With back-to-back losses to the Saints and Falcons at home, five losses in six games since the bye week and six losses in the last eight games overall, the Bucs are in a tailspin.

Yes, even at 7-7, Tampa Bay can still win the NFC South with a last-minute turnaround and a strong finish over the final three games, two of which come against the Panthers.

But the vibes haven’t been this bad at this time of the year for the Bucs in quite some time. It’s not quite turning attention toward draft season in October, but given the glaring holes we’re seeing in this team every week, no one can be blamed for turning at least one eye toward 2026 and the retooling of the roster.

Now, there’s a lot to get through before the draft comes around on the last weekend of April. Perhaps the most pressing question and concern is whether Todd Bowles will make it to a fifth year as Tampa Bay’s head coach. Beyond that, free agency obviously comes before the draft, so some needs will be filled before April.

Bucs HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: USA Today

Not to mention, there’s the Shrine Bowl, Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine early in 2026, so prospects have plenty of time to see their stock rise and fall.

With alllll of that said, the mood in Tampa Bay right now is more draft than playoffs, so why not get eyes on some names to be aware of heading into draft season? It’s a good time for another mock roundup.

Bucs Mock Draft Roundup: Mid-December Blues

***Disclaimer: Most of these mock drafts were published prior to the Bucs’ Thursday night loss, so their draft position has not yet been updated. Heading into Sunday’s Week 15 slate, Tampa Bay has the No. 15 pick.

Pro Football Network’s Jack Aaron

Round 1, Pick 15: Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk

“Faulk has been one of the SEC’s most impressive edge rushers beyond the stat sheet. Despite recording only two sacks, his power, length, and versatility project him as a long-term starter.

“With Tampa Bay likely losing either Haason Reddick or Logan Hall in free agency, bolstering the defensive line is a clear need.”

Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk – Photo by: USA Today

Pro Football Network’s Alec Elijah

Round 1, Pick 19: Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk

“Another team well-positioned to take the best available defensive player is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While the option to take a guard will be available, the value at pick No. 19 will undoubtedly be far from worth it.

As for the EDGE position, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk has the power and physicality to make an immediate impact on whatever defense drafts him in 2026. At 6-foot-6, 288 pounds, Faulk is an athletic freak who can play multiple roles on defense.”

Round 2, Pick 51: Georgia LB CJ Allen

“Regarded highly for his emphatic hits and brute force when breaking through blocks, Georgia’s CJ Allen has all the tools to be a starting-caliber LB in the NFL within his first season.”

Round 3, Pick 83: LSU LB Whit Weeks

CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards

Round 1, Pick 19: Georgia LB CJ Allen

“Linebacker is viewed as a non-essential position, but so often a linebacker can set the tone for a defense that lacks an identity. Lavonte David is the Tom Brady of defense in the sense that he has outlasted all of the players drafted to replace him. Allen is a smart player who ensures Tampa Bay remains accountable on defense.”

Fox Sports’ Rob Rang

Round 1, Pick 15: Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey

“With just two defenders generating more than three sacks so far this season, the Buccaneers’ top priority in the offseason seems obvious. Bailey plays with a relentless motor and excellent burst off the edge that puts him at the top of this second tier of pass-rushers.”

Pro Football Network’s Ayden Stroupe

Clemson DT Peter Woods – Photo by: USA Today

Round 1, Pick 19: Clemson DT Peter Woods

“Tampa Bay adds a disruptive interior presence in Peter Woods, whose combination of power and burst creates matchup nightmares. His ability to penetrate and collapse pockets helps bolster the Buccaneers’ front. Woods fits the identity of a defense that thrives on aggression and physical play. His ceiling is high with continued refinement. Tampa Bay secures a potential future star inside.”

Round 2, Pick 52: Tennessee EDGE Joshua Josephs

“Tampa Bay lands Joshua Josephs, an edge rusher with quickness and rising technical refinement. His burst helps him make early tackles in reps, and he offers versatility to drop or rush. The Buccaneers are tired of their defense holding them back, so they ensure to beef up their defensive line with both of their top picks.”

Round 3, Pick 83: Notre Dame TE Eli Raridon

“Tampa Bay adds a towering tight end in Eli Raridon, whose combination of size and athleticism makes him a mismatch weapon both as a receiver and blocker. His 6’7″, 252-pound frame makes Raridon one of the most intriguing prospects in the class. With Cade Otton’s inconsistency and inability as a red-zone threat, Raridon would have an opportunity to start early on for Tampa.”

ESPN’s Field Yates

Round 1, Pick 19: Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq

Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq – Photo by: USA Today

“With tight end Cade Otton slated to became a free agent in March, the Bucs are potentially thin at the position. Sadiq is one of best prospects in this class in terms of athletic ability, and he has been great after the catch at Oregon. Scouts have questions about Sadiq’s length, but he’s extremely versatile and can make an impact in an NFL offense. He has 40 catches for 490 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025. With aging offensive playmakers in Mike Evans (32) and Chris Godwin Jr. (30 in February), the future of Tampa Bay’s offense could be built around Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, Bucky Irving and Sadiq.”

DraftWire’s Curt Popejoy

Round 1, Pick 19: Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq

Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema

Round 1, Pick 20: Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker

“The Bucs would love to get their hands on linebacker Sonny Styles from Ohio State if he falls to them, but he didn’t in this scenario — and he’s likely the only first-round linebacker they’d consider. They also have a major need for a true one-on-one pass-rush winner off the edge. It hasn’t been the best year for Parker, but at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, with run-defense and pass-rush grades above 76.0 and a 15.4% pass-rush win rate, Tampa Bay will take that kind of all-around player.”