Last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dealt with constant injuries to their offensive linemen.
It derailed the season, as the team didn’t get to play a single game with their full starting line intact. As a result of injuries and poor depth, Baker Mayfield was under constant pressure throughout the season.
The Buccaneers knew they needed to improve the depth along the interior offensive line to prevent disaster from striking again, and they did just that with their fifth-round pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Buccaneers select Notre Dame guard Billy Schrauth in 2026 NFL Drafr
Notre Dame’s Billy Schrauth was one of the best interior offensive linemen in the country and served as a team captain.
The knock on him is less about his actual play, and more about potential injury concerns. He’s missed nine games over the last two seasons with injuries.
“Schrauth is solid across the board. He has the athletic ability, play strength and demeanor to compete for NFL starting snaps (if he stays off the injured list and reaches his development potential),” wrote NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler.
When he’s on the field, Schrauth is a steady leader and reliable presence. He was a three-year starter with experience at both guard spots.
The Bucs already drafted Mayfield a dynamic weapon in the receiving game with explosive wide receiver Ted Hurst, and now they’re doing what it takes to keep him protected.
In addition to overhauling the defense, supporting their quarterback has clearly been another key priority for Tampa Bay.
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