The 2026 NFL Draft is just eight days away, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be on the clock at No. 15 overall.
Trades during the draft are common, but perhaps not as common in the first round. While Buccaneers GM Jason Licht isn’t ruling out that possibility, he knows it’s not always easy to find another team willing to swap picks.
Via Scott Smith:
Defense The Clear Priority for Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2026 NFL Draft
GettyGeneral manager Jason Licht of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
One of the biggest reasons the Bucs missed the playoffs last season was their inconsistent defense. They signed a couple of pieces in free agency to improve their unit on that side of the ball in A’Shawn Robinson and Alex Anzalone, but it’s crystal clear that Tampa Bay needs more help defensively.
Their pass rush is an area where they must improve, and that seems to be a priority, based on head coach Todd Bowles’ comments earlier this month at the NFC Coaches Dinner in Arizona.
“I feel like there are some [inside linebackers] in this draft that can really play. There are quite a few of them – at least 10 or 12 of them, for sure. The trait we look for the most is probably instinctiveness. You look for instincts right there, how they read, how they scrape and how they go. And I think there’s a bunch of those in this draft.”
There are definitely several talented linebackers who could be first-rounders. The likes of Jacob Rodriguez, Kyle Louis, and Sonny Styles come to mind. After all, the Buccaneers do need a replacement for franchise icon, Lavonte David.
Bucs Set On Their Potential Picks
When speaking to Smith, Licht also revealed that Tampa Bay has nearly filled out their entire draft board ahead of Day 1 next Thursday.
NFL.com has the Buccaneers’ biggest needs at edge, cornerback, OL, DL, and linebacker, as previously discussed. When it comes to offensive weapons, Tampa is in a good spot, but they could add some pieces on Day 2 or 3.
Bucs assistant GM Rob McCartney said recently that the goal this offseason has been to make this defense tough and gritty again, and Licht echoed that sentiment:
“One of things that we’ve been looking for is just we want to get back to being a bigger defense with more toughness, with more ‘violence,’ I think is a word we’ve thrown around a lot in the scouting department this offseason,” McCartney said. “We want to go back to being the bullies — on both sides of the ball, really.”
“We do want players who have a nasty edge to them, that will win at all closts. You know, bring some noise,” Licht said.
The Buccaneers finished 19th in yards allowed per game last season, while also sitting 27th in pass defense, and 20th in PPG allowed per contest, giving up 24.2.
This draft is a clear chance to add defensive talent, and by the sounds of it, that’s the primary focus for Tampa.
Buccaneers GM Addresses Potential First Round Trade in NFL Draft