Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht has done a solid job of finding quality players on Day 3 of the NFL Draft ever since he got the gig back in 2014.

Anthony Nelson, Jordan Whitehead, Cade Otton, Zyon McCollum, and Bucky Irving are a few examples of Licht’s success. All of those guys, plus a couple others, have become or at once were, players who provide quality snaps on a consistent basis. They’ve all held starting roles at some point in time and the majority of them received second contracts from the Buccaneers.

Licht really needs to work his magic in 2026. The Buccaneers still have several holes to fill and they need immediate-impact players that can help them get back to playoff contender status.

ESPN recently released an article where they spoke to 30 college coaches about sleepers in the upcoming draft. And sure enough, the Buccaneers’ diligence has them looking good, because they’ve already met with a few of these guys.

Buccaneers linked to three potential draft sleepers

Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati

Allen hauled in 13 touchdowns last season and lead the Bearcats in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. He’s not the biggest nor strongest guy, but he’s a hell of an athlete with great body control.

“When you get to the NFL, Cyrus plays so fast that he’s going to be able to get open, because you can’t put their hands on you like in college. And he’s bigger than what most people think. He’s not small like T.Y. [Hilton] or Tutu [Atwell].”

The Buccaneers’ interest in Allen is plausible. He’d add a dynamic element to the passing attack that Zach Robinson doesn’t really have. Sure, Tez Johnson showed some flashes last year, but he has to be schemed open to win on a regular basis. Allen can hold his own and win via route-running and whatnot, for the most part.

There’s a possibility he carves out a role as a returner, as well.

Allen is projected to be a Day 3 pick, likely going in the fifth or sixth round. It’d make sense for the Buccaneers to take him at that point in the draft. Considering they get more important needs filled first, obviously.

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Justin Joly, TE, North Carolina State

There’s no surprise the Buccaneers are linked to one of the tight ends in ESPN’s draft article. Tampa Bay wants to upgrade the athleticism at the position and Joly certainly fits the bill.

“Joly is a versatile pass catcher, because of his athleticism, ball skills and upside as a three-level threat. Built in the mold of Jonnu Smith, he is more Robin than Batman and ideally suited as a “move” tight end in a 12-personnel offense.”

Devin Culp didn’t take a step forward in 2026 and while the door isn’t closed – the Buccaneers can’t rely on his development. Adding Joly would be an upgrade and fully round out the tight end room. Robinson loves to use 12 personnel, too, so it plays right into his hands.

The thing with Joly, however, is he could go as high as Round 3. At the same time, Round 4 is still the overall landing spot most are projecting.

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Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech

Per Pewter Report, Wisniewski is the Buccaneers’ latest pre-draft visit. At 6-foot-3, 219 pounds, his game is a lot similar to Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn’s. He’s best in the box, but has enough ability to move around the front seven and even take on certain coverage assignments.

“I’ve told every coach and pro scout, every guy who came to our pro day, I’d bet my paycheck he’d make a roster. He’s big, so he can roll down in the box and they can play him on third down at linebacker, he’s 220 pounds. Phenomenal tackler.

He could coach our secondary right now. He’s extremely intelligent, high football IQ. I’m really high on him.”

The Buccaneers have a solid starting duo in Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith, but the depth behind them is shaky, at best. Especially when considering Miles Killebrew and J.J. Roberts are coming off major knee injuries.

Dane Brugler has a seventh round/UDFA grade on Wisniewski, making him a very enticing draft prospect.