2026 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mock Draft: 7-Round Projection
Draft Capital: 7 picks | Overall Grade: B Last Updated: December 30, 2025Executive Summary
Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 7 selections and critical needs at Offensive Guard, Tight End, Inside Linebacker. This mock has them addressing their biggest weaknesses while maintaining draft value.
Complete Draft Class:---
Complete Pick-by-Pick Analysis
Pick #13 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Peter Woods, Defensive Line, Clemson
Rank: #5 overall | Grade: A+ | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Dallas addresses offensive line with Francis Mauigoa, a mauling blocker whose elite-level anchor and knock-back power project immediately to the NFL interior. While the Cowboys have greater needs at edge and running back, Mauigoa's ability to dominate the point of attack and create gaps in the run game was too tempting to pass. The tackle-to-guard projection actually maximizes his skillset in the shorter spaces he'll control.
The Fit:Mauigoa's thick 335-pound frame delivers the kind of violent, punishing blocks that clear running lanes and demoralize defensive linemen. His grip strength and leg drive excel on combo blocks, while his commanding anchor halts bull rushes cold—a skill that translates immediately to facing NFL interior rushers. The foot quickness limitations that push him inside won't matter when he's pancaking three-techniques in phone-booth battles.
Scouting Report:If Peter Woods was off the board, Tampa Bay Buccaneers could target similar Defensive Lines in the top 10 range.
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Pick #44 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keith Abney II, Cornerback, Arizona State
Rank: #42 overall | Grade: B | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Miami addresses their most glaring need by landing Germie Bernard, whose surgical route precision in the intermediate game creates the reliable target Tua Tagovailoa craves. Bernard led Alabama with 50 receptions in 2024, proving he can produce as a team's featured option after sharing touches at Washington and Michigan State. The Dolphins are betting his three-level route running and exceptional football IQ translate immediately to their quick-strike passing attack.
The Fit:Bernard's reliable hands and zero-wasted-motion transitions from catch to runner make him an ideal chain-mover in Miami's rhythm-based offense. His ability to find soft spots against zone coverage like he's reading the defense's mail compensates for the lack of true burner speed that limits his ceiling as a vertical threat. The cross-training at multiple receiver positions gives Miami scheme versatility, even if his YAC ability relies more on craftiness than explosiveness.
Scouting Report:If Keith Abney II was off the board, Tampa Bay Buccaneers could target similar Cornerbacks in the second round range.
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Pick #75 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Elijah Sarratt, Wide Receiver, Indiana
Rank: #75 overall | Grade: B- | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Miami addresses their second-ranked need by selecting Julian Neal, a physically imposing Arkansas corner whose 6-2, 200-pound frame and breakout SEC production have elevated his draft stock dramatically. Neal's six pass breakups and two interceptions after transferring from Fresno State prove he can compete at the Power 4 level, and his ability to blow up screens and deliver punishing hits adds dimensions most corners don't offer. The Dolphins are adding a boundary presence.
The Fit:Neal's ideal NFL size and length allow him to match up with bigger X receivers and contest catches at the highest point, fitting Miami's need for a physical boundary corner. His willingness to throw his 200-pound frame around in run defense and downhill aggression make him a three-phase contributor, even if the 4.58 forty-time raises concerns about matching elite speed receivers on vertical routes. The Day 3 projection suggests rotational usage while technique develops.
Scouting Report:If Elijah Sarratt was off the board, Tampa Bay Buccaneers could target similar Wide Receivers in the Day 2-3 range.
See full Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-round draft →---
Pick #113: Jack Endries (Tight End, Texas) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #150: Keionte Scott (Safety, Miami (FL)) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #192: Aaron Graves (Defensive Line, Iowa) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #229: Aiden Fisher (Inside Linebacker, Indiana) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential.---
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft Class Summary
Overall Grade: B What Went Right:---
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