BB Final 2026 Mock Draft

ehinote · 2026-04-22T03:39:09Z

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, MiamiThe 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 TechHunter 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, TCUI 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, UtahBentley 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, GeorgiaEverette 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, ArkansasCarmona 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, IndianaBoykin 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 WordThis 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.

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White Tiger

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Posted by: @donkey_hunter

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My final mock (not what I think Licht would do, but what I would)

*TRADE - TB receives #24 and #39 / CLE receives #15, #116, 2027 6th rounder*

R1 (#24) - Kadyn Proctor (OT)

R2 (#40) - Zion Young (EDGE)

R2 (#45) - Jacob Rodriguez (LB)

R3 (#77) - Kyle Louis (LB)

R5 (#155) - Devon Marshall (CB)

R6 (#196) - Tanner Koziol (TE)

R7 (#229) - Domani Jackson (CB)

Like this, ran a very similar sim with pretty similar outcomes. I would love this. Although, I’d add another edge specialist (Maybe Mason Reiger or Nadame Tucker?) at 6 or 7.

…but I certainly wouldn’t be upset with this result.

This post was modified 17 seconds ago by White Tiger

Posted : Apr. 22, 2026 2:11 pm

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BB Final 2026 Mock Draft

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