate his draft stock. Now transferring to Miami, Mensah steps into a program that has recently proven it can maximize quarterback potential — most notably helping Cam Ward rise to become a No. 1 overall pick and then a season later making the national championship game with Carson Beck. That connection only adds intrigue to Mensah’s trajectory.

Here is what Melo said about the Bucs picking Mensah at 19th overall.

QB Darian Mensah – Photo by: Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images

“Baker Mayfield is in a contract year and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been hesitant to make a long-term commitment. Darian Mensah threw for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns for the ACC champion Duke Blue Devils last season. Mensah now transfers to Miami, which helped Cam Ward become a No. 1 overall pick at quarterback.”

For the Bucs, selecting a quarterback wouldn’t necessarily signal the end for Mayfield, but rather a hedge on the future. It would create competition, provide insurance, and potentially give the team a developmental option if contract talks with Mayfield don’t result in a long-term deal.

Is There A Legitimate Chance That Mayfield Won’t Be With the Bucs?

In reality, the chances of Mayfield actually departing Tampa Bay would be shocking. General manager Jason Licht and Baker Mayfield have a good enough relationship where they can get a deal done.

At the same time, such a move would spark plenty of debate.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Tampa Bay has other needs, particularly along the defensive side. Using a premium pick on a quarterback would mean passing on immediate impact talent elsewhere. But as the NFL has shown time and again, teams are always searching for their next answer under center, even when they have a capable starter in place.

Mensah’s development this year at Miami will be closely watched throughout the season, not just by draft analysts, but by teams like Tampa Bay who could be weighing their options at the quarterback position.

At the moment it’s just a projection. But it highlights a very real possibility: if the Bucs remain uncertain about Mayfield’s future, they may not wait long to start planning for what comes next.