1. The Bucs Will Trade Down in the First Round
Jason Licht will likely opt to trade down from their current first-round position. Picking lower in the round provides more flexibility; missing on a pick in the 20s is less impactful than a top-10 miss. Licht prefers the safety of a mid-to-late first-round pick over the pressure of a top-10 selection.
2. Sonny Styles Will Spark a Long Wait for Off-Ball Linebackers
Once Sonny Styles is drafted early—likely between picks 3 and 8—there may be a significant gap before another off-ball linebacker is selected. Expect the next off-ball linebacker, potentially CJ Allen or Jacob Rodriguez, to come off the board around picks 23-28.
3. One of the Top 3 Edge Players Will Fall Out of the First Round
Whether it’s concerns about Rueben Bain Jr.’s past, questions surrounding Akheem Mesidor’s age or health, or worries that Keldric Faulk’s dip in production foreshadows future issues, at least one of these edge rushers will likely slip into the second round. Last year, we saw Donovan Ezeiruaku drop to 44th and Mike Green to 59th; history could repeat itself.
4. Oregon Tight End Kenyon Sadiq Could Slip to the 2nd Round
Despite being viewed as the most talented tight end in this draft class, Sadiq’s overall size and strength don’t match up to top tight ends from previous years like Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren, or Brock Bowers. While he’s the best in this class, I see him more as a second-round talent and wouldn’t be surprised if he falls out of the first round next Thursday.
5. Darrell Jackson Jr. Won’t Last Past the 2nd Round
Many fans and mock drafts have Jackson projected to go in the 3rd or 4th rounds, but I don’t see him lasting that long. He’s a big man with athletic feet, capable of clogging running lanes and surprising linemen with his quick first step. Similar to how the Rams selected Braden Fiske at 39th overall in 2024, Jackson will likely go earlier than expected.
6. Four Wide Receivers Will Be Drafted in the First Round
Although there are 5 to 7 receivers projected to go in the first round, I believe only four will be selected in the first 32 picks. While receivers have been flying off the board in recent drafts, I think this year’s need for other positions will take precedence, and the top-tier talent at wide receiver isn’t as elite as in previous years. Carnell Tate stands out, but there are concerns surrounding others like Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, and Densel Boston.
7. Penn State Quarterback Drew Allar Will Be Drafted by the 5th Round
Once considered a potential top-5 pick during the 2024 and early 2025 college seasons, Allar has all the intangibles—size, arm strength, accuracy, and running ability. He just needs to put it all together. Given his potential, I don’t see him slipping past the 5th round.
8. The Bucs Will Make Two Trades During the Draft
I anticipate the Bucs will trade down in the first round and then make another move in the middle rounds—3, 4, or 5—to secure a player they’re targeting. Unlike recent drafts, Licht is likely to be more active in moving around this year.
Whatever happens, I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.