As is tradition this time of year, the NFL metaverse has descended upon Indianapolis for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. NFL hopefuls will undergo in-person interviews with team personnel and scouts, along with on-field drills and testing. Players will rise and fall on mocks based on results from the Midwest. The Bucs currently own the 15th overall selection in the first round of the Draft after finishing with an 8-9 record and second place in the NFC South race. Most analysts are predicting that Tampa Bay will take a defensive player in the first round, notably an inside linebacker or an edge in the first round:
NFL.com
- Pick: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
- Comments: "With Lavonte David mulling retirement, Styles could perfectly slide into the role of run-and-chase linebacker in Todd Bowles' attacking defense."
CBS Sports
- Pick: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
- Comments: "He was also the only SEC player with four-plus tackles for loss and eight-plus passes defended last season. His speed allows him to run stride for stride down the field on vertical routes, and he's quick when planting and driving to the football in zone coverage. Hood also brings a high motor in the run game. The Buccaneers are set to lose cornerback Jamel Dean in free agency, but Tampa Bay can start over with Hood, who will be just 21 years old for his entire NFL rookie season."
The Draft Network
- Pick: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
- Comments: "The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of those teams that have been in search of a premier edge rusher for some years and have swung and missed. In this spot, they take another swing with Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell. Howell is an explosive edge with an ability to use his raw power and strength to overwhelm offensive linemen and should be able to finally give the Buccaneers the edge rusher production they've been in search of."
PFF
- Pick: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
- Comments: "Tampa Bay needs a finisher off the edge, and Howell provides just that. He racked up 12 sacks and earned an elite 90.3 PFF pass-rush grade for Texas A&M in 2025. In fact, it was his third straight season of earning at least a 90.0 PFF pass-rush grade. He would create a formidable pass-rush duo with Yaya Diaby."
The Athletic
- Pick: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
- Comments: "Even if Lavonte David returns, the Bucs' linebacking corps needs help. Styles, a former safety, is a great athlete with plenty of college production; he was the Buckeyes' second-leading tackler during the 2024 national championship season and No. 1 last fall."






























