The 2026 NFL Draft is months away, but with college football in full swing, it may be time to start looking ahead. The Bucs are 3-0 for the first time in 20 years, and expectations are starting to rise for everyone on the roster.

That is where we come in with the latest in our mock draft series, because despite the success, needs still exist on the roster.

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The team’s positional needs heading into the season include linebacker, edge rusher, tight end, defensive line, and interior offensive line. The Buccaneers should easily find playmakers at those positions in this draft class. On defense, especially, this could prove to be a very special class with the amount of playmakers on that side of the ball.

In this mock draft, we aren’t starting things off with any trades. Rather, we will sit wherever the PFF mock draft simulator has us. Let the fun begin.

Round 1, Pick 29: R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma

The Bucs have really enjoyed the pass rush duo of both Haason Reddick and Yaya Diaby during the 2025 season. For Reddick, he signed a one-year prove-it deal, and so far, he has proved it and then some. Sadly, he is likely to be setting himself up for a major contract with someone other than the Bucs, so edge rusher is going to be a need for them in the draft. I like R Mason Thomas’ speed off the edge, paired with Yaya Diaby, so that the Bucs pass rush can keep the momentum it has. The Oklahoma Sooner pass rusher has been explosive all year off the edge, and after missing the first half against Auburn last weekend, he proved he can make an impact at any moment by making a difference right away.

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Round 2, Pick 61: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama

The Bucs’ linebacking unit needs some juice. SirVocea Dennis is just not playing the way many had hoped, and Lavonte David is staring down 2025 as his final year. I like Deontae Lawson’s leadership, run support, and his ability to cover sideline-to-sideline as something that could help the unit as they enter a transition year in 2026.

Round 3, Pick 93: Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina

Okay, hear me out on this pick, as I have a unique suggestion on him. When Baker Mayfield had a dynamic playmaker at the tight end position in Cleveland, it greatly helped him and his decision-making. He took fewer downfield chances and would take what defenses gave David Njoku. Nyck Harbor has experience working on a line, as he was a pass rusher in high school, and his physical skillset could make him a dynamic tight end project for a team. Him in the Bucs offense could be something to behold if they can get him to buy into the position change.

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Round 4, Pick 129: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

Everyone seems to be down on D’Angelo Ponds due to his size, but as he proved this weekend, he just makes plays. Put him on special teams? Difference maker. Want him outside as a coverage piece for your defense? He can punch above his weight and handle most receivers. The Bucs have really invested in the position, but with the future of Jamel Dean up in the air, they need to be able to replace him.

Round 5, Pick 168: Chase Roberts, WR, BYU

The Bucs have one of the deepest wide receiver units in the entire NFL, but even they are being tested by the injury bug this year. The team drafted Tez Johnson in the seventh round this year, and Kameron Johnson has stuck around as a return specialist. However, I like Roberts to be able to replace one of them on the roster if they deem it necessary. They could move Johnson to the return spot and make Roberts a depth piece in the unit to help cover up when injuries occur.

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Round 6, Pick 207: Tommy Castellanos, QB, Florida State

The Bucs have Teddy Bridgewater as the backup behind Baker Mayfield, but for how long? The team could use a playmaker at the position to allow the offense to remain explosive if disaster strikes, and I like Tommy Castellanos for the role. He has shown he has a live arm, he extends plays, and he would be a fun piece for the staff to develop behind Mayfield as they look for a serviceable, long-term backup.

Round 7, Pick 242: Bryson Washington, RB, Baylor

Rachaad White is a looming free agent for the Bucs, and they seem not to want to use Sean Tucker much. If they need an extra face in the backfield, Washington could be the fit with his physical style and pass-blocking ability. Over the last two years, PFF has him averaging an impressive 93.8% pass blocking efficiency.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Mock Draft Monday: Bucs fill needs after undefeated start