You genuinely couldn\u2019t have drawn this up better from a Bucs perspective. Definition of a dream scenario.<\/p>\n
Do whatever you have to do to break into the war room next week, on behalf of Bucs fans everywhere. https:\/\/t.co\/Bm9mReXqoS<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Josh Crysler (@josh_crysler) April 17, 2026<\/a>Tampa Bay Buccaneers address key needs across the board in latest mock draft<\/p>\n In the first round, Easterling has the Buccaneers trading down twice. First, they moved back from No. 15 to No. 21 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Then, they moved back again from No. 21 to No. 30 with the Miami Dolphins, adding a ton of valuable draft capital before ultimately selecting Jacob Rodriguez.<\/a><\/p>\n Rodriguez has all the makings of a star at the next level and a perfect fit for the Buccaneers. He brings instincts, production, and leadership. Moving back to acquire more picks and still landing a perfect fit like Rodriguez in the stuff dreams are made of for Tampa Bay.<\/p>\n At No. 46, the Buccaneers land Malachi Lawrence to give their pass rush the boost it desperately needs. Lawrence recorded 20 sacks during his college career, and boasts an impressive arsenal of pass rush moves that will allow him to make an impact on day one.\u00a0<\/p>\n At No. 76, which they acquired from the Steelers, the Bucs double dip at linebacker and select Kyle Louis \u2014 the best coverage linebacker in the entire draft class. He recorded over 200 total tackles along with 10 sacks and six interceptions at Pitt, and he and Rodriguez would cement the linebacker position for years to come.\u00a0<\/p>\n At No. 77, the Bucs upgrade their secondary with Treydan Stukes out of Arizona. He\u2019s a versatile defensive back who can play the nickel or safety. He recorded 29 passes defended and seven interceptions during his college career.<\/p>\n Bucs have shown a lot of interest in Hunter between a formal visit at the Combine and a 30 visit so you might get your wish. <\/p>\n If we really wanna sacrifice size for pass rush juice, Kaleb Proctor is THE guy! 13.7% pass rush win rate and 9 sacks last year, including 2 vs LSU.<\/p>\n \u2014 Josh Crysler (@josh_crysler) April 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n At No. 90, acquired from the Dolphins, the Bucs land Southeastern Louisiana defensive tackle Kaleb Proctor. Proctor is a Calijah Kacey-esque player who is undersized but brings serious juice as a pass rusher. He recorded nine sacks last season including two against LSU. He\u2019d bring disruption to the defensive line and help get to the quarterback from the interior.\u00a0<\/p>\n At No. 116, the Bucs land their Mike Evans<\/a> replacement in USC wide receiver Ja\u2019Kobi Lane. He\u2019s 6-foot-4, 200 pounds and runs a 4.47 40-yard dash. He finished with 99 receptions for 1,363 yards and 18 touchdowns during his college career. He\u2019d give Baker Mayfield <\/a>a security blanket in the red zone and give the offense the X receiver it\u2019s missing.\u00a0<\/p>\n At No. 121, acquired from the Steelers in the trade down, the Bucs add Iowa center Logan Jones. Jones is one of the most athletic linemen in this draft class and shines in zone blocking, making him a perfect fit for the scheme Zac Robinson is hoping to bring to Tampa Bay.<\/p>\n PFF<\/a> graded Jones as the best pass blocker of any center in 2025, and he\u2019d massively improve the interior offensive line depth with the chance to develop into a starter down the line.\u00a0<\/p>\n At No. 130, the Bucs close out the mock draft exercise with Stanford tight end Sam Roush. He\u2019s one of the best blocking tight ends in the draft but has upside as a receiver. The Bucs need to add to the tight end room<\/a> behind Cade Otton as their new offensive scheme will heavily utilize multiple tight end sets. Roush would be a key addition and could make an immediate impact as the TE2 behind Otton.\u00a0<\/p>\n Easterling\u2019s mock draft lasted only four rounds, but the Bucs managed to land a dream haul in only half a draft class. Trading down twice and picking up so much extra draft capital allowed the Bucs to fill major needs and come out as the most improved team of the mock draft.<\/p>\n A scenario like this would be an absolute home run for the Buccaneers \u2014 here\u2019s hoping Easterling\u2019s mock draft finds its way on Licht\u2019s desk.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/assets.minutemediacdn.com\/platform\/google_discover_icon.svg\"){kind=icon}
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