{"id":871147,"date":"2026-04-21T11:58:56","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T11:58:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/871147\/"},"modified":"2026-04-21T11:58:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T11:58:56","slug":"buccaneers-final-7-round-mock-draft-jason-licht-boosts-the-pass-rush-and-finds-a-day-3-gem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/871147\/","title":{"rendered":"Buccaneers Final 7-Round Mock Draft: Jason Licht boosts the pass rush and finds a Day 3 gem"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Buccaneers believe they have a competitive roster, when healthy. They can definitely make it back to the playoffs if that holds up and they get some of these players in this final mock draft.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\"The
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNov 30, 2024; Syracuse, New York, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (3) reacts after a play against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome.
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Draft week is officially here, which means we find out who could become future stars for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This mock draft marks the sixth, and final, installment and like last time<\/a>, we\u2019ll be using A to Z Sports\u2019 mock draft simulator<\/a> as a guide, but nothing definite, for the exercise.<\/p>\n

Before we get started, I wanted to add some important context: The perception of this Buccaneers mock draft will be based on what we know about Jason Licht and Co., the needs of the team, and whatnot. Yes, I\u2019m making the pick, but it won\u2019t be based on what I want the Buccaneers to do at that point in the mock draft.<\/p>\n

Also, I won\u2019t make any trades simply due to the fact it can alter the draft in my favor, to an extent. I will make sure to mention whether or not I think the Bucs make a move, though.<\/p>\n

So, with all that being said, let\u2019s dive into the final Buccaneers mock draft of the 2026 offseason.<\/p>\n

Buccaneers mock draft version 6.0 \u2013 the final one<\/p>\n

Round 1, No. 15: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami<\/p>\n

\"TheJan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (3) celebrates after a sack against the Indiana Hoosiers in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Real quick: Ideally, the Buccaneers would in fact trade back in this situation. Whether it\u2019s a few picks or even to the mid-20s \u2013 they should pull the trigger. There\u2019s a good chance Mesidor lasts into the 20s and while it\u2019s always a gamble, it\u2019d be worth it in this draft.<\/p>\n

But in this scenario, Mesidor is still the guy at 15. He\u2019s the best pass rusher on the board and he won\u2019t be there when the Buccaneers pick again at 46. It\u2019s also likely guys like R Mason Thomas and Malachi Lawrence are off the board well by that pick, making the talent pool even smaller.<\/p>\n

So, Mesidor goes, now. Yes, his age isn\u2019t what you want, but he has just about everything else you want in a first round pick. Traits, production, discipline, leadership \u2013 Mesidor has it all. He\u2019s a scheme fit for Todd Bowles\u2019 defense and is an underrated run defender, as well. <\/p>\n

Mesidor should be able to come in and compete for a solid chunk of playing time. Whose snaps he takes remains to be seen, but the Buccaneers\u2019 pass rush needs a shot in the arm and Mesidor, being a first-round pick, needs to provide that. <\/p>\n

Honorable mentions: LSU Tigers CB Mansoor Delane, Oregon Ducks TE Kenyon Sadiq, Arizona State Sun Devils WR Jordan Tyson<\/p>\n

Round 2, No. 46: D\u2019Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana<\/p>\n

\"TheIndiana\u2019s D\u2019Angelo Ponds (5) celebrates after the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.\u00a9 Rich Janzaruk\/Herald-Times \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

It would make so much sense for this pick to be Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, but I don\u2019t think he\u2019s going to make it to 46. Therefore, Ponds is the guy.<\/p>\n

There are many who believe Ponds is the best pound-for-pound cornerback in the draft and the Buccaneers are big fans of his game. He would take over the nickel role, where he\u2019s best suited, and Jacob Parrish would compete with Benjamin Morrison for the outside spot opposite Zyon McCollum. Bowles said Parrish can play either position and had him on the outside at certain points, last year. <\/p>\n

Ponds is a fiery, athletic playmaker who has good instincts and top-notch route-recognition skills. He would also add a \u201cproductive mean streak\u201d that\u2019s needed on the back end and on the defense, as a whole.<\/p>\n

Sure, the Bucs drafted both Morrison and Parrish last year in Rounds 2 and 3, respectively. They also gave McCollum a large contract extension before the season started. However, Morrison rarely played due to hamstring injuries and the Buccaneers can\u2019t just hand him the starting job. Nor should they.<\/p>\n

We also have to mention the fact McCollum is coming off the worst year of his career as a starter. Will he get back to form or keep sliding? And of course, what if one of these guys get hurt? What depth player should the Buccaneers trust to keep the ship afloat?<\/p>\n

Honorable mentions: Georgia Bulldogs DL Christen Miller, Oklahoma Sooners EDGE R Mason Thomas<\/p>\n

Round 3, No. 77: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri<\/p>\n

\"MissouriSep 6, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers linebacker Josiah Trotter (40) celebrates after a play during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Trotter has the two traits every linebacker must have to be successful in the NFL: instincts and athleticism.<\/p>\n

