The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can attack the 2026 NFL Draft in a variety of different ways. With pressing needs all over the defensive side of the ball, but an organizational philosophy of drafting the best player available over need, it’s nearly impossible to figure out the Bucs’ draft plans.
But there is an obvious best-case scenario for Tampa Bay, that would be a dream come true for Bucs fans if it comes to fruition.
Best-case scenario for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is to trade down in the first round of 2026 NFL Draft
In a draft class that is ripe with talent in the middle rounds, the dream scenario is simply for the Buccaneers to trade down and add more draft capital, but adding a premium player.
The roster needs all the reinforcements it can get, and Jason Licht can’t give this roster the overhaul it requires with only seven draft picks. At No. 15 overall, there isn’t likely to be any surefire home run picks on the board, and Tampa Bay would almost certainly find better value in trading back.
5 dream draft targets Buccaneers can target in trade back scenario
Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
Akheem Mesidor is already the runaway favorite to be drafted by the Buccaneers at No. 15 overall. He has proven production and could give the Bucs’ pass rush the juice it’s desperately been missing.
If they can add more draft capital in a trade down and still land their initial target, it would be the best possible scenario for Tampa Bay.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq has been one of the most popular draft prospects linked to the Buccaneers. They might not want to stick at No. 15 and make that pick, as it’s a true luxury and doesn’t address a major need.
But if they could move back just a few spots with say, a team like the Lions who could want to move up from No. 17 and get ahead of the run on offensive tackles, the Bucs would feel a lot better taking Sadiq after picking up some extra ammo.
It would be a home run for Licht to move back and still land such an explosive new weapon for Baker Mayfield and the offense.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Jacon Rodriguez is the second-best inside linebacker in this draft class, behind only Sonny Styles. Bucs fans have been vocal in their desire to draft Rodriguez, as he’s been the post popular target by far within the fan base.
Rodriguez would immediately upgrade the linebacker room and could serve as the long-term successor to Lavonte David. He has all of the on-field ability an production as well as the off-field character that make him a perfect fit for the Buccaneers. He won’t be available at No. 46, but trading down and landing in a slot they’re comfortable drafting him in the late-first would be a dream outcome.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Bucs haven’t been subtle in their desire to upgrade at defensive tackle. They used five of their 30 visits at the position, the most on the defensive side of the ball.
Vita Vea is 31 years old and entering a contract year, while A’Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches are similarly aging and entering free agency next offseason. Calijah Kancey has yet to play a full healthy season.Planning for the future at the position is a necessity, and the Bucs are a team that values building the trenches.
Tampa Bay has had a top-five rushing defense in six of Vita Vea’s eight seasons, and if there is any prospect that can keep this run defense dominant long into the future, it’s Kayden McDonald. He was PFF’s No.1 run defender last season, and while he doesn’t make an impact as a pass rusher, he has a safe, high floor at nose tackle as a run stuffer. Trading down for extra draft capital and landing their next Vita Vea would be a home run for the Buccaneers.
CJ Allen, LB, Geoegia
He might not be Jacob Rodriguez, but CJ Allen is one of the best linebackers in the draft in his own right and would be a great fit for the Buccaneers.
He was the leader of the Georgia defense, serving as a team captain and wearing the green dot. He’s a sure tackler and plays with ideal physicality making him a successful blitzer and run defender.
No. 15 is definitely rich for his services, but if Allen is the linebacker the Bucs ultimately covet, trading down for extra picks before acquiring their linebacker of the future would be the perfect move.
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