After a disappointing 2025 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have the No. 15 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after going 8-9. It is the first time since the 2020 that they didn’t take the NFC South Division crown and the first time since 2019 that they missed the playoffs entirely. Despite this, they have retained head coach Todd Bowles. 

The Bucs will need to address some key needs as the team continues to age from the 2020 Super Bowl season. Linebacker Lavonte David could be retiring and wide receiver Mike Evans is headed into his 13th season. Last season, he suffered his first major injury of his career, breaking his collarbone. This draft will be massive for the Buccaneers as they look to prepare for the inevitable departure of some team legends within the next year or two. 

LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

With the potential of David retiring soon, if not this offseason, the Buccaneers will need to replace him. David took over as the leader of the team in 2012 when he was drafted. If the Bucs drafted Styles, the torch could be passed along in the same way. While he is more an outside linebacker/edge-styled linebacker, Styles could be exactly what the Bucs need. Linebacker Chris Braswell hasn’t been what the Bucs expected and SirVocea Dennis has underwhelmed, despite having his best season in 2025. 

Styles was the leading tackler for the Ohio State Buckeyes this past season finishing with 83 total tackles. He also had three passes deflected, a sack, a forced fumble and an interception. Early mock drafts have Styles going to the Dallas Cowboys with the No. 12 pick. However, if he were to fall to No. 15, expect the Bucs to jump at the chance to draft the linebacker. 

TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

One of the weakest position groups for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is the tight end position. Currently, the Bucs have just Cade Otton and Payne Durham as their top two tight ends. While reliable, they aren’t the best in the league. Sadiq could be one of the better tight ends coming out the draft this year. 

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He is 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds. The large frame allowed him  to be massive in the passing game for the Ducks, contributing 51 catches for 560 yards and eight touchdowns this past season. He led the team in receptions and touchdowns and was second in yards. For the Bucs, it would be a massive upgrade at the position and they get him on a rookie contract.

Ultimately, it is still early in the offseason as teams prepare for free agency and the NFL Draft. However, they doesn’t mean teams will begin to assess draft prospects.