The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered Day 3 likely to take a defensive tackle prospect.
They used more pre-draft 30 visits on defensive tackle prospects, than any other defensive position.
With the future of the defensive tackle room unclear beyond the 2026 season, it’s a clear priority to prepare for the future.
Vita Vea is entering a contract year at 31 years old, Free agent signing A’Shawn Robinson is only on a one-year deal, and he’s also over 31 years old. Calijah Kancey has a ton of potential, but he's yet to stay healthy for a full season three seasons into his NFL career, and it wouldn't hurt to have an insurance plan in place at the defensive tackle spot.
A perfect fit for the team to groom into their nose tackle of the future was just stolen early in the fourth round.
New York Jets steal Darrell Jackson Jr. from Tampa Bay Buccaneers in NFL Draft
Florida State defensive tackle was a potential Bucs target who fit the mold for what they’re looking to add this offseason.
They want to get bigger on defense, and Jackson is built like a video game character. He’s 6-foot-5, 315 pounds with a ridiculous 99th-percentile 7-foot-2 wingspan.
He’s one of the strongest players in the entire draft, and his size and brute strength would’ve made him a perfect player to plug into the nose tackle role in a rotational capacity.
Potential Bucs defensive tackle targets gone in back-to-back picks.
— The Pewter Plank (@ThePewterPlank) April 25, 2026
Darrell Jackson Jr. ➡️ Jets
Kaleb Proctor ➡️ Cardinals
Vita Vea is 31 years old and entering a contract year. Bucs need to prepare for the future at the position.
Another ideal fit, Kaleb Proctor, was taken just a pick later by the Arizona Cardinals. The Bucs will have to pivot in their search for a defensive tackle of the future.
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