The 2026 NFL Draft is only days away, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are finalizing their draft board and zeroing in on the top targets.
They say that when there’s smoke, there’s fire. These draft prospects have gained a lot of steam as potential targets of Jason Licht and the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Draft Smoke Meter
Smoke Meter Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
Just a Spark | Not likely at all, a mere thought |
Flicker | Curiosity peaked, a 'long-shot' |
Small Flame | Fits a need, but not a priority player |
Heatig Up | Fits need, could see a path of acquisition |
Steady Burn | Quality prospect, realistic choice |
Stove's on High | Quality prospect, one of team's priority choices |
Roasting Temperature | Quality prospect, likely picked if on the board |
Burning Hot | Premium talent, team is heavily linked to player |
Scalding | Premium talent, team's top-3 option |
Full Blaze | Premium talent, team's dream target |
Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami - Burning Hot
Akheem Mesidor has been one of the players most linked to Tampa Bay during the pre-draft process as they look to solve their pass rush need. He’s one of the older draft prospects, but for the Buccaneers, that experience is valuable.
He’s versatile and can be moved across the defensive front, which Todd Bowles values. He finished with 17.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in his final college season with Miami.
The Buccaneers may want to trade down to acquire some extra draft capital before making the pick, but Mesidor is one of the key names to watch for Tampa Bay.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon - Stove's on High
Kenyon Sadiq has been one the most common names to see linked to the Buccaneers in mock drafts, and for good reason.
While tight end isn’t a pressing need for the Buccaneers, it’s been hard to ignore what Sadiq could add to their offense.
The Bucs plan to run a lot of 12 personnel under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, and there is no viable receiving option outside of Cade Otton.
Jason Licht and the Buccaneers have spent more of their pre-draft 30 visits on tight ends than any other position. Licht ignited the flame during his pre-draft press conference he’d love to draft a tight end that adds a new element to the tight end room, and Sadiq could be the man for the job.
CJ Allen, LB, Ohio State - Stove’s on High
The Buccaneers have a serious need at inside linebacker, and Allen seems to be one of the most sought after players on their board.
They had a formal interview with Allen at the NFL Combine. Just last week, an NFL insider named the Buccaneers as a team to watch for Allen in the first round, especially in a trade down scenario.
While many feel that Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is the best fit for the Buccaneers, Allen is the linebacker being linked to them the most in pre-draft rumors and reports — and he feels like the type of player and person the Buccaneers would love to add to the locker room.
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