Buccaneers Top-30 Tracker: Keeping up with all of Tampa Bay’s meetings and what they mean for the 2026 NFL Draft

The Bucs have met with several prospects, and it’s easy to see why Tampa Bay is interested in them. Below is an updated list of every player so far, with quick context explaining why they make sense.

Evan Winter — NFL Managing Editor
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Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) reacts after recording a sack during the third quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
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We are officially less than a month away from the 2026 NFL Draft, which means we will receive more and more pieces to the puzzle as the days and weeks pass.

Some important pieces include top-30 visits. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, along with the other 31 NFL teams, are allowed to bring in 30 draft prospects for the applicable year. These are private visits that allow teams to get to know prospects a lot better and the meetings can include a variety of activities.

Below is the list of the Buccaneers’ current slate of top-30 visits and why Jason Licht and Co. are interested in them. We’ll update the article as more updates come in.

Buccaneers’ 2026 top-30 visits ahead of the NFL Draft

  • Missouri Tigers DL Zion Young, per JC Allen
    • Why he makes sense: The Buccaneers signed A’Shawn Robinson to replace Logan Hall on the defensive line, but he’s 32 and signed a one-year deal that doesn’t include void years. Not only does Tampa Bay need a long-term option, it also needs to replace Greg Gaines’ place in the rotation so Robinson can get a breather.

      Young can play that 4i-4t-5t position on the defensive line opposite Calijah Kancey. He’s a long, strong, intense lineman who plays with an aggressive demeanor that adds to the Bucs’ offseason pursuit of more ass-kickers on defense. He needs to add more variety to his arsenal in terms of pass rush, but that can be developed as he rotates in 2026.

      Young is projected as a Day 2 pick with late-Round 1 upside.
  • Oklahoma Sooners EDGE R Mason Thomas, per James Simeone
    • Why he makes sense: Like defensive line, the Bucs added to the EDGE room in free agency via Al-Quadin Muhammad. He recorded a career-high 11.0 sacks last year and he may be on the up-and-up, but that shouldn’t stop the Buccaneers from investing more resources in the position.

      The Bucs are looking for a clear type of pass rusher to complement Yaya Diaby and Mason Thomas fits the mold. He’s built low to the ground and is an explosive, bendy/twitchy pass rusher whose non-stop motor was the driving force behind dominant junior and senior seasons.

      Thomas is projected as a late Round 1/early Round 2 pick.

R Mason Thomas’ 2024 and 2025 season stats (combined)

  • Sacks: 15.5
  • Tackles for loss: 22
  • Forced Fumbles: 4
  • Fumble recoveries for touchdowns: 2
  • Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jimmy Rolder, per Ryan Fowler
    • Why he makes sense: The Buccaneers added two veteran linebackers who started for their respective 2026 squads, but are very likely to lose Lavonte David to retirement. Therefore, the linebacker position still needs attention.

      Rolder is a very intriguing prospect. He started just one year in college, but looked way more experienced he should have. Rolder quickly developed the instincts needed to have success at the position, which is a key trait for linebackers. He uses his shorter frame to win the leverage game against bigger blockers and he’s a really good tackler.

      Rolder is projected as a Day 3 pick.
  • Georgia Bulldogs TE Oscar Delp, per Arye Pulli
    • Why he makes sense: Cade Otton has a new three-year contract, but Payne Durham is entering the final year of his deal and Devin Culp didn’t take the step forward many thought he would in 2025.

      Culp is a great athlete and has explosive ability, but he currently can’t be relied on. So, the Buccaneers need to continue to keep makiing the tight end room as dynamic as possible. Delp can help with exactly that, as his athleticism and speed are major weapons that helped him average 13.1 yards per reception last year.

      He’s an all-around tight end that can provide quality snaps when run blocking, as well. Delp would be a great complement to Otton.

      Delp is projected as a Day 2/early Day 3 pick.
  • Ole Miss Rebels WR De’Zhaun Stribling, per A to Z Sports
    • Why he makes sense: Mike Evans’ notable departure leaves the Bucs without a true X receiver and Stribling could fill that void.

      He’s got the size at 6-foot-2, 207 pounds, but the key with Stribling is he clocked a 4.36 40 at the NFL Combine. Evans had great speed for his size, but Stribling’s sub-4.4 ability is obviously a different animal to contend with.

      Scouting reports highlight Stribling’s ability win against all coverages, from press to man to zone, as well as ability to win downfield. He’s a very well-rounded receiver and could certainly find a way to get on the field in 2026.

      Stribling is projected as a Day 2 pick.

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