The Tampa Bay Buccaneers don\u2019t just need to hit on early picks in the 2026 NFL Draft\u2014they need to uncover value late.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
These six prospects aren\u2019t dominating headlines\u2014but they bring traits, production, and developmental upside that fit what the Buccaneers need.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRed Murdock<\/a>, LB, Buffalo\u00a0<\/p>\n Instincts: Quick to diagnose and attack downhill<\/p>\n Physicality: Plays with force and urgency in the box<\/p>\n Motor: High-effort defender who stays active<\/p>\n Murdock isn\u2019t getting national buzz, but his play style stands out. He\u2019s aggressive, decisive, and plays like a linebacker who understands his role.<\/p>\n Why he fits: Tampa Bay needs tone-setters at linebacker after Lavonte David, and Murdock brings that mentality.<\/p>\n Chris Johnson<\/a>, CB, San Diego State\u00a0<\/p>\n Coverage: Smooth in man with quick feet<\/p>\n Ball Skills: Tracks the ball well downfield<\/p>\n Competitiveness: Doesn\u2019t shy away from physical matchups<\/p>\n Johnson flies under the radar in a deep corner class, but his ability to stay connected in coverage shows up on tape.<\/p>\n Why he fits: Todd Bowles values corners who can hold up in man coverage\u2014and Johnson offers developmental upside there.<\/p>\n Sam Roush<\/a>, TE, Stanford\u00a0<\/p>\n Hands: Reliable target in traffic<\/p>\n Frame: Solid build for in-line work<\/p>\n Versatility: Can contribute as both blocker and receiver<\/p>\n Roush isn\u2019t a flashy tight end, but he\u2019s well-rounded. He does the small things that keep offenses on schedule.<\/p>\n Why he fits: Adds depth behind Cade Otton while bringing a balanced skill set.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeth McGowan<\/a>, RB, Kentucky\u00a0<\/p>\n Burst: Quick acceleration through the hole<\/p>\n Contact Balance: Runs through arm tackles<\/p>\n Big-Play Ability: Can create chunk gains<\/p>\n McGowan is a low-profile back with real traits. He runs with urgency and flashes the ability to generate explosive plays.<\/p>\n Why he fits: Gives Tampa Bay a developmental back with upside to contribute in a rotation.<\/p>\n Jeff Caldwell<\/a>, WR, Cincinnati\u00a0<\/p>\n Size: Good frame for boundary work<\/p>\n Catch Radius: Expands the strike zone<\/p>\n Red Zone: Wins in contested situations<\/p>\n Caldwell isn\u2019t widely discussed, but his physical tools stand out\u2014especially in contested catch situations.<\/p>\n Why he fits: With Mike Evans no longer in the picture, Tampa Bay needs size on the outside.<\/p>\n Mikail Kamara<\/a>, DE\/EDGE, Indiana\u00a0<\/p>\n First Step: Explosive off the line<\/p>\n Motor: Relentless effort as a pass rusher<\/p>\n Upside: Flashes ability to disrupt consistently<\/p>\n Kamara is the type of edge prospect who can outperform his draft slot. The tools and effort are there.<\/p>\n Why he fits: Tampa Bay needs pass-rush juice, and Kamara offers developmental upside with real traits.<\/p>\n Final Thoughts<\/p>\n The Buccaneers don\u2019t need just stars\u2014they need depth, competition, and upside.<\/p>\n This group of sleepers offers:<\/p>\n Physical traits worth developing If Jason Licht can land even a couple contributors from this tier, Tampa Bay won\u2019t just fill holes\u2014they\u2019ll quietly strengthen the roster heading into the 2026 season.<\/p>\n For more from JR click here<\/a>!<\/p>\n
\nScheme fits across key positions
\nPotential to outperform draft position<\/p>\n