The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off a win over division rival New Orleans Saints in Week 8, and they have now enjoyed healing up over their Bye Week. While the team starts to pivot towards preparing for the New England Patriots, it will also allow us to look at some needs for the upcoming draft.

SirVocea Dennis has solidified himself as a liability in the unit, despite his flashes in recent weeks. 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 29: Olaivavega Ione, iOL, Penn State

Cody Mauch has one year left on his contract and will be playing it coming off a torn ACL. It seems he is a fan favorite in Tampa Bay and well respected by his teammates, but the interior line needs some more bulldozing capabilities. Ole Ione has been that for Penn State in a season full of dismal results and firings. He is a perfect piece to plug next to Tristan Wirfs and Graham Barton and it would solidfy one side of the offensive line.

Round 2, Pick 61: Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M

Lavonte David is likely riding off into the sunset and SirVocea Dennis is not the answer. Taurean York is a machine in both the run and pass game, but he thrives as a leader in the middle of the Aggies’ defense. The defense needs someone who can pick up the heavy baton that David is putting down, and York is primed to be able to carry that large responsibility.

Round 3, Pick 93: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State

The edge rushers unit will be getting help from a returning David Walker, but they need more pieces in the rotation. Dani Dennis-Sutton is a reliable piece in Penn State’s defense, and he has the skill to be a reliable pass rusher in the NFL when he enters the league. He also provides good run support, which is often lost or not seen in college defensive ends. He won’t be winning the scouting combine, but he is just a good football player.

Round 4, Pick 129: Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College

Both starting tackles have had injuries in 2025, and we do not want to see more of Graham Barton at left tackle or Charlie Heck at right. Jude Bowry has the size and ability to be a backup for the Bucs; they can install him if disaster strikes. This roster is talented at nearly every position, so don’t be surprised in days two and three of the NFL Draft result in them getting depth pieces like Smith.

Round 5, Pick 168: Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston

Now, Koziol serves as both a depth piece and someone the Bucs could trot out and start if they move on from Cade Otton. He has the size and strength to be a reliable blocker, but he really thrives as a receiving option for the Houston Cougars. He can stretch the field, work the middle of the field, and also play bigger than he is listed. His being a target for Baker Mayfield is something that is being overlooked, as he needs a reliable target at the position.

Round 6, Pick 207: Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh

The linebacking unit needs some depth, and Kyle Louis is perfect for that. He is nothing but speed and raw athleticism who can fly sideline to sideline. The Bucs need more pieces, even if they retain SirVocea Dennis, and the speed in coverage would be welcome after seeing what opposing running backs have been able to rack up total yards all season long.

Round 7, Pick 242: Saywer Robertson, QB, Baylor

Teddy Bridgewater is unlikely to return, so adding someone with a live arm to back up Baker Mayfield would be a welcome pick on day three. Sawyer Robertson fits that billing perfectly, and he would allow this offense to remain electric at the very least if disaster were to strike Mayfield.