The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off their biggest win, literally, of the year, where they won by a score of 30-19. It was the first time they did not have to score in the final minute of the game, and the team and fanbase most likely enjoyed it more that way.
However, in the game, we had a glimpse into some emerging issues that have emerged for the team, specifically in the linebacker unit.
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SirVocea Dennis has solidified himself as a liability in the unit. Whether it is in the run game or in pass coverage, he has proven to be unreliable for better or worse. What the Bucs did not account for was the 35-year-old version of Lavonte David to be the last productive year for the future Hall of Famer. He has struggled mightily in 2025, and while there is no one campaigning for him to be replaced, the future of the position is up for grabs.
That brings us to Mock Draft Monday and how we think the Bucs can fix the situation.
Round 1, Pick 31: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Bucs need a rangy, athletic linebacker to lead their unit, the same way they have had under the direction of Lavonte David. This is likely the last season Bucs fans will get to enjoy 54 on the field, so they have to be ready for the future. SirVocea Dennis is not that, but Sonny Styles could be. He fits everything they need and want at the position and has emerged as a proven leader in the Buckeyes’ talented defense. If the Bucs miss out on Styles’ teammate, Arvel Reese, he will serve as a more than okay backup plan.
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Round 2, Pick 63: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
I have been very critical of Cade Otton this year, and for good reason, in my opinion. That being said, he has played exceptionally well the last two weeks, but not well enough to have me wanting to give him a big-time extension when this team has so many other pieces needing to be paid soon. Max Klare is a more dynamic version of Otton, especially as someone with better hands and route-running ability.
Round 3, Pick 95: Mikail Kamara, Edge, Indiana
The undersized edge rusher of the impressive Indiana Hoosiers‘ defense is a bull in an antique shop when he is on the line. He proved on Saturday he is relentless when he was fighting the coaching staff to go back in when he was forced to come off for a quick examination. Kamara has the mindset the Bucs will want on their front line, and he will fit in perfectly with this team if drafted. The team would probably like to draft an edge rusher soon, but the class has some depth, as getting Kamara shows.
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Round 4, Pick 131: Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina
The Bucs’ secondary has become a strength for them in 2025, but why not add one more dynamic piece? They have shown they will use players in a variety of roles, like Tykee Smith and Jacob Parrish, and Kilgore has shown he can do that at South Carolina. He can be a safety for them, or a cornerback in either the nickel or outside role. Having someone who fits all those roles, especially for a team that is always battling injury, is a nice thing to have in your back pocket.
Round 5, Pick 170: Darius Taylor, RB, Minnesota
Rachaad White is in the final year of his contract, and with each week that Bucky Irving misses, he shows he is worth being a team’s number one running back. The Bucs cannot pay him as one, so they have to find his replacement in the NFL Draft. Darius Taylor is a physical runner with good blocking ability, but he can also surprise you with his hands. He, behind Bucky Irving, would make for a good pairing in the Bucs’ offense.
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Round 6, Pick 209: Athan Kaliakmanis, QB, Rutgers
Athan Kaliakmanis has a live arm to say the least, and has nerves of steel as well. Teddy Bridgewater could be back as Baker Mayfield’s backup in 2026, but if he isn’t, drafting a rookie to do so on day three makes sense. Kaliakmanis would be a fun addition to the quarterback room and would mesh perfectly with Mayfield in terms of the mindset they bring to the game.
Round 7, Pick 244: Amare Campbell, LB, Penn State
Amare Campbell is a physical linebacker with good instincts who would be a good depth piece for the team. The unit is constantly beaten up or shedding weight as they try to find an identity in the unit. Campbell would come in and contribute in whatever role they need as a rookie and beyond, so I like him as a fit a lot.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Mock Draft Monday: Bucs get some help from the Big Ten