It’s the Monday after the 2026 NFL Draft, and the Bucs have a new crop of draft picks, undrafted free agents and tryout players who are set to come together at the AdventHealth Training Center in less than two weeks for Tampa Bay’s rookie mini-camp.

This past weekend was the culmination of a long process for the Bucs and the other 31 NFL teams. But as Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht referenced in his press conference late Thursday night after the selection of Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. in the first round, work for the 2027 NFL Draft will begin this week.

It’s reminiscent of the timeline Santa and his elves subscribe to in the movie “Elf,” when Santa commends his helpers for a successful Christmas and immediately says it’s time to start preparations for next year’s Christmas.

As it stands right now (granted, a lot can happen in a year), the Bucs potential needs heading into 2027 could be inside linebacker, defensive tackle, cornerback, tight end and interior offensive line, among others.

So, while it’s way too early, why not take a first look at some 2027 mock drafts, even if only to get eyes on some names to keep in mind this college football season? Let’s check in and see who’s being projected as potential first-round options for the Bucs in 12 months when the 2027 Draft gets going in the nation’s capital.

Bucs Mock Draft Roundup: We’re 12 Months Out…

Oregon TE Jamari Johnson – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Ben Lonergan

USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Round 1, Pick 12: Oregon TE Jamari Johnson

“The post-Mike Evans life might quickly reveal how badly the Buccaneers miss having a supersized option in the passing game. At 6-5 and 257 pounds, Johnson can handle in-line work and win contested catches while also stretching defenses vertically and doing damage after the catch. He could be in for a star turn with Kenyon Sadiq off to the Jets.”

Pro Football Network’s Alex Kennedy

Round 1, Pick 15: Oregon TE Jamari Johnson

theScore’s Dane Belbeck

Round 1, Pick 14: Michigan EDGE John Henry Daley

“The Bucs ranked in the bottom half of the league in sacks last year, drifting further away from the defensive identity that powered their Super Bowl run five years ago. Daley followed coach Kyle Whittingham to Michigan in the offseason after leading the nation in sacks and tackles for loss at Utah.”

The Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy

Round 1, Pick 15: Oklahoma DT David Stone

Oklahoma DT David Stone – Photo by: IMAGN Images – David Leong

Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling

Round 1, Pick 13: Oklahoma DT David Stone

“The Bucs have reloaded their defensive front this offseason, but don’t be surprised if they keep it going next year. Stone is a dominant run defender who could unlock another level to his game by turning his explosiveness into more pass-rushing production.”

CBS Sports’ Cooper Petagna

Round 1, Pick 13: Texas Tech CB Brice Pollock

“A former Mississippi State transfer, Pollock was a key piece in Texas Tech’s run to its first College Football Playoff appearance. At 6-foot and just under 200 pounds, the Georgia native moves with ease and shows the instincts to hold up in both man and zone. He’s also a natural around the ball, turning opportunities into production with five interceptions.”

Draft Countdown’s Brian Bosarge

Round 1, Pick 19: Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy

Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Denny Medley

SB Nation’s James Dator

Round 1, Pick 12: Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy

FantasyLife’s Kody Malstrom

Round 1, Pick 13: Georgia CB Ellis Robinson IV

“A polished CB with room to grow, Ellis Robinson IV would give the Tampa Bay Buccaneers an athletic ball hawk to help patch their secondary.”

Bleacher Report’s Zach Bachar

Round 1, Pick 14: Georgia S KJ Bolden

Georgia S KJ Bolden – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Joshua L. Jones

Saturday Blitz’s Nicholas Rome

Round 1, Pick 14: Georgia S KJ Bolden

“The Buccaneers made a major defensive splash landing Rueben Bain Jr, but adding to that group will determine the team’s long-term future. KJ Bolden has been a star in Kirby Smart’s defense, and with another year of experience, he could easily play his way into being a Top 10 pick.”