The offseason needs for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are pretty clear at this point. They need to add a pair of starting off ball linebackers and an edge rusher to pressure the quarterback. Addressing these should be the first, second and third priority.
There are also some secondary needs this team has. Interior offensive line depth, a rangy safety on the back end and potentially a tight end. These are all things that need to be addressed, but not nearly as desperately as linebacker and edge rusher.
However, there is another significant need that is flying under the radar. A position where the team needs to add a new starter to improve their defense. That would be on their defensive line with the likely departure of Logan Hall.
With Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, the Bucs have one of the best defensive tackle duos in the NFL. With that said, they will need a third starter on that defensive line. A big body who can ideally improve both the run defense and the pass rush.
One name that could be on the table to fill that void is Auburn’s defensive end Keldric Faulk. Coming into the season he was widely regarded as a potential top five player in the draft after racking up 7.0 sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss in 2024. Unfortunately, his 2025 season wasn’t nearly as productive so it is more than likely that he slides to the middle or even back end of the first round.
This slide could play to the Bucs advantage. Despite only recording 2.0 sacks and 5.0 tackles for loss last year, there was a lot to like about Faulk’s game. That’s why I believe that Faulk is the perfect Buccaneers sleeper for the 15th overall pick.
The first thing that jumped out about Faulk is his physical profile. At 6 ‘6 and 285 mbs he has an ideal frame for playing in the NFL. More than just big, Faulk is also very powerful and athletic.
He has all the seed you need to chase down mobile quarterbacks in the backfield. And well, not the flexible pass rusher that other prospects are in this class folk does bring more agility than the typical defensive tackle. In terms of pound for pound athlete fault is one of the very best in the entire draft.
Faulk translates his rare physical gifts to be a dominating run defender. He uses his length and strength to win the point of attack. Beyond that he has good hand usage to shed blocks and make place in the backfield. Running towards his direction is just a losing proposition.
This skillet hasn’t translated as much in terms of pass rush yet. However, Faulk is still very young. At just 20 years old this could just be a case of not having to put it all together yet. There is a very good chance that his best days as a past rusher are still ahead of him with his excellent athletic profile.
This makes Faulk an excellent high floor yet high ceiling draft prospect. I have a little doubt that he will be a great run defender for his entire career, so that baseline alone brings significant value. If he can develop as a pass rusher, we could be looking at a future star on the defensive line.
I also like the versatility that Faulk brings to the table. He is someone who can play at the outside as an edge rusher or kick in and play three technique defensive tackle. Ideally, I think he is best suited as a defensive end in this 3-4 system, but it’s nice to have the flexibility to move him around as needed.
So no, this isn’t the linebacker that they desperately need. Nor is this the pass rusher that will make fans happy. However, this could be the defensive lineman that the Bucs have an under the radar need for with the potential to be a superstar in the NFL.