The Tampa Bay Buccaneers don’t just need to hit on early picks in the 2026 NFL Draft—they need to uncover value late.
That’s where general manager Jason Licht has consistently delivered. With roster needs at linebacker, edge rusher, and offensive depth, Tampa Bay will need contributors from outside the spotlight.
These six prospects aren’t dominating headlines—but they bring traits, production, and developmental upside that fit what the Buccaneers need.
Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo
Instincts: Quick to diagnose and attack downhill
Physicality: Plays with force and urgency in the box
Motor: High-effort defender who stays active
Murdock isn’t getting national buzz, but his play style stands out. He’s aggressive, decisive, and plays like a linebacker who understands his role.
Why he fits: Tampa Bay needs tone-setters at linebacker after Lavonte David, and Murdock brings that mentality.
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Coverage: Smooth in man with quick feet
Ball Skills: Tracks the ball well downfield
Competitiveness: Doesn’t shy away from physical matchups
Johnson flies under the radar in a deep corner class, but his ability to stay connected in coverage shows up on tape.
Why he fits: Todd Bowles values corners who can hold up in man coverage—and Johnson offers developmental upside there.
Sam Roush, TE, Stanford
Hands: Reliable target in traffic
Frame: Solid build for in-line work
Versatility: Can contribute as both blocker and receiver
Roush isn’t a flashy tight end, but he’s well-rounded. He does the small things that keep offenses on schedule.
Why he fits: Adds depth behind Cade Otton while bringing a balanced skill set.
Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky
Burst: Quick acceleration through the hole
Contact Balance: Runs through arm tackles
Big-Play Ability: Can create chunk gains
McGowan is a low-profile back with real traits. He runs with urgency and flashes the ability to generate explosive plays.
Why he fits: Gives Tampa Bay a developmental back with upside to contribute in a rotation.
Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati
Size: Good frame for boundary work
Catch Radius: Expands the strike zone
Red Zone: Wins in contested situations
Caldwell isn’t widely discussed, but his physical tools stand out—especially in contested catch situations.
Why he fits: With Mike Evans no longer in the picture, Tampa Bay needs size on the outside.
Mikail Kamara, DE/EDGE, Indiana
First Step: Explosive off the line
Motor: Relentless effort as a pass rusher
Upside: Flashes ability to disrupt consistently
Kamara is the type of edge prospect who can outperform his draft slot. The tools and effort are there.
Why he fits: Tampa Bay needs pass-rush juice, and Kamara offers developmental upside with real traits.
Final Thoughts
The Buccaneers don’t need just stars—they need depth, competition, and upside.
This group of sleepers offers:
Physical traits worth developing
Scheme fits across key positions
Potential to outperform draft position
If Jason Licht can land even a couple contributors from this tier, Tampa Bay won’t just fill holes—they’ll quietly strengthen the roster heading into the 2026 season.
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