{"id":158422,"date":"2026-02-17T14:39:19","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T14:39:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/158422\/"},"modified":"2026-02-17T14:39:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T14:39:19","slug":"rebuilding-tampa-bay-into-a-super-bowl-contender","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/158422\/","title":{"rendered":"Rebuilding Tampa Bay into a Super Bowl contender"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a> enter the 2026 offseason with several key weaknesses that must be addressed for the team to take the next step toward legitimate Super Bowl contention.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Inside linebacker and pass rusher stand out as the most pressing needs, but depth remains a concern at multiple positions across the roster.<\/p>\n

The 2026 NFL Draft provides a prime opportunity to address those needs, both with immediate contributors and long-term building blocks, giving Tampa Bay a chance to strengthen the roster not just heading into next season, but for the future as well. <\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock DraftRound 1, Pick 15: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State<\/p>\n

Recent history has proven the importance of a dominant defensive line in the NFL. Each of the last two Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks and the Philadelphia Eagles, have featured elite four-man fronts capable of consistently generating pressure without relying on blitzes.<\/p>\n

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, meanwhile, have been on the opposite end of that spectrum. Their inability to create pressure with four rushers has forced heavier blitz usage, ultimately sacrificing coverage on the back end and weakening the defense as a whole.<\/p>\n

The Buccaneers also need to start preparing for life without Vita Vea, who will be entering the final year of his contract at age 31 this upcoming season. Vea has been the heart and soul of Tampa Bay\u2019s defense and the biggest reason for the team\u2019s dominant run defense throughout his career. The Bucs also have to account for Calijah Kancey, who has yet to play a full healthy season through three years in the NFL.<\/p>\n

McDonald is the ideal succession plan for Vea. Pro Football Focus gave him a 92.0 run defense grade in 2025, which ranked No. 1 among 885 defensive linemen. A presence that dominant as the anchor of the defensive line would make life easier for everyone around him.<\/p>\n

Ohio State NT Kayden McDonald is my favorite player in the 2026 NFL Draft (NT1\/Top 10 on my Board)<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc02Strong as a damn bull at 6\u20193, 326 lbs
\ud83c\udfc5Linebacker\u2019s dream (see Arvell Reese & Sonny Styles) to play behind
\ud83d\udcc8Worst case this is a run stuffing monster for 7-10 years https:\/\/t.co\/pe85Ywisjz<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/3eTqCZaSWb<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Where McDonald falls short is as a pass rusher, as he recorded just three sacks over his college career. However, he truly shines against the run, making him a perfect complement to Kancey, who is at his best rushing the passer from the interior. McDonald is a safe, high floor prospect who would help ensure Tampa Bay\u2019s run defense remains dominant for years to come.<\/p>\n

Round 2, Pick 46: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois<\/p>\n

Jacas had his breakout season in 2025 with 11 sacks, but he wasn’t a one-year wonder. He’s recorded 27 sacks and 11 forced fumbles throughout his college career at Illinois. Illinois is the same school that produced Simeon Rice, whose 69.5 sacks in Tampa Bay rank third on the Buccaneers all-time sacks list.<\/p>\n

Gabe Jacas: 141 QB Pressures Since 2022<\/p>\n

Second Most Among ALL Big Ten Defenders\ud83d\udd25@IlliniFootball<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/LFOvUmYyLz<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 PFF College (@PFF_College) January 30, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Jacas has high end strength and athleticism paired with a relentless motor. That production showed up most clearly against top competition. As noted by K.C. Martinez of NFLDraftBuzz.com,<\/a> Jacas totaled 9.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in six games against top 25 opponents. The ability to elevate his game in big moments might be Jacas’ most appealing trait.<\/p>\n

Jacas was born in Florida and also played high school football there, and he wants to return to his home state to play for the Buccaneers \u201cTell them to come and get me,” Jacas said,<\/a> speaking to the Pewter Report<\/a> staff at the Senior Bowl. If he’s still on the board in Round 2, Jason Licht and his staff should grant Jacas’ wish.<\/p>\n

Round 3, Pick 77: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

Three mock drafts, three times I\u2019ve landed Rodriguez in Tampa Bay. <\/a>The fit is too perfect to ignore, and so is the value.<\/p>\n

Rodriguez fills Tampa Bay\u2019s biggest need at inside linebacker, and he was a true game changer at the collegiate level. He recorded 120 plus total tackles in each of the last two seasons and generated 19 turnovers during his college career, with 13 forced fumbles and six interceptions. He\u2019s constantly around the football and brings proven leadership as a multi-year team captain at Texas Tech.<\/p>\n

