The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a lot of things they need to do before this season begins, let alone next year's draft.
Getting Baker Mayfield extended is a priority heading toward the 2026 season. The Bucs should be competitive this upcoming season, but can they make the necessary strides to go deep into the playoffs, or will they be a one-and-done team?
This year's draft class looks to be one of the best in years, at least on paper, but the 2027 draft class is supposed to be head-and-shoulders deeper. If Jason Licht can duplicate what he did in 2026, the Buccaneers may have a championship -caliber team sooner rather than later. This early mock draft looks to build upon what Licht did in the 2026 draft.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers land top TE prospect to kick off the 2027 draft
Round 1 (Pick 19) - Jamari Johnson - Oregon - TE
Tampa had no choice but to pass on a top TE in 2026 thanks to the epic fall of Rueben Bain, Jr. Next year, Johnson has become the early favorite to be the TE1 in the draft. A solid 2026 season will only prove he is the best. Johnson would be an immediate contributor and give the Bucs' offense a stellar cadre of weapons for Mayfield.
Round 2 (Pick 51) - Mateen Ibirogba - Texas Tech - DT
Tampa addressed the position in 2026 with DeMonte Capehart. The 5th round pick will have the chance to show Licht that he doesn't need to invest further, but Ibirogba is hard to pass up. A stout defender who can get forward push on the line is the type of player who matches well with the Buccaneers' scheme.
Round 3 (Pick 83) - Elijah Green - Tulsa - CB
The Buccaneers need to add quality to their secondary. There are still question marks at corner. Green can play on the boundary or inside, giving the Bucs' defense a versatile option that will challenge for a starting job immediately.
Round 4 (Pick 118) - Julian Sayin - Ohio State - QB
Chances are the Bucs will give Mayfield what amounts to a three-year deal. They need quarterback depth, and Sayin had an outstanding 2025 season. There is no reason to believe he won't continue in 2026. If the Buccaneers can land the OSU QB in round four, they could have the heir to Mayfield and time to develop him.
Round 5 (Pick 157) - Joe Brunner - Indiana - OG
Coming off a National Championship title with the Hoosiers, Brunner has proven to be a powerful and physical blocker. The Bucs need help at guard and Brunner will challenge for more than playing time in 2027.
Round 6 (Pick 198) - Wayshawn Parker - Utah - Running back
Bucky Irving made a late appearance on the final day of OTAs this year. What the Buccaneers need is someone who can pick up the slack if Irving goes down again. This year will be critical for the Bucs' running back, and if he is injured again, RB becomes a bigger need in 2027.
Round 7 (Pick 236) - Wendall Gregory - Kansas State - Edge
In the NFL, you can never have too many edge defenders. Gregory is going to need development, but 2027 will provide the opportunity to hone his skill set.
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