The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to target defensive players in the upcoming NFL Draft, according to several mock drafts released ahead of the event set to begin on April 23.
This focus comes as analysts highlight the team’s ongoing need for improvements in its pass rush and defensive front. With 257 prospects set to be selected over seven rounds, many experts have linked the Buccaneers with an edge rusher at pick number 15.
Chad Reuter from NFL.com projects that Tampa Bay will select Akheem Mesidor, an edge rusher from Miami. “Mesidor’s a quick, strong pass rusher who can also make plays against the run. Based on general manager Jason Licht’s recent comments that he could see the Bucs contending in short order, he’s not likely to worry about Mesidor’s age (will be a 25-year-old rookie),” Reuter said. Other potential picks for later rounds include linebacker Jacod Rodriguez and cornerback Davison Igbinosun.
Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports also predicts Mesidor will join Tampa Bay, quoting a defensive line coach: “A defensive line coach told me Mesidor is the most pro-ready rusher out of the group. He’ll be 25 when he plays his first game, and that can scare teams off. But Tampa needs a rusher and could use one who doesn’t need a season or two to hit his stride.” Keith Sanchez from The Draft Network echoes this view, stating: “The Buccaneers are one of those teams that have been in search of an answer to their pass rush issues for a few years now… Mesidor plays the game with a high motor and physicality, which should make him have an immediate impact on the Buccaneers’ defensive line.”
However, not all projections agree on targeting an edge player first. Bradley Locker from PFF suggests Keldric Faulk from Auburn as another option for Tampa Bay’s defense: “Faulk has been a polarizing player throughout the pre-draft evaluation cycle… Tampa Bay continues to need consistent playmakers along its defensive front seven, and Todd Bowles could take a swing at a developmental piece in Faulk.” Dane Brugler of The Athletic offers yet another perspective by predicting guard Vega Ioane out of Penn State might be selected instead: “Edge rusher and linebacker are arguably Tampa Bay’s top two areas of need… They are in a position to go best player available here, which might be Ioane, who would provide an immediate upgrade at left guard.”
As draft day approaches, observers expect further speculation about how these choices could affect both immediate team performance and long-term development.