Using the PFF Mock Draft Simulator, I put together this Buccaneers mock draft, focusing on where the roster is under the most strain heading into 2026: tight end, interior offensive line, edge depth, and the back end of the secondary. With major financial commitments already locked in at premium positions in 2026, this class is about cost-controlled solutions and depth piece players rather than luxury swings.

In the first round, I had the Buccaneers select Kenyon Sadiq, which directly addresses the uncertainty at tight end. Now, you could argue that selecting a tight end at 15th overall is somewhat of a luxury pick, but it is a major need for the Buccaneers, and Sadiq is the most complete pro-ready tight end in the draft, so why not?

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With veteran options carrying short-term or flexible contract outlooks, and the uncertainty under Cade Otton, even if he does return in 2026, adding a young pass catcher gives Tampa Bay a cost-efficient way to stabilize the position. Sadiq does not need to be a focal point immediately, but his presence allows the offense to maintain flexibility in personnel groupings without adding future cap stress.

Interior offensive line pressure is answered in Round 2 with Emmanuel Pregnon. With multiple linemen already carrying significant guarantees, adding a starting-caliber guard on a rookie deal helps balance the books while protecting against injury volatility. Pregnon’s profile fits a unit that needs reliable snaps more than upside gambling. The Buccaneers’ line was depleted at times in 2025, so this move would add some much-needed depth at the position while keeping the offensive line room competitive.

Defensively, Derrick Moore gives Tampa Bay rotational insurance at edge, a spot where contracts thin out quickly behind the Yaya Diaby. Moore can contribute in a situational role while developing into a longer-term option, keeping pressure off future free-agent spending if he ends up getting into the rotation.

Later picks reinforce depth rather than forcing roles. Domani Jackson and Cole Wisniewski bolster a secondary that needs affordable competition, while Nicholas Singleton adds explosiveness without financial commitment. Cole Payton rounds out the class as a low-cost developmental option.

Round

Player

Position

College

Projected Role

Chance to Play in 2026

1

Kenyon Sadiq

TE

Oregon

Cost-controlled TE1/TE2 option to stabilize position

High

2

Emmanuel Pregnon

G

Oregon

Compete for starting IOL snaps; injury insurance

High

3

Derrick Moore

EDGE

Michigan

Rotational edge defender with growth potential

Medium–High

4

Nicholas Singleton

RB

Penn State

Change-of-pace back; offensive depth

Medium

5

Domani Jackson

CB

Alabama

Depth corner; special teams and sub-package reps

Medium

6

Cole Wisniewski

S

Texas Tech

Backup safety/WLB; core special teams contributor

Medium

7

Cole Payton

QB

North Dakota State

Developmental QB2/3; camp competition

Low

This mock isn’t about reshaping the roster. It’s about relieving pressure points while staying financially disciplined — exactly what I feel Tampa Bay needs to remain competitive in 2026.

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This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Oregon highlights latest mock draft for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers