We are now more than a week into free agency and the dust is beginning to settle across the NFL. Teams now have a clearer picture of their needs as they approach the 2026 NFL Draft, with a better sense of who they want to target in April. With this new information, franchises can be more intentional with their strategies, ensuring they execute their vision for the future. Of course, that process includes trades.

Teams have been making moves already, trading in and out of the first round of this year's draft. Earlier this month we saw the Chiefs and Dolphins pick up extra Day One capital late in Round One. Transactions are a staple of the draft-day experience and for good reason. In the last five NFL drafts, there have been at least three first-round trades while teams were actively on the clock, peaking at nine in 2022. If you manage to avoid social media spoilers, the four-to-five seconds of anticipation as the alert graphic flashes across the screen is one of the most exhilarating moments of the event. Did my team trade up? I wonder what they gave up? What ripple effect will this have?

That being said, for my newest mock I thought I would take a shot at mixing in some trades. I took into account team needs, the positional value of each pick and what each team would stand to gain from making said deal. Naturally, a question arises for the Buccaneers.

If history tells us anything, the Bucs are no stranger to making first-round trades. Throughout their 50 year history, Tampa Bay has engaged in 20 deals regarding the fate of their own first-round selection, four of which have been executed by General Manager Jason Licht. Licht has traded back in the first-round thrice (2016, 2018, 2022) and decided to move up once to select future two-time All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs in 2020. The Buccaneers are usually not in the business of giving up assets. Licht values his draft picks and the past two years prove it, making zero trades throughout the 2024 and 2025 drafts. Keep in mind, all of this could go out the window if a can't-miss opportunity decides to present itself, something that very well may be in the cards when you take a closer look at the prospects hovering around the first round.

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine showcased plenty of athleticism, but the front seven stole the show. There was a group of edge rushers, linebackers and even defensive lineman who solidified their positions at top of the class. This is great news for the Buccaneers, who are widely believed to be interested in adding a defensive talent early during the draft festivities in Pittsburgh. It is also a bit concerning considering some of these players may have risen past the Bucs' 15th position.

So, the question remains. Will the Buccaneers pay the price to climb up the draft, drop back to add more talent or will the board simply fall their way? I've done enough talking. Trades, I promised. Trades, I will deliver.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

The Raiders entered free agency with significant cap space and wasted no time spending it, committing $281.5 million within the opening wave. With Klint Kubiak and former Buccaneers Assistant General Manager John Spytek building up the roster, the organization has a clear vision, one that includes Fernando Mendoza at the helm.

2. New York Jets: EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State

It was interesting to witness the shift in Arvell Reese's positional alignment. For the majority of his collegiate career, you would see him accredited as a linebacker. Cut to present day where you see 'EDGE' next to his name on the NFL's website. Logically, this is a business savvy move since defensive end is where the money is contract-wise; however this is not just a financial decision. Reese truly possesses the positional versatility to wreck an opponent's gameplan from the box or defensive line. Aaron Glenn has to be ecstatic.

3. Arizona Cardinals: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech

Arizona finished in the bottom five in the NFL in total sacks in 2025, a weakness they are looking to address with the addition of David Bailey. Despite needs along the offensive line, the Cardinals opt for the best player available on its board. Bailey brings an explosive presence off the edge and should provide an immediate boost to the pass rush in the desert.

4. Tennessee Titans: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

The Titans say to hell with positional value and make Sonny Styles the highest drafted off-ball linebacker since the Bucs selected Devin White fifth overall in 2019. Robert Saleh cannot ignore the masterpiece Styles' produced in Indianapolis. I think Styles is going to enjoy wearing Tennessee's new uniforms. Those things are beautiful.

5. New York Giants: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

John Harbaugh recently said the Giants' draft strategy is reliant upon selecting a 'gold jacket' talent. Love presents himself as a top-two prospect in this year's draft and a must-have tool for their young, developing quarterback Jaxson Dart. Even with Cam Skattebo on the roster, New York knows you do not walk away from Love.

6. Cleveland Browns: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

I have seen Carnell Tate fall in some mock drafts because of him not testing as highly as others at the combine. What I, and the Browns, will default to is the tape. When you watch Tate's film, you see a player ready to make an immediate impact in any offense and arguably the top wideout in this year's NFL Draft. The Browns keep Tate in the Buckeye State.

