The NFL Draft will begin on Thursday night this week. Tension around the league continues to rise, and while the trade of Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals is still fresh, more moves are expected by Thursday.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are holding out hope, we presume, that a solid edge-rushing defender, a high-end corner, or a linebacker will fall to them. Jacob Rodriguez has been one of the most sought after prospects among Bucs fans, but a recent report indicates he'll be off the board earlier than expected.
Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports is reporting that Rodriguez could be in play for the Cowboys at pick 20, which would end the pipe dream of him falling within Tampa Bay's range in the second round.
Jacob Rodriguez is skyrocketing into the early teens ahead of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 15th overall pick
Rodriguez has been on a steady climb for more than a month. Once considered an early to mid-second round pick, 20th overall is the highest he has been this draft season, and he could ascend even higher than that.
"I’m told cornerback Chris Johnson and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez are in play for the Cowboys with the 20th pick, their second selection in the initial round. "Tony Pauline
Johnson has been climbing draft boards as well, while Jermod McCoy has been dropping. He isn't likely an option for the Bucs at 15, but let's consider what could happen if, in fact, the Cowboys steal a potential LB solution for Tampa Bay.
Assuming that Dallas shocks the world and takes Rodriguez at 12, we followed up our simulation with the Rams going OT and the Ravens taking Makai Lemon at 14. This would leave Kenyon Sadiq, Jermod McCoy, Keldric Faulk, Peter Woods, and Akheem Mesidor as targets for the Bucs based solely on needs.
Everything continues to point toward Sadiq being available at 15, and despite their need along the edge, Faulk isn't a guy they should realistically be targeting at 15. If Rodriguez is off the board before 15, Tampa will nearly be guaranteed a playmaker that fills a need.
On the other side of this coin is Johnson. The CB is rising quickly on the draft board. There are only two players considered top-15 candidates. Mansoor Delane, who is likely gone in the top 10, and Jermod McCoy, who could be available at 15.
The rest of the CBs between 15 and the Bucs pick in round 2 are Johnson, D'Angelo Ponds, and Keith Abney, II. Of those three, Johnson stands out as the better option.
Unless the Bucs want to take a chance on McCoy, who missed all of 2025, with an ACL injury, their best bet may be to stick with Sadiq, but Johnson at 12 instead of Rodriguez would give Jason Licht a perfect draft pick for his defense...that he will probably pass on.
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