The NFL Scouting Combine is coming to a close in Indianapolis on March 2nd as coverage wraps. Many players lived up to the hype at Lucas Oil Stadium, cementing their draft placement. Other under-the-radar prospects emerged on the scene with jaw-dropping measurements or athleticism in the 40-yard dash and 3-cone drill. The Buccaneers have the 15th overall selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft and while most pundits have previously projected the Bucs to go the defensive route in the first round with an edge rusher or linebacker, several recent rundowns have dynamic tight end Kenyon Sadiq going to Tampa Bay. Here is what analysts are saying:
NFL.com
- Pick: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
- Comments: "The first tight end in combine history to record a sub-4.4 40, Sadiq, who also had a 43½-inch vert, certainly made some money over the past few days. He'd not only give QB Baker Mayfield another downfield weapon, this offense might need a partial reload with WR Mike Evans and TE Cade Otton currently unsigned for 2026."
CBS Sports
- Pick: IOL Spencer Fano, Utah
- Comments: "The Buccaneers could look to bolster their guard position, which was an issue for much of 2025. Spencer Fano was a tackle at Utah but looks best suited for the interior in the NFL."
The Draft Network
- Pick: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
- Comments: "As he showed at the NFL Combine, Kenyon Sadiq is an explosive, elite athlete who brings game-changing speed to the tight end position. He had elite jumps (43.5-inch vertical, 11-foot-2 broad) and a crazy fast 40-yard dash (4.39). Sadiq can line up all over the formation and is a strong blocker in the run game. He has the potential to step in immediately as a key target for Baker Mayfield while helping open run lanes for Bucky Irving."
PFF
- Pick: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami
- Comments: "Mesidor didn't participate in any of the combine testing, which was mostly expected after Miami's long season. He was one of the best pass rushers in all of college football this season, logging an elite 92.5 PFF pass-rush grade (sixth best among draft-eligible edge defenders), and would immediately be Tampa Bay's best edge rusher."
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."
