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Mock Draft Monday: Buccaneers Draft Defensive Position of Need
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- Mock Draft Monday: Buccaneers Draft Defensive Position of Need
It is never too early to start looking toward the 2027 NFL Draft, especially when an early mock connects the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a position that could remain a long-term need.
In its latest 2027 NFL mock draft, NFL Trade Rumors has Tampa Bay selecting Syracuse cornerback Chris Peal with the No. 19 overall pick.
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Cornerback has received plenty of attention from the Bucs in recent drafts, but that doesn't necessarily take the position off the table. Zyon McCollum gives Tampa Bay an established option on the outside, while Benjamin Morrison is another young piece the organization hopes can become a long-term starter.
Adding another talented corner could give Todd Bowles even more flexibility in a secondary that is routinely asked to handle a variety of coverage responsibilities.
Chris Peal is coming off a breakout season
Peal's 2025 season at Syracuse gives some substance to the first-round projection. According to PFF , Peal played 655 defensive snaps and finished with an 85.1 overall defensive grade. His best work came in coverage, where he earned an 87.0 grade across 372 coverage snaps.
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Peal was targeted 59 times and allowed 38 receptions for 358 yards. He intercepted three passes and broke up five more while allowing a 98.0 passer rating when targeted. He also contributed against the run, earning a 76.0 run-defense grade while recording 42 tackles and nine assists.
Those numbers are a significant jump from his limited role at Georgia in 2024, when he played just 18 defensive snaps before transferring to Syracuse.
NFL Trade Rumors' evaluation points toward Peal being particularly comfortable in zone coverage, with the discipline to keep plays in front of him before quickly closing on the football. His physical tools could also give him room to expand what he can do in man coverage.
There is an entire college football season remaining before the 2027 NFL Draft, and both Tampa Bay's needs and Peal's stock could look considerably different by April. But after his breakout 2025 season, Peal is a name worth following as the Bucs begin to build their next draft class.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Mock Draft Monday: Buccaneers Draft Defensive Position of Need
