For a guy who didn't play in 2025, he better be talented enough to warrant a top-15 pick. That's how Buccaneers fans will feel if Jermod McCoy is selected No. 15 overall in the 2026 NFL draft by Tampa Bay. While that would be the right way to feel, excitement is the only feeling fans will experience once seeing him on the field.
Gordon McGuinness selected the junior cornerback from Tennessee for the Bucs in his latest PFF mock draft. The elite cornerback missed all of 2025 due to an ACL injury, but dominated during his freshman and sophomore campaigns. The 6'0'' cornerback posted seven PBU's and two interceptions over a dozen games in 2023 at Oregon State.
A year later, after transferring to Tennessee, McCoy improved even further. He posted nine PBU's and hauled in four interceptions. McCoy was a three star prospect out of high school but quickly blossomed into a star.
Not only is he a fantastic corner, but McCoy is a strong punt returner, dating back to his high school days. The sophomore averaged 9.8 yards per return in 2024.
If the Bucs select him in the 2026 NFL draft, this would be a huge sigh of relief. Not only is the secondary a weakpoint, but it's getting even weaker this offseason. Jamel Dean restructured his contract last offseason to become a free agent this year, and it's become the Bucs biggest regret.
Dean played the best season of his career in 2025, allowing just a 63.1 passer rating and 49.2 completion percentage over 14 games. He also hauled in three interceptions. He's entering his age-30 season but is coming off of an elite season and looks to have plenty of good football left in the tank.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can recapture the NFC South with these three selections in the 2026 NFL Draft
Even if the Bucs somehow retain Dean in free agency, McCoy would still be an elite addition.
In the second round of the PFF mock draft, McGuinness gifts Bucs fans another gem: Anthony Hill Jr. The standout Texas linebacker recorded 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles over 10 games in 2025.
In 2024, Hill led the SEC with both 16.5 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. He also intercepted a pass and recorded 8 sacks. Hill is an absolute monster of a playmaker, and the Bucs would be lucky to take him in the second round.
If Lavonte David retires as expected, the Bucs will desperately need help in the linebacker/pass-rush department. Tampa Bay was in the bottom half of the league in sacks, and Hill would be an immediate positive impact.
With the final selection of this three-round mock draft, the Bucs take Max Klare at No. 77. The Ohio State tight end didn't impress much in 2025, but has a history of success. During his sophomore campaign at Purdue in 2024, Klare caught 51 passes for 685 yards and four touchdowns.
He was the focal point of the offense and finished second on the team in receiving yards. After transferring to a much more talented roster, his production regressed. Klare finished with 43 receptions for 448 yards and two touchdowns over 14 games in his senior season.
This draft pick is likely made with the assumption that Cade Otton will leave in free agency. After the last few seasons of mediocre production, it's best if the Bucs reroll the dice and try to find a playmaking tight end to complement their talented receivers.