His name is Jacob Rodriguez and he’s the best defensive player in the country. pic.twitter.com\/Wjb50wehTY<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) November 5, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Rodriguez has the tools to succeed Lavonte David<\/a> and continue Tampa Bay\u2019s long-standing tradition of elite linebackers \u2014 a lineage that includes David, Derrick Brooks, Shelton Quarles, and Hardy Nickerson. Landing him on Day 2 would be a dream scenario for the Buccaneers, because he is undeniably a first-round talent.<\/p>\n

Round 4, Pick 116: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State<\/p>\n

With Rachaad White searching for a new home in free agency, the Buccaneers will need to add another running back to the stable. Kaytron Allen could fill that void as an ideal complement to Bucky Irving. Like White, Allen brings size and physicality to the position. White checks in at 6-foot, 214 pounds, while Allen measures 5-foot-11 and around 220.<\/p>\n

Penn State RB Kaytron Allen (5-11, 220) has been a complete back at Senior Bowl<\/p>\n

18.61 MPH speed, smooth routes, tough in between tackles, great in pass block<\/p>\n

Was incredibly productive this season pic.twitter.com\/HL5qFxPrgY<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) January 29, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Allen is a powerful, downhill runner who topped 800 rushing yards in all four of his college seasons, surpassed 1,000 yards in each of his final two years, and scored 43 total touchdowns during his career. While he isn\u2019t a major threat in the passing game, he projects as a reliable pass protector at the next level, a skillset the Buccaneers will value highly as they look to replace White, one of the league\u2019s most effective blocking backs.<\/p>\n

Overall, Allen\u2019s physical, violent running style would pair perfectly with Irving\u2019s quickness and elusiveness, giving Tampa Bay a balanced and versatile backfield.<\/p>\n

Round 5, Pick 153: Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston<\/p>\n

At 6\u20197\u2019\u2019 and 240 pounds, Koziol is a matchup nightmare waiting to happen. He commanded a massive target share in college, with 337 targets in four seasons between Ball State and Houston, and converted 70% of his targets into receptions.<\/p>\n

Over the last two seasons, he recorded 168 receptions for over 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns. In 2025, he showcased elite hands, leading all tight ends with 20 contested catches while posting a miniscule 2.6% drop rate.<\/p>\n

Houston TE Tanner Koziol went up and got it\ud83d\ude24<\/p>\n

Since 2024, Koziol leads all players in College Football with 46 contested catches\ud83d\udcaa pic.twitter.com\/tmf8A3tnVZ<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 PFF College (@PFF_College) January 29, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

He leaves a lot to be desired as a blocker, especially for a player of his size, but the mismatches he creates along with his sure hands make him worth a Day 3 flier as a potentially dominant receiving threat who could help take this Bucs offense to the next level.<\/p>\n

Round 6, Pick 194: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State<\/p>\n

As Baker Mayfield<\/a> enters the final year of his contract and the Buccaneers continue to lack a clear insurance policy at backup quarterback, this feels like the right time to invest in a developmental quarterback on Day 3 of the draft.<\/p>\n

Cole Payton brings intriguing upside. He boasts a rocket arm with impressive deep-ball accuracy and checks all of the physical boxes teams look for, offering high-end size and athleticism at 6-foot-3, 233 pounds. Payton also has legitimate rushing ability, giving him the tools to impact games as a dual threat.<\/p>\n

NDSU QB Cole Payton is one of those draft, stash, & \u201cdevelop\u201d QB prospects you take mid draft. <\/p>\n

Crazy throw right here lol. Multiple reasons to buy in and see what you can mold him into. pic.twitter.com\/RYnL21qVyW<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Damian Parson\ud83d\udcb0 (@DP_NFL) February 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

In 2025, Payton earned the highest quarterback grade in the nation from Pro Football Focus<\/a> (95.8), completed 72% of his passes with 16 touchdowns against just four interceptions, and added 777 rushing yards and 13 scores on the ground.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With his impressive combination of traits and production, it\u2019s entirely possible Payton\u2019s draft stock soars as the draft process unfolds. Teams are always willing to gamble on size, arm talent, and mobility, especially in a weaker quarterback class like this one. But as long as he\u2019s still projected to be available on Day 3, it\u2019s a value the Bucs shouldn\u2019t pass up.<\/p>\n

Round 7, Pick 229: Micah Morris, IOL, Georgia<\/p>\n

The Buccaneers badly need to upgrade their depth on the interior offensive line, and Morris could be the solution to that problem.<\/p>\n

UGA OL Micah Morris was impressive today pic.twitter.com\/euhUJWqzI9<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

In three seasons as a full-time starter at Georgia, Morris took snaps at both left guard and right guard and didn’t allow a single sack. His 83.7 PFF pass blocking grade in 2025 ranked 41st out of 630 guards. <\/p>\n

He’s a steady, reliable blocker that could prove to be a tremendous value this late in the draft as a crucial depth piece for Tampa Bay’s offensive line.<\/p>\n