7. **MOCK TRADE** Cincinnati Bengals (via. Washington): EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

Cincinnati sets its sights on Rueben Bain Jr. and moves up three spots to secure the dominant pass rusher. Both Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai departed the Bengals this offseason. The team addressed the position by signing recent Super-Bowl-champion Boye Mafe to a three-year deal, but Bain is just what the doctor ordered. The Bengals did not field a single player who amassed 6.0 sacks in 2025. Cincy overlooks Bain's less-than-ideal arm length and focuses on his All-American production. The Commanders pick up the 72^nd pick in the process.

8. New Orleans Saints: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

The Saints get a new toy for second-year quarterback Tyler Shough to play with. New Orleans is enamored with the countless highlight-reel plays Jordyn Tyson produced in Tempe and pairs the wideout alongside Chris Olave, forming a duo ready to make secondaries sweat.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Kansas City does not overthink this pick and they grab the top cornerback on the board. Delane is poised to be a Day-One starter and an instant playmaker for Chiefs' kingdom.

10. **MOCK TRADE** Washington Commanders (via. Cincinnati): S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

The Commanders trade back a few spots and still come down with what some believe to be the No. 1 talent in the draft. Downs was passed over earlier in the draft because of a potential 'knee issue' identified at the combine. It is not enough to dissuade Dan Quinn from selecting him 10th overall.

11. Miami Dolphins: T Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Miami is absolutely thrilled that nobody decided to pick up an offensive tackle in the top ten and they now have their pick of the litter. The Dolphins keep Francis Mauigoa home, making him an integral part of their offensive line.

12. Dallas Cowboys: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

The Cowboys gave up the most yards through the air in 2025. Dallas added safety Jalen Thompson and cornerback Cobie Durant in free agency, but elect to reinforce the secondary further with Jermod McCoy. McCoy missed all of last season with a knee injury, yet based on his 2024 tape alone, he is more than worthy of this draft slot.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Sean McVay is focused on maximizing his team's offensive potential while Matthew Stafford is still under center. The league's reigning MVP now gets a massive weapon at tight end in Kenyon Sadiq.

14. Baltimore Ravens: T Spencer Fano, Utah

With Tyler Linderbaum's departure to Sin City, the Ravens use the 14th pick to bolster their offensive line. Spencer Fano took reps at center during the combine and captured Baltimore's interest in the process.

15. **MOCK TRADE** New England Patriots (via Tampa Bay): WR Makai Lemon, USC

The Patriots were knocking on the door of an NFL-record seventh Super Bowl and just fell short. Believing they are one step away, New England makes an aggressive move up the board, finding a trade partner with the Buccaneers. The deal does not come cheap, costing a 2027 first-round pick and a mid-round selection in 2026 for the swap, but that is the price to climb 16 spots in Round One. Even after adding Romeo Doubs, NFL Coach of the Year Mike Vrabel wants to give his MVP-candidate quarterback the best chance to succeed. That effort leads to Makai Lemon, leap-frogging the Jets in the process. The 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner heads to Foxborough with the opportunity for his jersey to go platinum across fraternities in the northeast for years to come.

So why does Tampa Bay feel comfortable enough to drop to No. 31? At this point in the draft, a cluster of edge rushers remains on the board, giving the franchise the flexibility to choose from a similar tier of talent. However, none of the available players at this spot are captivating enough to decline New England's offer. Licht can gain a king's ransom of capital while still selecting a quality defensive player at the bottom of the round. If none of the mocked first-round defensive ends are available when the Buccaneers are on the clock, it is an outcome they can live with, given the depth of talent still available to address the position in Round Two.

16. New York Jets (via. Indianapolis): WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Well, that was annoying watching a divisional rival shoot up the board to grab one of the top wide receivers. The Jets do not break a sweat and still grab their guy, Denzel Boston. Boston will have no problem creating leverage and using his frame to high-point balls. He will be a threat on the outside or in the slot.

17. Detroit Lions: G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

The Lions are another team that capitalize on the slide of offensive linemen and grab what is considered to be the best guard in the draft.

18. Minnesota Vikings: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

As Minnesota awaits Harrison Smith's official decision on retirement, Dillon Thieneman stands out as a natural fit. The Oregon safety has solidified himself as a first-round talent and the Vikings would be more than happy to acquire his services in the secondary.

19. Carolina Panthers: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

The Panthers continue to add to the middle of their defense and draft a certified run-stuffer in CJ Allen. Allen joins Devin Lloyd as Carolina continues to build a formidable front seven.

