The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading into a critical draft for Jason Licht. He has to fill holes on both sides of the ball, and to do that effectively, you need draft capital.
To date, the Bucs have seven draft picks in 2026. We can assume that the first three rounds will provide day-one starting capable prospects, at least they should. The rest of the draft will supplement the roster with depth pieces and contributors.
Gaining extra draft capital is important if a deal can be worked out. ESPN's Bill Barnwell released a wild mock draft of all trades on Monday morning. Every team in the first round was given an ideal trade scenario. If this were actually proposed to Licht, he needs to take it.
Jason Licht needs to turn Tampa Bay Buccaneers first round pick into more draft selections
Some of Barnwell's trades are far from the realm of possibility, but his take on the 15th overall pick makes a lot of sense. The insider sees a potential move with the Steelers that would send the 15th pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for two additional selections.
The Steelers would get pick 15 and the Bucs' sixth-round selection. Tampa would get the 21st overall pick in the first round and additional picks in rounds three and four. Moving down only gives Licht one extra pick overall, but he would be swapping the 6th-round selection for a 4th-round pick.
If Licht wants to improve the team, making these types of moves would be in his best interest. The Steelers make a lot of sense as a trade partner as well. There is increasing speculation that they could look to move up for a quarterback, and Alabama's Ty Simpson has been gaining momentum.
If the Buccaneers do make a move, it's likely to be something along this line. It's a small move that doesn't take them out of the middle of round one, but still adds value later when they need it the most.
With this year's edge rushing class deep, Licht can still address the position in round one if he desires. Kendric Faulk is slotted in the middle of the first round and should be available at pick 21 if they were to make a trade with the Steelers. Just something to keep an eye on come draft night.