Grading Day 3 of the Bucs’ 2026 Draft: Tampa Bay lands yet another steal, but also takes a massive gamble on the last day
The Buccaneers rocked the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft and came into Day 3 looking to do more damage. Their final grades tell the full story of how it all eventually went down.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came into Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft looking to put the final touches on what had been a successful draft, so far.
The Bucs managed to nab another steal in Keionte Scott and grabbed a few others who can come in and provide adequate depth, with the potential for more down the road.
Who are these players? Let’s dive in and discuss while also handing out the Buccaneers’ final Day 3 draft grades.
What are the Buccaneers Day 3 draft grades after their final pick?
Round 4, No. 116: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami (FL)
Scott’s a ready-made nickel who should step in and play from Day 1. A few analysts have labeled him as a linebacker in a cornerback’s body. He has no issue setting the edge and getting physical in the run game and he’s extremely fast at processing what’s going on in front of him.
He was also projected by many analysts to go in Rounds 2 or 3, therefore, getting him at 116 screams value.
But, arguably the best part about the Scott pick is the fact Jacob Parrish will now move outside and compete with Benjamin Morrison for the starting job opposite Zyon McCollum. Meaning, the Bucs found a way to keep their second- and third-round picks from 2025 NFL Draft in a spot where they can continue to develop at a significant pace. While also creating viable depth.
Grade: A
Round 5, No. 155: DeMonte Capehart, DL, Clemson
Per Dane Brugler, Capehart is “a massive, powerful human who moves like a much smaller person. He fires off the snap with a linear burst (which his combine numbers backed up) and uses full extension to press blockers, lock out and find the football. He is an inconsistent shed player and strains to muddy up the run game. As a pass rusher, he has yet to prove himself as anything more than a pocket pusher.”
I’ll admit, I’m not as familiar with Capehart as I am other prospects, but the pick makes sense based on Brugler’s scouting report. The Bucs need a big nose tackle to replace Greg Gaines, who was Vita Vea’s primary backup.
Grade: B
Round 6, No. 160: Billy Schrauth, G, Notre Dame
Schrauth was arguably Notre Dame’s best offensive line before his season ended early to injury. And honestly, that’s exactly how and why he fell to the Bucs – his injury history.
An MCL sprain is what got him last year. He had right ankle surgery in 2024 and surgery on his left foot after his senior season in high school back in 2022. Lower extremity injuries are always concerning for big guys, especially multiple injuries.
Regardless, the Buccaneers have a potential starter if Schrauth stays healthy. He’s got the athleticism, size, and work ethic to succeed in the NFL. He’s also as mean as they come when talking run blocking.
There’s all kinds of upside, but also serious injury concerns. Schrauth is the ultimate draft gamble and it’ll be interesting to see which side of history he and the Buccaneers end up on.
Grade: C+
Round 6, No. 185: Bauer Sharp, TE, LSU
The Buccaneers traded the 195th overall pick and 229th overall pick to move up to No. 185 in order to draft Sharp, making him their final pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Sharp is a pretty good athlete and has decent size for his position. He’s shown solid ability as a receiver and can line up inline or in the slot. He’ll likely compete with Devin Culp for the TE3 position and for some special teams snaps, but it’s unclear if he’s on the roster come September
Grade: C
Final Word
Scott certainly carries the Buccaneers’ overall Day 3 draft grade and it’s easy to see why. He projects as a plug-and-play starter and the Bucs got him in the fourth round. His fall is because he’s a player that needs a very specific role in order to succeed, but the best part is the Buccaneers can provide that role for him.
Capehart and Sharp are likely depth players when it’s all said and done, but they can be effective depth players who can eventually step in and provide solid snaps when needed. It’s unclear whether or not they need to be on the field in Year 1, though.
The Schrauth pick can really elevate the final grade for Day 3 and the class as a whole, but we won’t know how that shakes out until years from now. If Schrauth stays healthy, then the Bucs’ big gamble should pay off, as they’ll have themselves a starter at one of the guard positions.
There are plenty of layers involved, but overall, it was a good Day 3 for the Buccaneers.
Final Grade for Day 3: B
