Jason Licht reveals a big part of Bucs’ draft plans without saying much at all

The Bucs clearly taking EDGE and linebacker early in the draft.

Evan Winter — NFL Managing Editor

Feb 24, 2026 1:30 PM EST

The NFL Combine officially started on Tuesday and Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht was one of the first people to speak to the media.

As usual, he was asked an array of questions that centered on everything from Mike Evans and Lavonte David to free agency and draft plans. It’s the latter, however, that offered a lot more clarity after Licht spoke.

Those who follow this team closely know the Buccaneers need a lot more help on defense than they do on offense, especially in the front seven. With it being a solid draft at both the EDGE and inside (off-ball) linebacker positions, most figured the Licht would stock up on the talent in the early rounds.

He confirmed as much on Tuesday when listening to what he said about not only those positions, but another Buccaneers position group, as well.

Licht and his crew really like the crop of EDGE players and linebackers

“I would say there’s quite a few players that we have fairly high on our draft board at this time,” Licht told reporters. “… I think it’s a fairly good crop this year at those positions.”

There are plenty of realistic names to like at No. 15 in the first round. Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is the dream pick, but the chances he’ll be there are small. A more likely name is Texas A&M Aggies EDGE Cashius Howell, who racked up 26.0 sacks over the last three seasons. Three other EDGE players to consider are Miami’s Akheem Mesidor, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, and Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas.

At linebacker, C.J. Allen is a guy to consider and then there are plenty of second-round prospects who would make sense, as well.

Either way, Licht made it clear the Buccaneers have to improve their pass rush this season, which only adds more credence to the idea of them taking a pass rusher or linebacker at 15.

“That’s just an area, we own it, that hasn’t been great,” said Licht. “… That’s one of the areas we need to focus on, whether it’s free agency, draft, what have you. It’s obvious the NFL is a pressure game and you need to get pressure on the quarterback in order to win…

“… I think in order to take the next step from where we were, you know previous to 2025, I think we need to get more pressure on the quarterback.”

There are a couple of ways to “double dip” in the pass rush department, too. A linebacker prospect like Anthony Hill Jr., who racked up 8.0 sacks last year, could get taken after an EDGE at 15 and provide some more juice. Plus, we all know how often Todd Bowles sends his off-ball linebackers after opposing quarterbacks.

Licht also essentially killed off any shot of the Buccaneers taking an offensive lineman in the early rounds. That was pretty much an obvious give-me and, but still, his comments regarding the Bucs’ offensive line group as one of the strongest, if not the strongest, group on the team puts any doubt to bed.

As long as nothing serious changes, it’s really hard to see Tampa Bay go in any other direction than EDGE and linebacker early in the draft. Those two positions are completely vital to the defensive turnaround that’s needed and the Bucs won’t be able to make it happen without a litany of talent at both spots.

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