Nothing has really gone right for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season.
Injuries have piled up one after another, a promising 6-2 start has gone the way of a 1-7 finish, and they need to win against the Panthers on Saturday and get help from the Saints with a win over the Falcons on Sunday just to win the NFC South and make the playoffs.
Outside of injuries, the Bucs just aren't as talented a team as we thought they were. There are holes everywhere on defense, especially at linebacker. There's no one on that side of the ball that has taken over a game this year, outside of a random Anthony Nelson game, and base pressure is non-existent. While the Bucs did a good job at adding to the depth at wide receiver, their offensive line was not built to sustain the magnitude of injuries it did, and no moves were made to shore up the position.
The front office must do a better job of addressing these lingering weaknesses with band-aid free agency signings and mid-round draft picks.
The Buccaneers are still fighting for their playoff lives, but keeping an eye towards the future, here's where the latest draft experts think the Bucs could go with their first-round draft selection, currently slotted at No. 13, in April.
CBS Sports: Ryan Wilson
Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina
Cisse is a versatile corner who can consistently lock down receivers in press-man coverage and showcases elite athleticism, with explosive downhill speed and next-level change-of-direction ability. Whether he's driving on quick routes from off coverage or playing in press, he's consistently in position for pass breakup opportunities. He's also one of the best run-defending CBs in this entire class.
Athlon: Luke Easterling
Rd. 1, Pick 13: David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech
Rd. 2, Pick 44: Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas
Tampa Bay’s pass rush has become a shell of the dominant unit from their 2020 Super Bowl run, and they need an impact player who can take over games and provide consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. That’s what Bailey has done all year for the Red Raiders, putting up big numbers and proving his ability to get to the passer with speed, power, and technique.
Fox Sports
1.13: Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State
If it weren't for Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles would be getting a lot more recognition as a Buckeye linebacker. In his past two seasons at Ohio State, he's totaled 181 tackles, 94 solo tackles, eight passes defended, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He hits like a truck and can move well in space.
Lavonte David is 35 years old and this is a good chance for Tampa to replace him.
The Athletic: Nick Baumgardner
1.13: Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami
Bain is a polarizing prospect, as plenty of NFL scouts and decision-makers have concerns about his lack of length as an edge prospect. Some even believe he might be better off as a three-tech DT in the NFL. But if he’s on his game and playing with the type of energy we saw against Texas A&M in the Playoff, it might not matter. He’s an impact athlete, no question.
Bleacher Report: Matt Rooney
1.13: Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn
Tampa Bay keeps sliding down the draft order, and no matter where they end up, I think they’ll have to address their struggles getting to the quarterback. Faulk helps them in a big way there.
PFF: Dalton Wasserman
1.13: Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State
The Buccaneers need new talent for a linebacker unit that’s sorely lacking in top-end production and depth. Ohio State’s Sonny Styles would add elite athleticism as a former safety and a sure tackler. Styles’ 89.8 PFF overall grade ranks sixth among qualified linebackers this season, and he has yet to miss a tackle through the Buckeyes’ first 13 games.
The Draft Network: Jamie Eisner
1.13: Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU
Though he could have been a Day 2 pick last year, Mansoor Delane returned to school, transferred to LSU, and played his way into the top-20 conversation. He’s the most complete cornerback in college football, frequently using his physicality and elite football IQ to shut down receivers. With Jamel Dean all but certain to leave as a 2026 free agent, Delane is the perfect candidate to instantly fill that starting spot in Tampa Bay's defense.