The 2026 NFL Draft is only a week away, and mock draft season is at its peak.
At a time where everyone suddenly becomes an NFL Draft expert, some analysts carry more weight than others. Mel Kiper is ESPN’s lead NFL Draft analyst, and generally has his finger on the pulse of what to expect during draft weekend.
If his projection for the Buccaneers comes to fruition, it would be an absolute dream scenario for Tampa Bay.
Buccaneers land Kenyon Sadiq and Jacob Rodriguez in Mel Kiper’s NFL mock draft
Kiper’s final mock draft of this cycle is a full two round projection for every team. He’s not just making these picks on a whim - he’s going off his insider knowledge which makes it worth paying attention to.
“To make these predictions, I'm leaning on team needs, evaluations and what I'm hearing in conversations with execs, coaches and scouts around the NFL. This isn't what I would do; it's what I believe each team will do once on the clock," wrote Kiper.
From Mel Kiper’s lips to God’s ears 🙏🏽
— Josh Crysler (@josh_crysler) April 15, 2026
Couldn’t draw up a better start to the draft for the Bucs. pic.twitter.com/blF6VDZhip
At 15th overall, the Buccaneers land Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, giving Baker Mayfield a new weapon who will create mismatches wherever he lines up. Sadiq to Tampa Bay has been gaining momentum leading up to the draft, and while defense is the bigger need, Sadiq would make this offense a lot better.
It’s not everyday you can add a 6-3, 240 pound specimen that happens to run a 4.39, the fastest ever for a tight end. He can effectively run block, and you can line him up at tight end, or even in the slot.
At 46th overall, the Buccaneers find their successor to Lavonte David in Jacob Rodriguez. Rodriguez is the best inside linebacker in this class not named Sonny Styles.
He has the instincts and football IQ that Todd Bowles prioritizes at the position, and he brings a resume stacked with production. He stuffed the stat sheet with over 300 combined tackles, six sacks, six interceptions, and 13 forced fumbles during his college career.
Rodriguez falling to No. 46 is starting to feel like a pipe dream, as him being picked in the first round isn’t out of the question. So Kiper’s projection is reassuring as Rodriguez has become arguably the most popular draft prospect among Bucs fans this offseason.
If Tampa Bay’s first two picks really are Sadiq and Rodriguez, it would be a home run for Jason Licht.
They’d be a special one-two punch on either side of the ball, reminiscent of 2020 when the Bucs drafted offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs in the first round and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. in the second — and both went on to become All-Pro players.
Sadiq and Rodriguez can have a similar impact and could become immediate cornerstones to usher in a new era in Tampa Bay.
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