Even though free agency is on the horizon, a lot of eyes around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are focused on the NFL Draft and what moves can be made to fortify the future. The latest PFF mock draft has a dose of realism attached to it, with writer Max Chadwick provides the Bucs with much-needed defensive line help in the form of Keldric Faulk.
Faulk posted a strong sophomore campaign in 2024, with seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss over a dozen games. In 2025, his production faltered amid a minor injury. Faulk produced just two sacks and five tackles for loss over 11 games for the Auburn Tigers.
The Buccaneers have the perfect opportunity to steal the Panthers dream prospect right out from under their nose
While Faulk remains inconsistent in getting to the quarterback, he would provide the Buccaneers' with much needed run support. He recorded 29+ tackles in each of his collegiate seasons. Not only would his presence be a welcomed sight to aid the rush-defense, he may potentially replace a Buccaneer' legend.
Defensive tackle Vita Vea is entering his age 32 season and the final year of his contract. While Vea has remained mostly healthy the majority of his career, age may finally catch up to the two-time Pro Bowler and Tampa Bay legend.
With the ailing defensive line and Vea in mind, it makes perfect sense to snag Faulk in the first round.
Selectic Faulk gives the Buccaneers a hilarious opportunity to steal a player out of the grasp of their NFC South rivals. The Carolina Panthers will be looking to improve their defensive line this offseason, and Chadwick has the Panthers selecting a different lineman at No. 19.
If the Panthers select Peter Woods in the first round, as PFF predicts, this is a major break for the Buccaneers'. Woods is a three year collegiate starter for Clemson, but has failed to produce a similar ceiling of Faulk.
Woods has never secured more than three tackles sacks in a season, and produced just one season with 29+ tackles. These two players are rated similarly across various outlets, but Faulk has proven production at a much higher level than Woods.
If the Buccaneers' follow this draft blueprint, they could steal the Panthers dream pick right out from under them. With the two teams needing similar players, and just three picks dividing the two in the first round, there's a chance Tampa Bay steals the Panthers guy with little time for Carolina to recover.