There are plenty of holes to fill on the current edition of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' roster, but only one first-round pick available. 

Things become especially tougher when considering the Bucs pick at No. 26. Hypothesizing which players go where in Round 1 is already tough enough, but it's nearly impossible when picking toward the back end.

That's why Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht has more than just a Plan B – he has several backup options.

"No one knows how this is going to go," Licht told reporters on Thursday. "So if somebody's telling you they know where you're going, they're lying… So, right now, we have five to seven guys we think might be there…

"… I think that's the hardest part about picking down there [at No. 26]."

Well, immediately, to me, that meant it's time to take a look the seven players that would make a lot of sense for the Bucs at No. 26. And specifically at No. 26 – sorry, but Caleb Williams won't be featured, here.

These are in no specific order. With some help from Grinding The Mocks, a site takes all of the published mock drafts and composes the average draft slot for each player, we'll talk about the best options for Tampa Bay.

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1. DL Jer'Zhan (Jimmy) Newton, Western Michigan Broncos

I wouldn't blame anyone for raising their eyebrows at a fourth-straight year in which the Bucs took a pass rusher with their first pick in the draft. The Bucs really want to get the four-man pass rush going though and right now it's fair to say they don't have all the pieces they need to make that a consistent threat, right now. 

Newton makes a lot of sense and would be a really good rotational piece in his first year. The trenches have also been valued by Licht, too, which only adds credence to the idea of a good fit.

"I always liked the trenches. And I think we need help in both trenches," Licht told reporters.

Newton would not only come in and boost the defensive line, he'd allow Calijah Kancey to stay fresh since the Bucs wouldn't have to worry about too much of a drop off when the latter needs a breather.

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2. WR Brian Thomas, LSU Tigers

Sure, the Bucs brought back Mike Evans, but it's only a two-year deal and his age is still something to consider despite the fact he shows little signs of slowing down. Chris Godwin is also in the final year of his contract and it's unclear whether or not the Bucs can afford both players – no matter how beloved Godwin is.

Thomas doesn't have the inside/outside versatility Godwin possesses, but he is a true outside threat who has the potential to be a No. 1 receiver in an NFL offense. 

He needs to improve his route running, but what better chance to do so in a rotation that features two Pro Bowlers, along with other promising players in Trey Palmer and Deven Thompkins. Evans has been vocal about improving his route-running ability over the years and it's highly likely he'd be more than happy to share some secrets in order to get Thomas on the right track.

"It's another position that you can't have – you really can't have too many of those. And I think [offensive coordinator] Liam [Coen] can find a way to use a lot of very good receivers and playmakers," said Licht.

"… It's another position that I would consider a need and [you] can't fill them all right now in the draft but [I'd] love to get one."

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3. C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon Ducks

As you can see below, JPJ is starting to trend down in mock drafts, but that's good news for the Bucs, as he's a good fit for what they want to do on offense and he's likely gone by the time they pick at 57.

Yes, mock drafts aren't the end-all-be-all, but it's an interesting note as the draft draws closer.

The Bucs need to upgrade the center position and they certainly miss the days of former Pro Bowler, Ryan Jensen, who officially retired during the offseason. JPJ gives the Bucs that, along with the ability to thrive in Coen's zone scheme. 

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4. EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State Nittany Lions

The Bucs recently added Randy Gregory, but the expectation is for the former second-rounder to be more of rotational/depth piece, not the centerpiece of the pass rush.

And, even though there are two presumed starters in Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and YaYa Diaby, those guys haven't shown their No. 1 guys, either.

"We were just looking for some depth there," said Licht. "… He just wants to contribute. He has to earn it… it's not going to affect how we approach the draft. We could always use a higher-end pass rusher. I think every team can, so it's not gonna affect the way we approach it."

Robinson has the production and the traits to be the main pass rusher in an NFL defense and he'd have the time it takes to develop into one via the rotational environment in Tampa. 

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5. CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama Crimson Tide

McKinstry doesn't have the prototypical size Bowles looks for in his corners, but he has enough and when you combine that with his scheme versatility and athleticism – he's worth the exception.

It also speaks volumes that Malik Nabers, one of the draft's best receivers, said McKinstry is the best corner he faced during his collegiate career.

The Bucs were in the market for a cornerback before they traded Carlton Davis III to the Detroit Lions and McKinstry would be a good fit.

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The other two players

• LB Payton Wilson, North Carolina State Wolfpack: Wilson has the speed and range Bowles likes in his middle linebackers, plus, he has coverage skills. The Bucs like K.J. Britt, but Wilson would add a dynamic element Britt can't.
• DL Darius Robinson, Missouri Tigers: Like Newton, Robinson would add depth and bolster the pass rush, which would in turn help the outside EDGE rushers.

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