The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, and with its finish brings new beginnings for 100s of hopeful professionals.
The Buccaneers added 7 complete gamers within the draft correct, nevertheless in addition they signed many undrafted free brokers and invited others mini-camp. Loads of spots are already solidified up and down the depth chart, however others will probably be fascinating to look at when coaching camp begins towards the top of July.
Let’s assess the present roster and the way it’s shaping up.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 15: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a move towards the Houston Texans in the course of the third quarter within the recreation at NRG Stadium on September 15, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photograph by Alex Slitz/Getty Photos) Getty Photos
Baker Mayfield, 2. Jake Browning, 3. Connor Bazelak, 4. Jalon Daniels (R)
Mayfield faces a vital prove-it 12 months as he weapons for an additional long-term contract extension, however he stays the undisputed QB1. The Bucs signed a confirmed backup in Jake Browning, who ought to stand to improve over Teddy Bridgewater.
Bazelak returns after being an UDFA final 12 months and impressing in preseason, so he’ll have the within edge on new UDFA signing Jalon Daniels from Kansas. Daniels is an efficient athlete with explosive working potential and a superb arm, however he’s notably lagging within the psychological and technical elements of the sport, so he’ll have to have an incredible camp and preseason to stay because the observe squad choice.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 30: Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball in the course of the second quarter of an NFL soccer recreation towards the Arizona Cardinals at Raymond James Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photograph by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Photos) Getty Photos
Bucky Irving, 2. Kenny Gainwell, 3. Sean Tucker, 4. Josh Williams, 5. Owen Wright
The sport-day energetic prime 3 is already set in stone (pending damage after all).
Irving will search for a significant rebound after critical shoulder and knee accidents derailed his season. Gainwell replaces Rachaad White and gives extra dynamic playmaking potential, maybe at the price of some general consistency and move safety. Tucker is again as soon as once more and has confirmed helpful with the occasional manufacturing outburst.
Josh Williams was suspended final 12 months, however the workforce preferred him as a kick returner and working again depth. Owen Wright additionally impressed in preseason as a pure working again reserve.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 21: Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs onto the sphere previous to an NFL soccer recreation towards the New York Jets at Raymond James Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photograph by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Photos) Getty Photos
Chris Godwin, 2. Kameron Johnson, 3. Garrett GreeneEmeka Egbuka, 2. Ted Hurst (R), 3. David Sills VJalen McMillan, 2. Tez Johnson, 3. Dennis Houston
The Bucs preserve a proficient receiving corps that’s gotten progressive youthful, and that’s much more true now.
Chris Godwin is perhaps in his final season with the workforce, relying on how he progresses from his previous leg accidents. He appeared extra like himself towards the top of 2025 however is coming into his age-30 season. Emeka Egbuka ripped off a torrid begin final 12 months however he cooled off when groups began keying on him and Tampa’s offensive effectivity fell off typically. The primary-rounder will hope to construct on the positives in his sophomore season.
Jalen McMillan suffered a damaged neck within the preseason and didn’t return till December, however noticeable flashes in restricted snaps appeared to point his late-season heater from 2024 had some critical legs. Ted Hurst is the brand new man to issue into the equation and instantly inserts because the room’s most dynamic athlete. His mixture of measurement and velocity is tantalizing, however he requires plenty of work on the basics so this classifies extra of a decide for the longer term — he’ll get some packages right here and there however shouldn’t be a critical menace to any of the aforementioned three.
Tez Johnson stays tiny however helpful as somebody who can separate from man protection and make some splash performs right here and there along with his joystick-like motion abilities. Kameron Johnson was one of many league’s higher punt returners however will probably be very restricted in his receiving function. Sills is a high quality veteran with measurement who’s been there, accomplished that, however he’s at the moment on the surface trying in.
Dennis Houston and Garrett Greene are camp our bodies who would possibly earn extra observe squad time.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 3: Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts in the course of the fourth quarter towards the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on January 3, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photograph by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Photos) Getty Photos
Cade Otton, 2. Payne Durham, 3. Bauer Sharp (R), 4. Ko Kieft, 5. Devin Culp
Cade Otton is again on a brand-new deal to proceed his TE1 duties, which could miff some followers however the fact is he’s very strong at each facet of the job. Payne Durham is in a contract 12 months, and it looks like he actually wants to point out some extra receiving utility than he has thus far (17 catches for 184 yards and a pair of TDs in 46 profession video games).
Bauer Sharp is the brand new man on campus and may get the within observe to netting a roster spot. He’s very athletic and difficult, displaying twin versatility as a receiver and blocker. Ko Kieft gives completely zero receiving worth however he’s an excellent blocker who contributes on particular groups. Devin Culp is the odd man out, as he’s purely a receiving menace who hasn’t accomplished a lot receiving in two years (6 catches for 94 yards, 1 TD).
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 21: Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive deal with Luke Goedeke (67), guard Dan Feeney (65), middle Graham Barton (62). guard Mike Jordan (60) and offensive deal with Tristan Wirfs (78) throughout an NFL soccer recreation between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers on December 21, 2025 at Financial institution of America Stadium in Charlotte N.C. (Photograph by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos) Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos
Tristan Wirfs, 2. Ben Chukwuma, Marshall FoernerBen Bredeson, 2. Billy Schrauth (R), 3. Luke HaggardGraham Barton, 2. Elijah Klein, 3. Ben ScottCody Mauch, 2. Dan FeeneyLuke Goedeke, 2. Justin Skule
The beginning 5 for this unit just isn’t altering except accidents turn into an element once more. Wirfs is arguably the perfect left deal with in soccer, an indomitable pressure whose long-term companies are secured. Luke Goedeke isn’t a world-beater however he’s excellent and dependable when he’s wholesome.
