Buccaneers eye top offensive talent at Senior Bowl ahead of NFL Draft

Todd Bowles, Head Coach at Florida Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Todd Bowles, Head Coach at Florida Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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All eyes are on Mobile, Alabama this week as over 120 prospects participate in the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl, a key event for NFL hopefuls ahead of the draft. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who recently introduced Zac Robinson as their new offensive coordinator, are evaluating several players at the event as they look to strengthen their offense following a decline from their 2024 performance.

With several key free agents and contract decisions looming, the Buccaneers are considering options to bolster their roster. Five offensive prospects at the Senior Bowl have emerged as potential fits for Tampa Bay in the upcoming draft.

Running back Nicholas Singleton from Penn State is among those drawing attention. At 6-foot and 224 pounds, Singleton has accumulated 4,448 scrimmage yards and set a school record with 54 total touchdowns during his college career. He was recognized as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2022 and received an honorable mention in 2024. Despite a decrease in production during his senior year, Singleton remains a candidate for selection in the second or third round due to his combination of power and speed.

Tight end Justin Joly from North Carolina State is another prospect under consideration. After transferring from Connecticut, Joly led his team with seven receiving touchdowns last season and earned first-team All-ACC honors. He was also named a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award. Joly’s strengths include making difficult catches and running diverse routes, though scouts note he could improve as a blocker.

Wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane from USC is seen as a possible addition to Tampa Bay’s receiving corps amid uncertainty regarding Mike Evans’ future with the team. Lane scored 12 touchdowns in his sophomore year and averaged over 15 yards per reception in 2025, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors before declaring for the draft.

Quarterback Sawyer Robertson from Baylor led the Big 12 conference last season with 3,681 passing yards and 31 touchdowns. He is viewed as a potential backup option behind Baker Mayfield should he join Tampa Bay.

Finally, offensive lineman Gennings Dunker from Iowa stands out after anchoring an award-winning line that received national recognition. Dunker earned second-team All-Big Ten honors twice and is projected by many analysts to be selected between the second and third rounds of the draft.

The Buccaneers continue to assess these prospects at the Senior Bowl as they prepare for key offseason decisions that will shape their roster heading into next season.



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