Combine metrics and drill results caused prospects to rise and fall on mocks based on performances at Lucas Oil Stadium. Upcoming top-30 visits and pro days will provide additional puzzle pieces for clubs as they build their draft boards. The Buccaneers have the 15th overall pick in the first round and while the general consensus has been that the team will take an outside linebacker or inside linebacker, tight end and cornerback have generated buzz in recent rundowns from pundits:
NFL.com
Charles Davis, NFL.com (Mar.3)
Pick: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Comments: “Head coach Todd Bowles is all about creating pressure. Like Fano, Howell’s arm length fell below the standard for his position (30 1/4 inches), but the Bucs are more interested in his production (33 tackles for loss, including 25 sacks, in the last three seasons).”
CBS Sports
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports (Mar.6)
Pick: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Comments: “Sadiq’s 2025 tape might not have been as consistent as what he showed in 2024, but it was still really, really good. He also confirmed his high-end athleticism at the combine. Beyond his God-given traits, he’s one of the best blocking TEs in the class and a difference-maker on special teams. Hard to imagine Baker Mayfield wouldn’t love throwing to Sadiq and Egbuka on Sundays next fall.”
The Draft Network
Jaime Eisner, The Draft Network (Mar.2)
Pick: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Comments: “As he showed at the NFL Combine, Kenyon Sadiq is an explosive, elite athlete who brings game-changing speed to the tight end position. He had elite jumps (43.5-inch vertical, 11-foot-2 broad) and a crazy fast 40-yard dash (4.39). Sadiq can line up all over the formation and is a strong blocker in the run game. He has the potential to step in immediately as a key target for Baker Mayfield while helping open run lanes for Bucky Irving.”
PFF
Pick: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Comments: “The Buccaneers ranked seventh in team PFF pass-rush grade this season — but only 23rd in PFF run-defense grade. While Faulk has room to improve as a pass rusher, he produced an outstanding 89.2 PFF run-defense grade over the past two years. He can play at edge defender or at 5-technique in Todd Bowles’ 3-4 defense.”
The Athletic
Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic (Mar.9)
Pick: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Comments: “The Bucs could go linebacker here, but I’ll instead give them the speedy and smooth man-to-man coverage defender from Clemson. Terrell was one of the few Tigers who didn’t have a disappointing run in 2025.”