As we approach this week’s draft, I’m confident that the Bucs and Jason Licht will address past mistakes by selecting the best edge player available at #15. Licht’s recent comments about securing an edge early or not at all tells me he’s learning the position.
I also believe Coach Todd Bowles is overplaying the need for another cornerback. After focusing on inside linebacker in free agency, it’s time to snag an edge rusher who can contribute from day one.
1st Round, 15th Pick: Ahkeem Mesidor, OLB, Miami
The Bucs will stick with their 15th pick and select the player they’ve had their eyes on. With 12.5 sacks in 2025 and an impressive pass rush rate, Mesidor can provide the outside pass rush consistency that has been lacking for some time. He’s also solid against the run. Yes, he’s 25, but let’s focus on finding a player we want to keep for the full five years of their first-round contract first, then worry about a second contract.
2nd Round, 46th Pick: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
Hunter is a complete nose tackle prospect who can immediately give Vita Vea some snaps off at NT, while also being versatile enough to play under tackle in a four-man front. With a high motor, he excels at penetrating dual blocks and dominating one-on-one situations, making him hard to keep off the field.
3rd Round, 77th Pick: Kaleb Elarms-Orr, ILB, TCU
I don’t understand why Elarms-Orr isn’t talked about more. He has good size and explosiveness, clocking a 4.47 in the 40. He rarely misses tackles and is an excellent blitzer. With 130 tackles in 2025, he shows potential as a sideline-to-sideline linebacker and has demonstrated competency in zone coverage while maintaining gap discipline.
4th Round, 166th Pick: Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah
Bentley is a versatile weapon and an above-average blocker who can play every down. At 6’4″ and running a 4.6 40, he creates matchup problems and has the ability to separate. Bentley could serve as the second tight end for the Bucs and is capable of starting during his rookie season if anything happens to Cade Otten.
5th Round, 155th Pick: Darlene Everette, CB, Georgia
Everette is a three-year starter at Georgia, standing 6’1″ and running a 4.38 40. While not a perfect player, he’s a solid pick in the 5th round. He can thrive in Cover 3 and Cover 4 schemes like Bowles’ and will provide valuable depth at outside corner while supporting the run during his rookie year.
6th Round, 195th Pick: Fernando Carmona Jr., G, Arkansas
Carmona fits the mold of a Licht-style interior lineman. At 6’5″ and 322 pounds, he’s a powerful finisher with good feet and athleticism along the line. A capable puller who can get to the second level, he has the potential to develop into a starter in the coming years.
7th Round, 229th Pick: Devan Boykin, S, Indiana
Boykin has logged significant snaps in college and can play both safety and nickel. He’s an excellent tackler and a playmaker who could serve as a strong replacement for Christian Izien. Although he’s only 5’10”, Bowles isn’t afraid of smaller safeties; he previously won a national title with Indiana and has been well-coached.
Final Word
This mock draft presents a realistic scenario without trades and major talent drops. I believe each of these players can contribute depth, special teams support, and provide meaningful plays in 2026.
Thanks for posting, ehinote.
I disagree completely and would be pretty agitated if this panned out to be true, but that is my opinion. I think Mesidor is a serious injury risk and I would not spend a first on that risk when better players at other positions are available. But where there is smoke, there is usually fire and you are right, Mesidor has been linked to Tampa. I also agree the CB talk in the 1st is just smoke and mirrors.
The only pick I like in the first half of your draft is the Elarms-Orr pick because you are 100% correct, he is a good to great player flying under the radar.