The dude fires off the ball and knows exactly where to be when defending the run. He has the speed and burst to get there, as well. Trotter would be a boon for the Buccaneers\u2019 run defense and could easily play early downs next to Alex Anzalone. <\/p>\n

The biggest question with Trotter is pass coverage. He struggles in zone and was taken out of most passing situations at Missouri. Fortunately, the Bucs have Anzalone, who is a good coverage player, under contract for two years. Meaning, he can man the coverage aspects while Trotter (hopefully) develops.<\/p>\n

Honorable mentions: North Dakota State WR Bryce Lane, Georgia Bulldogs TE Oscar Delp<\/p>\n

Round 4, No. 116: Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

\"TheTexas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher, left, catches a pass in the end zone to tie the game with Notre Dame linebacker Drayk Bowen, right, defending in the second half of a NCAA football game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in South Bend. The extra point scored after this touchdown put Texas A&M ahead 41-40 to win the game.<\/p>\n

Boerkircher is flying under a lot of people\u2019s radar and that\u2019s fine, because the team that drafts him will have a potential steal on its hands. Fortunately, he lands in the Buccaneers\u2019 laps in this mock draft.<\/p>\n

For starters, he\u2019s a good blocker that can provide quick help in the running game. And while his 19 career receptions seem to display a lack of receiving skills, it\u2019s quite the opposite: Boerkircher is viewed by many as a player with a ton of untapped potential as a receiving tight end. <\/p>\n

Boerkircher\u2019s skill set also allows him to line up in the slot and the backfield, creating an H-back-type role. There\u2019s a lot to like about him and he\u2019d have plenty of room for development when considering the current composition of the Bucs\u2019 tight end room. <\/p>\n

Honorable mentions: Michigan Wolverines LB Jimmy Rolder, Stanford Cardinal TE Sam Roush<\/p>\n

Round 5, No. 145: Caden Barnett, G, Wyoming<\/p>\n

\"\"Dec 30, 2022; Tucson, AZ, USA; Wyoming Cowboys offensive tackle Caden Barnett (72) against the Ohio Bobcats during the 2022 Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n

Barnett has all the makings of a Buccaneers offensive lineman and he makes sense in both this mock draft and in the actual one. Especially if he is available at 145 or later.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s a nasty mauler who moved to guard in 2025 after playing tackle the previous two seasons. Barnett has plenty of strength to be a people-mover in the run game and he has the length and technique to fend off pass rushers.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s also scheme-diverse, with a ton of experience in zone systems. Barnett should develop into one of the top backups on the team and could even fight for starting snaps down the line.<\/p>\n

Honorable mention: Texas A&M Aggies DL Albert Regis<\/p>\n

Round 6, No. 195: Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC<\/p>\n

\"\"Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Southern California defensive back Bishop Fitzgerald (DB35) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Bishop has good eyes, hands, and mental makeup. He\u2019s an instinctive player who has just enough positive traits to play centerfield and he can quickly carve out a role on special teams somewhere.<\/p>\n

The Buccaneers like J.J. Roberts and they signed veteran Miles Killebrew during free agency, but both players are coming off serious knee injuries and that should prompt the Bucs to add a safety late in the draft. Especially when considering a serious injury to Antoine Winfield Jr. or Tykee Smith would put the room in a perilous spot.<\/p>\n

Honorable mention: Toledo Rockets CB Andre Fuller<\/p>\n

Round 7, No. 229: Barion Brown, WR, LSU<\/p>\n

\"\"Nov 22, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Barion Brown (6) runs against Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Jaylen Lewis (7) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Brown\u2019s game is simple: speed.<\/p>\n

The dude can fly, evidenced by the 4.28 forty he ran during the offseason. This pick is strictly a special teams pick, as Brown was an All-SEC returner in 2025. His 445 total kick return yards, 29.7 average per return, and return touchdown all led the conference.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t just a one-year revelation as a returner, either. In 2023, Brown\u2019s 36.0 yards per kick return and three return TDs also led the SEC. In fact, he either tied or led the SEC in kick return touchdowns the last four years. All six return TDs were at least 99 yards, per Dane Brugler, and they tied an all-time SEC record, as well.<\/p>\n

Seventh-round picks are all about traits and well, it\u2019s safe to say Browns best trait is definitely one that warrants a Buccaneers pick in this year\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n

Honorable mention: Florida Gators WR J. Michael Sturdivant<\/p>\n

Final Buccaneers mock draft results<\/p>\n

Round 1, No. 15: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami<\/p>\n

Round 2, No. 46: D\u2019Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana<\/p>\n

Round 3, No. 77: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri<\/p>\n

Round 4, No. 116: Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

Round 5, No. 145: Caden Barnett, G, Wyoming<\/p>\n

Round 6, No. 195: Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC<\/p>\n

Round 7, No. 229: Barion Brown, WR, LSU<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\"David\t\t<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Buccaneers News<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIt sounds like David Walker\u2019s return to the football field is trending in the right direction after his awful knee injury\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

David Walker tore his ACL during the third training camp practice of the 2025 offseason. His latest injury update places his recovery in a promising direction as the Buccaneers get closer to OTAs.<\/p>\n

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