Bucs taking a closer look at an SEC standout who could address a major issue, but comes with risks
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are doing their due diligence ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, and it appears they have their eye on an Oklahoma defender who could help them get some juice into their pass rush.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have to find a way to generate a better pass rush in 2026 after a stagnant performance from its defense last season.
The Bucs will certainly be looking to find some upgrades on the edge, particularly after missing on Trey Hendrickson and other splash targets in free agency.
However, they still need to find help on the interior of their line, particularly with Logan Hall off to the Houston Texans in free agency. And they’re taking a closer look who could give them a pass rushing presence from the middle of their defense.
Per Pewter Report, the Bucs have brought in Oklahoma DT Gracen Halton on a top 30 visit ahead of this month’s NFL Draft.
Bucs hosted Oklahoma DT Gracen Halton on a top 30 visit
Halton fits the bill when it comes to a speed and athletic pass rusher. The 6-3, 293 pounder can move well for his size, with a 1.70 10-second split on a 4.82 40-yard dash.
The production was there at the college level as well. He totaled 30 pressures last year for the Sooners in 259 pass rushing snaps from the interior. Over the last two years, he totaled 13 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.
However, there are certainly question marks that come with Halton. He’s not as solid of a run defender as he is getting after opposing quarterbacks and appears to project more as a situational pass rusher, at least early on. His 31 1/8-inch arms could also cause some issues with interior linemen with longer arms.
Still, it’s a logical fit in that the Bucs need defensive line depth and pass rush help, and Halton certainly checks those boxes. If he’s on the board when the Bucs pick in the third round (No. 77), he could make a lot of sense as the selection for Jason Licht.
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