20. Dallas Cowboys (via. Green Bay): EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Keldric Faulk possesses the traits of a future Pro-Bowl edge rusher. Jerry Jones pairs him with Rashan Gary as the Cowboys used the first round to improve their defense.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: T Monroe Freeling, Georgia

With Monroe Freeling falling into their lap, the Steelers take the opportunity to upgrade at left tackle.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Jim Harbaugh falls in love with the intensity of Akheem Mesidor's game. The Chargers expect Mesidor's extensive collegiate experience to translate right away at the next level. He has the size and skill to help bring the AFC West title to La La Land for the first time.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Jaelan Phillips receiving a massive contract from Carolina leads the Eagles to add another body to the defensive line. Despite being undersized, Cashius Howell has proven he can get to the quarterback, totaling 11.5 sacks in 2025 and becoming the SEC's Defensive Player of the Year in the process.

24. Cleveland Browns (via. Jacksonville): T Caleb Lomu, Utah

It is clear the Browns need reinforcements on the offensive line. Caleb Lomu is a great addition to their line of scrimmage, boasting the consistency to keep Cleveland's quarterback upright in 2026.

25. Chicago Bears: DL Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

The Chicago Bears land the top defensive tackle on their board, with no other team having tapped into the position group at this point in the draft. Kayden McDonald gets the call based on his strength against the run.

26. Buffalo Bills: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

Omar Cooper Jr. is one of the biggest risers from the draft process and is most likely to become Josh Allen's new best friend. If you have time to search his ridiculous game-winning grab at Penn State last year, please do. It is one of the most insane collegiate catches I have ever seen.

27. San Francisco 49ers: DL Peter Woods, Clemson

Even with San Francisco investing heavily into their defensive line as of recent, they cannot let Peter Woods pass. Despite being a defensive tackle, Woods has flashed the ability to be a productive pass rusher. His addition will certainly help the 49ers bottom-of-the-league sack total in 2025.

28. **MOCK TRADE** Arizona Cardinals (via. Houston): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

The Cardinals do not feel comfortable waiting until the second round to grab their quarterback. Simpson impressed during the NFL combine and reports say scouts have attributed a Round-One grade to his name. Arizona can spend their third-round pick providing protection for their new rookie quarterback. This move would mark the second-straight year the Houston Texans trade out of the first round, allowing another team to select the face of its franchise. With offensive linemen sliding down the board, Houston feels comfortable moving back six spots, confident it can still land a first-round caliber talent early on Day Two. The Texans gain the Cardinals' 104th pick in this year's draft, along with a 2027 third-rounder, thanks to Arizona's move for a quarterback.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams): EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson

Kansas City lands huge value late in the first round, selecting T.J. Parker out of Clemson. Parker's size and versatility allow him to line up inside or outside, depending on the matchups Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo wants to exploit. The defensive end has the potential to be a thorn in the side of opposing offensive lines early in Arrowhead.

30. Miami Dolphins (via. Denver): CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

The Dolphins still need to find themselves a rookie wide receiver but elect to wait another day. Miami turns to Colton Hood to become their new CB1. His play speed flashes on tape, allowing him to stay connected on vertical routes. The Dolphins look his way over Clemson's Avieon Terrell due to Hood's higher ceiling as an outside cornerback at the next level.

31. **MOCK TRADE** Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via. New England) LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

Even after trading all the way back, the Buccaneers are still able to land a cornerstone for their defense for the foreseeable future. Jacob Rodriguez's production, work-ethic and makeup make him an excellent addition to the front seven. Last season, Rodrgiuez finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting, along with winning the Nagurski Award, given to the nation's best defensive player. While at the combine, the All-American displayed the athleticism that allowed him to rank as PFF's best coverage linebacker in 2025. Rodriguez has consistently climbed up draft boards and Tampa Bay does not want to live in a world where he gets past them. The Bucs will have an opportunity to add an edge rusher with plenty of valuable names remaining in Round Two. Rodriguez has the potential to become Lavonte David's successor, anchoring the middle of the defense for 2026 and beyond.

32. Seattle Seahawks: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

After losing Coby Bryant this offseason, the defending Super Bowl champions add one of the top safeties in the draft. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren will allow Nick Emmanwori to continue wreaking havoc as the Seahawks' nickel back.