Buccaneers 2026 NFL Mock Draft Monday: Post-Super Bowl edition
Well, Bucs fans, it's time for another Mock Draft Monday. We just saw the Seattle Seahawks dominate the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, and with that game ending, we are now in full swing of the offseason.
The best way to go over and process changes to the NFL Draft, of course, is to conduct another Mock Draft Monday. The Bucs now have the 15th pick in the draft, which is finalized, so we will now be able to properly gauge what players could be there for him.
So with that, let's go over the latest mock draft of the offseason for the Bucs.
Round 1: T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
The Bucs' defense has a desperate need for a reliable pass rush presence. They fell off a cliff in terms of sack production from 2024 to 2025, but they also have struggled to stop the run, so getting someone who can do both is a tall task, but it is possible. T.J. Parker entered the season as a rare talent that checks both boxes and would be a nice pairing with Yaya Diaby opposite him. However, he had a rough 2025, so there are some concerns with his potential in the NFL. However, being opposite Diaby could allow for both of them to find success as they avoid double teams.
Round 2: D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
There is no one in college football with the fight that Ponds has on each and every route. He showcased that he can handle guys like CJ Daniels, Denzel Boston, and the Ohio State duo of Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith this year. His size will scare some teams away, but the tape doesn't lie; he is a game wrecker at the cornerback position.
Round 3: Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M
Lavonte David has seemingly played his last NFL game based on how he acted on the field post-game and in the locker room as well. That being said, Taurean York is everything this team looks for in not just players, but people. He is a bona fide leader, and his skillset would be a welcome sight to Bucs fans and those on the team. Bring in York to showcase his range and ball skills in the middle of the field, and let the results speak for themselves.
Round 4: Tim Keenan III, DL, Alabama
The team has a dominant physical presence in Vita Vea , but what if they paired him with another? Adding someone for depth purposes, and schemeable situations, isn't the worst idea. Tim Keenan got better as the year went on, as he started the year coming off a tight-rope ankle procedure. Keenan can clog running lanes, make two defenders take account of him, and in the process, it would help those around him on the defensive line.
Round 5: Tanner Koziol , TE, Houston
Cade Otton is a free agent in 2026 and may have played his way into returning in Week 18 against the Panthers . That being said, adding someone to develop and compete behind him with big upside would be Tanner Koziol. He was a dynamic offensive piece for the Cougars in 2025 and helped that offense become more explosive. He has excelled at both Ball State and Houston, so let's see if he can keep the momentum going in the NFL.
Round 6: Roman Hemby , RB, Indiana
Rachaad White is an unrestricted free agent in 2026, and he posted his good-bye to Tampa Bay on Sunday. So with that, the team will need a physical pass protector with some pass-catching potential, like Roman Hemby. Bucky Irving being in a rotation has shown to be the right approach as it keeps him fresh in the process. Irving, Hemby, and Sean Tucker being a three-headed monster in the Bucs' offense would be a great thing for the offense and the team as a whole.
Round 7: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
Baker Mayfield needs a backup with a live arm. We have been writing this for months, and Cole Payton can be that. He not only has a live arm, but he is a bona fide gamer at the quarterback position with a never-say-die attitude. Could the Bucs bring in another veteran as they did with Teddy Bridgewater ? Sure, but they need someone young they believe is as well.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs 2026 NFL Mock Draft Monday: Post-Super Bowl edition
