The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' draft is behind them, but the accolades continue to pour in, as they should. Jason Licht hit a home run in this year's draft, making the most out of his seven selections.
Fans were nervous going into this year's draft. There were needs that were created with the departure of Mike Evans and the retirement of LaVonte David, but Licht held firm in his convictions. It also didn't hurt that several teams allowed Reuben Bain, Jr. to fall.
Few believed the Buccaneers would get a chance to draft one of the top edge rushers, but that is exactly what happened. The universal applause wasn't because of Bain, but instead what Licht did with the rest of his selections.
Top of the class 😤 pic.twitter.com/hpXQ3Eu5gs
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) April 30, 2026
National media applaud Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2026 draft class
We need to forget about Bain. He shouldn't have been there, but Licht recognizing the talent he brings bolstered a defense that desperately needed it. In round two, he hit another home run with Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter, but his best pick may have come in round three.
Ted Hurst is the weapon Baker Mayfield needed. Despite the pre-draft talk of a tight end, the wide receiver needed some help. Hurst was another player who should have been off the board. He should make an immediate impact on the Bucs' offense.
Another pick that fell Tampa's way was cornerback Keionte Scott, who had an early second-round pre-draft grade. Many mock drafts had him off the board in round two; he fell to round four. Scott is older than many of the other players who were drafted, a likely reason for his fall, but Tampa saw the value in the pick.
"He is aggressive and his game really shines as a blitzer or when playing the run. He also has a real knack for blowing up screens and bubbles."Nate Tice/Charles McDonald - Yahoo Sport
Scott doesn't project as a boundary corner, and that won't be a problem. As a slot defender, Todd Bowles' defense will get an infusion of physical attitude. His versatility out of the slot can't be overlooked. How the Bucs use him will be interesting, but the tools are there.
Overall, Tampa walked out of the 2026 draft making the absolute most of their draft cache. Despite only having seven picks, Licht stuck to his plan and executed it well, and it didn't go unnoticed.
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