Looking at roughly 15-20 mocks as of today.
The consensus is Styles at #15.
Though seeing a lot of Sadiq as well.
Obviously, everything is going to change between now and March/April with combine/FA/etc.
Anyone have initial thoughts with where we're currently at regarding draft position/FA/cap space?
IMO, regardless of prior relationships, Crosby isn't happening.
Obviously, there's Hendrickson (pass), Phillips (not leaving), and a few others.
Think Licht would look at kicking the tires on fringe guys (Bosa, Matos, Ossai).
While it's not popular, I think ILB and IOL are the biggest (most pressing) needs with this roster.
Mix of FA and Draft is key with these.
Unfortunately as SR has pointed out, the Bucs can't just draft with the Bowles scheme in mind. A player like Styles isn't a perfect fit, but he's more of a talent who can fit in anybody's system. So that's where we're at with this draft - drafting for an unknown coach of the future. That's not a good situation for a GM to be in - drafting guys who may not fit into the plans of the next coach who comes along.
drafting guys who may not fit into the plans of the next coach who comes along.
all the more reason to lean into BPA
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Buccaneers landed Emeka Egbuka in Round 1 last April, but don't be surprised if they go back to the pass-catching well in 2026. After a hot start to the season, Baker Mayfield slowed down in the second half, and his offense could lose wide receiver Mike Evans and tight end Cade Otton. They are both free agents, and Evans is 32. Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., Jalen McMillan and Tez Johnson should be able to carry the WR room, but the tight end group would take a big hit.
What Tampa Bay needs is exactly what Sadiq would provide. He's a big, 6-foot-3 target with explosive traits, making him a matchup nightmare for opponents. Mayfield could get him the ball in space to let him use his after-the-catch ability to move the sticks or fire jump balls to him in the back of the end zone. I really like this match.
Unfortunately as SR has pointed out, the Bucs can't just draft with the Bowles scheme in mind.
Nor should we.
His defense and scheme have simply gotten worse as the years progress.
Someone like Styles, Hill Jr., etc. should be a good fit, regardless the scheme.
Load up for the next regime.
And, again, iOL needs to be addressed.
I would be OK with Sadiq if they sign a FA MLB or kick the tires on an edge.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Buccaneers landed Emeka Egbuka in Round 1 last April, but don't be surprised if they go back to the pass-catching well in 2026. After a hot start to the season, Baker Mayfield slowed down in the second half, and his offense could lose wide receiver Mike Evans and tight end Cade Otton. They are both free agents, and Evans is 32. Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., Jalen McMillan and Tez Johnson should be able to carry the WR room, but the tight end group would take a big hit.
What Tampa Bay needs is exactly what Sadiq would provide. He's a big, 6-foot-3 target with explosive traits, making him a matchup nightmare for opponents. Mayfield could get him the ball in space to let him use his after-the-catch ability to move the sticks or fire jump balls to him in the back of the end zone. I really like this match.
As you know I'm a huge ducks fan. Sadiq is damn good... But I will rage if we take a TE.
We have so many pressing needs on defense we cannot afford this.
Unfortunately as SR has pointed out, the Bucs can't just draft with the Bowles scheme in mind.
Nor should we.
Not to mention, the defensive players that have been drafted first during his tenure are Devin White, JTS, Logan Hall, and Calijah Kancey. Maybe giving Bowles first picks isn't the best idea.
While it's not popular, I think ILB and IOL are the biggest (most pressing) needs with this roster.
This. All. Day. This.
Unfortunately as SR has pointed out, the Bucs can't just draft with the Bowles scheme in mind.
Nor should we.
Not to mention, the defensive players that have been drafted first during his tenure are Devin White, JTS, Logan Hall, and Calijah Kancey. Maybe giving Bowles first picks isn't the best idea.
When you throw in Hargreaves and Spence, who is the common denominator?
Unfortunately as SR has pointed out, the Bucs can't just draft with the Bowles scheme in mind.
Nor should we.
Not to mention, the defensive players that have been drafted first during his tenure are Devin White, JTS, Logan Hall, and Calijah Kancey. Maybe giving Bowles first picks isn't the best idea.
When you throw in Hargreaves and Spence, who is the common denominator?
Spence wasn't the team's first pick in any season. I think you meant Vita Vea. Weird how the lone first pick defensive player that has worked was prior to Bowles joining the organization.
It's a damn shame Jason Licht forced all of these top picks (Devin White, JTS, Logan Hall, and Calijah Kancey) down poor Todd Bowles' throat. I bet Bowles wanted Josh Allen and George Karlaftis instead, but that big meanie Licht told 'lil Todd to go sit in a corner and take what he gets.
Unfortunately as SR has pointed out, the Bucs can't just draft with the Bowles scheme in mind.
Nor should we.
Not to mention, the defensive players that have been drafted first during his tenure are Devin White, JTS, Logan Hall, and Calijah Kancey. Maybe giving Bowles first picks isn't the best idea.
When you throw in Hargreaves and Spence, who is the common denominator?
Spence wasn't the team's first pick in any season. I think you meant Vita Vea. Weird how the lone first pick defensive player that has worked was prior to Bowles joining the organization.
It's a damn shame Jason Licht forced all of these top picks (Devin White, JTS, Logan Hall, and Calijah Kancey) down poor Todd Bowles' throat. I bet Bowles wanted Josh Allen and George Karlaftis instead, but that big meanie Licht told 'lil Todd to go sit in a corner and take what he gets.
Bowles deserves some of the blame for those players who did not work out, but of course there is one more factor: a Super Bowl.
And more important than the Super Bowl the FAILED effort to run it back . . TWICE.
JTS and Hall are directly linked to the Super Bowl run it back effort and Hall is even linked to the anticipate rebuild . . . so both were drafted for reasons beyond their ability
feel like tight end is a luxury they can not afford in the first round
Feel like we need to invest in the front 7
David is just about done, Reddick was a bum, Yaya is ok, and Dennis is not a starter in this league. So that's 3 open spots there
then if we turn to the line, Vita Vea is 30 years old, he will be cooked soon; Hall isn't a starter in this league, and Kancey cant stay healthy. Certainly could use a body here; take a page out of the Eagles book
i'm not well versed in college football, but wouldn't mind any of these picks:
1st round - R Mason Thomas, Edge Oklahoma OR Sonny Styles, LB Ohio State or DL Peter Woods Clemson
2nd round - Christen Miller, DL Georgia or Lee Hunter, DL Texas Tech or Harold Perkins, LB LSU or Caden Curry, edge Ohio State
3rd round - Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge PSU or Darrell Jackson Jr, DL FSU or Zion Young, Edge Michigan State or Chris McClellan, DL Missouri
so give me:
1st round - R Mason Thomas, Edge
2nd round - Harold Perkins, LB
3rd round - Darrell Jackson, DL
Feel like that will be a good talent infusion on the defensive side of the ball. Really on offense, just need to investment in a solid back-up guard and tackle; need to learn from mistakes to go in with inexperienced depth given the injury bug that hit the line. So if we have that, no doubt guys like Bucky, Baker, Edbuka, McCmillian, along with Godwin and Evans provides enough talent on offensive side of the ball. Could sign some mediocre TE to replace Otton, not enough balls to go around.
For the love of god, invest in the defense