Draft week is officially here, which means we find out who could become future stars for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This mock draft marks the sixth, and final, installment and like last time, we’ll be using A to Z Sports’ mock draft simulator as a guide, but nothing definite, for the exercise.

Before we get started, I wanted to add some important context: The perception of this Buccaneers mock draft will be based on what we know about Jason Licht and Co., the needs of the team, and whatnot. Yes, I’m making the pick, but it won’t be based on what I want the Buccaneers to do at that point in the mock draft.

Also, I won’t make any trades simply due to the fact it can alter the draft in my favor, to an extent. I will make sure to mention whether or not I think the Bucs make a move, though.

So, with all that being said, let’s dive into the final Buccaneers mock draft of the 2026 offseason.

Buccaneers mock draft version 6.0 – the final one

Round 1, No. 15: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

Real quick: Ideally, the Buccaneers would in fact trade back in this situation. Whether it’s a few picks or even to the mid-20s – they should pull the trigger. There’s a good chance Mesidor lasts into the 20s and while it’s always a gamble, it’d be worth it in this draft.

But in this scenario, Mesidor is still the guy at 15. He’s the best pass rusher on the board and he won’t be there when the Buccaneers pick again at 46. It’s also likely guys like R Mason Thomas and Malachi Lawrence are off the board well by that pick, making the talent pool even smaller.

So, Mesidor goes, now. Yes, his age isn’t what you want, but he has just about everything else you want in a first round pick. Traits, production, discipline, leadership – Mesidor has it all. He’s a scheme fit for Todd Bowles’ defense and is an underrated run defender, as well.

Mesidor should be able to come in and compete for a solid chunk of playing time. Whose snaps he takes remains to be seen, but the Buccaneers’ pass rush needs a shot in the arm and Mesidor, being a first-round pick, needs to provide that.

Honorable mentions: LSU Tigers CB Mansoor Delane, Oregon Ducks TE Kenyon Sadiq, Arizona State Sun Devils WR Jordan Tyson

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Round 2, No. 46: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

It would make so much sense for this pick to be Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, but I don’t think he’s going to make it to 46. Therefore, Ponds is the guy.

There are many who believe Ponds is the best pound-for-pound cornerback in the draft and the Buccaneers are big fans of his game. He would take over the nickel role, where he’s best suited, and Jacob Parrish would compete with Benjamin Morrison for the outside spot opposite Zyon McCollum. Bowles said Parrish can play either position and had him on the outside at certain points, last year.

Ponds is a fiery, athletic playmaker who has good instincts and top-notch route-recognition skills. He would also add a “productive mean streak” that’s needed on the back end and on the defense, as a whole.

Sure, the Bucs drafted both Morrison and Parrish last year in Rounds 2 and 3, respectively. They also gave McCollum a large contract extension before the season started. However, Morrison rarely played due to hamstring injuries and the Buccaneers can’t just hand him the starting job. Nor should they.

We also have to mention the fact McCollum is coming off the worst year of his career as a starter. Will he get back to form or keep sliding? And of course, what if one of these guys get hurt? What depth player should the Buccaneers trust to keep the ship afloat?

Honorable mentions: Georgia Bulldogs DL Christen Miller, Oklahoma Sooners EDGE R Mason Thomas

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Round 3, No. 77: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri

Trotter has the two traits every linebacker must have to be successful in the NFL: instincts and athleticism.

The dude fires off the ball and knows exactly where to be when defending the run. He has the speed and burst to get there, as well. Trotter would be a boon for the Buccaneers’ run defense and could easily play early downs next to Alex Anzalone.

The biggest question with Trotter is pass coverage. He struggles in zone and was taken out of most passing situations at Missouri. Fortunately, the Bucs have Anzalone, who is a good coverage player, under contract for two years. Meaning, he can man the coverage aspects while Trotter (hopefully) develops.

Honorable mentions: North Dakota State WR Bryce Lane, Georgia Bulldogs TE Oscar Delp

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Round 4, No. 116: Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M

Boerkircher is flying under a lot of people’s radar and that’s fine, because the team that drafts him will have a potential steal on its hands. Fortunately, he lands in the Buccaneers’ laps in this mock draft.

For starters, he’s a good blocker that can provide quick help in the running game. And while his 19 career receptions seem to display a lack of receiving skills, it’s quite the opposite: Boerkircher is viewed by many as a player with a ton of untapped potential as a receiving tight end.

Boerkircher’s skill set also allows him to line up in the slot and the backfield, creating an H-back-type role. There’s a lot to like about him and he’d have plenty of room for development when considering the current composition of the Bucs’ tight end room.

Honorable mentions: Michigan Wolverines LB Jimmy Rolder, Stanford Cardinal TE Sam Roush

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Round 5, No. 145: Caden Barnett, G, Wyoming

Barnett has all the makings of a Buccaneers offensive lineman and he makes sense in both this mock draft and in the actual one. Especially if he is available at 145 or later.

He’s a nasty mauler who moved to guard in 2025 after playing tackle the previous two seasons. Barnett has plenty of strength to be a people-mover in the run game and he has the length and technique to fend off pass rushers.

He’s also scheme-diverse, with a ton of experience in zone systems. Barnett should develop into one of the top backups on the team and could even fight for starting snaps down the line.

Honorable mention: Texas A&M Aggies DL Albert Regis

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Round 6, No. 195: Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC

Bishop has good eyes, hands, and mental makeup. He’s an instinctive player who has just enough positive traits to play centerfield and he can quickly carve out a role on special teams somewhere.

The Buccaneers like J.J. Roberts and they signed veteran Miles Killebrew during free agency, but both players are coming off serious knee injuries and that should prompt the Bucs to add a safety late in the draft. Especially when considering a serious injury to Antoine Winfield Jr. or Tykee Smith would put the room in a perilous spot.

Honorable mention: Toledo Rockets CB Andre Fuller

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Round 7, No. 229: Barion Brown, WR, LSU

Brown’s game is simple: speed.

The dude can fly, evidenced by the 4.28 forty he ran during the offseason. This pick is strictly a special teams pick, as Brown was an All-SEC returner in 2025. His 445 total kick return yards, 29.7 average per return, and return touchdown all led the conference.

He wasn’t just a one-year revelation as a returner, either. In 2023, Brown’s 36.0 yards per kick return and three return TDs also led the SEC. In fact, he either tied or led the SEC in kick return touchdowns the last four years. All six return TDs were at least 99 yards, per Dane Brugler, and they tied an all-time SEC record, as well.

Seventh-round picks are all about traits and well, it’s safe to say Browns best trait is definitely one that warrants a Buccaneers pick in this year’s draft.

Honorable mention: Florida Gators WR J. Michael Sturdivant

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Final Buccaneers mock draft results

• Round 1, No. 15: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
• Round 2, No. 46: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
• Round 3, No. 77: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
• Round 4, No. 116: Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M
• Round 5, No. 145: Caden Barnett, G, Wyoming
• Round 6, No. 195: Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC
• Round 7, No. 229: Barion Brown, WR, LSU