A casual Bucs fan's guide to the 2026 NFL draft
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Keldric Faulk, formerly of the Auburn Tigers, has been a popular prediction for the Bucs to draft next week. Photo: Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Next week's NFL Draft will offer the Bucs a chance to replenish their roster amid an offseason in which two franchise legends left the team.
Why it matters: The departures of receiver Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David leave massive shoes to fill on both sides of the ball.
- While last year's first-round pick, receiver Emeka Egbuka, is ready for a bigger role on offense, the team is thin in its defensive front.
State of play: Many expect the Bucs to use their first pick to address that deficiency by drafting a pass rusher or other defensive lineman.
Names to know: Auburn's Keldric Faulk has been a popular projection for the Bucs with their first pick, No. 15. At 20, the pass rusher is one of the draft's youngest top prospects, with speed to burn.
- Staying in-state, another possibility is Miami's Akheem Mesidor. The pass rusher among the draft's older prospects, at 25, but he's seen as polished and ready to contribute quickly.
- An offensive lineman also can't be ruled out, as the Bucs have drafted four in the first two rounds since 2020, per CBS Sports. Options include Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane.
By the numbers: The Bucs have seven picks, per ESPN: Nos. 15, 46, 77, 116, 155, 195 and 229.
How to watch: The draft starts next Thursday, April 23, at 8pm. Rounds 2 and 3 air at 7pm that Friday, with the remaining four rounds airing that Saturday, starting at noon.
- There are a ton of places to watch: ESPN, ABC (for Round 1), Disney+, NFL Network and the ESPN App.