Ben Bredeson is imperfect however strong, particularly in move professional, however staying wholesome will probably be vital for him. Cody Mauch has made critical strides however might want to rebound in a contract 12 months whereas coming off a significant knee damage. Loads was requested of former first-rounder Graham Barton, as he performed a number of video games at left deal with in 2025 and noticed continually revolving doorways on both facet of him at guard. With extra stability, hopefully he can take the following step on the keystone.
By way of depth, new rookie Billy Schrauth from Notre Dame gives a a lot larger ceiling than what the workforce had been coping with. A very good athlete with encouraging power and intelligence, Schrauth probably may’ve been a third- or fourth-round decide if not for numerous decrease physique accidents. If he can keep wholesome, he ought to instantly slot in as the first left guard backup.
Elijah Klein and Luke Haggard didn’t actually impress final 12 months, and this is perhaps their final 12 months to show they’re value protecting. The Bucs preferred what Dan Feeney offered as veteran depth in a pinch, so he’ll probably get to stay round.
Ben Scott and Marshall Foerner really feel like camp our bodies. They at the moment have two swing tackles, Ben Chukwuma and Justin Skule (who returns after a 1-year sojourn with Minnesota), but it surely looks like Chukwuma has the within edge given his youth, upside, and prior efficiency in precise video games final season.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 3: Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates in the course of the first quarter towards the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on January 3, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photograph by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Photos) Getty Photos
Calijah Kancey, 2. Elijah Roberts, 3. Nash HutmacherVita Vea, 2. Elijah Simmons, 3. Jayson JonesA’Shawn Robinson, 2. Demonte Capehart (R), 3. Rakeem Nunez-Roches
The Buccaneers made a acutely aware effort to toughen up their trenches, and as such the line of defense is a strong spot.
Kancey, if he can ever keep wholesome, is a demonic disruptor who can terrorize the passer (66 pressures, 22 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks in solely 29 video games). Vita Vea is perhaps in his final season with the Bucs, however hopefully he can present another season stuffed with spotlight reel pocket explosions. A’Shawn Robinson is on a one-year deal as a veteran enforcer who will deliver much-needed grit.
Elijah Roberts bought pressured into an sudden variety of begins as a 2025 fifth-rounded and confirmed some encouraging pass-rushing flashes. He’ll be a wanted rotational piece to spell Kancey and Robinson as obligatory, relying on the state of affairs. Rookie Demonte Capehart, one other fifth rounder, was inconsistent at Clemson however possesses impactful measurement and power to deal with reps at nostril or five-technique.
Elijah Simmons is a LOAD of a human, and he proved helpful as a run stuffer in restricted snaps final season. Nunez-Roches returns as a good veteran depth choice who brings familiarity and vitality. Hutmacher and Jayson Jones have work to do to point out they’re rosterable.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 09: Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers takes the sphere previous to the sport towards the New England Patriots at Raymond James Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photograph by Mike Carlson/Getty Photos) Getty Photos
Yaya Diaby, 2. David Walker, 3. Chris Braswell, 4. Mohamed KamaraRueben Bain Jr. (R), 2. Al-Quadin Muhammad, 3. Anthony Nelson, 4. Benton Whitley
In the end, the Bucs have an edge rusher rotation that ought to lastly affect video games on a extra constant foundation.
All of it begins with their new first-round decide, the intimidating Rueben Bain Jr. A steal at fifteenth general when most shops considered him as a top-10 general participant within the class, Bain will instantly begin reverse Yaya Diaby and gives a unique ingredient along with his alignment versatility, vicious palms, and pure bend. His measurement outlier creates some danger, however Bain appears well-equipped to defy the percentages.
Diaby has firmly established himself as a superb edge rusher within the league, although being a real difference-maker continues to evade him. His 19 complete sacks and 78 pressures in 41 begins are good figures, however having threats reverse of him ought to assist make that manufacturing extra significant. Muhammad is a late-career breakout participant who set a career-high with 11 sacks in Detroit, so hopefully he can carry over a few of that success as Tampa’s third rusher.
David Walker has been insanely overrated for the reason that Bucs picked him within the fourth spherical final 12 months, although we haven’t really seen him play since he tore his ACL in coaching camp. Hopefully, Walker will get to benefit from his snaps as a rotational disruptor. Anthony Nelson will stick round as somebody who does the soiled work along with his overbearing size and in-depth information of the scheme.
Chris Braswell is a bust whose time feels up except there’s huge enchancment. Kamara and Whitley are camp our bodies.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 27: Alex Anzalone #34 of the Detroit Lions runs onto the sphere previous to an NFL soccer recreation towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers at Ford Subject on November 27, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photograph by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Photos) Getty Photos
Alex Anzalone, 2. Christian RozeboomJosiah Trotter (R), 2. SirVocea Dennis, 3. Nick Jackson
The Bucs required a complete makeover at inside linebacker, they usually no less than began that course of this low season and may see marginally higher play there at minimal.
Anzalone is a long-proven veteran with protection chops and management abilities, so he’s a high quality short-term resolution as “moneybacker” in Todd Bowles’s scheme however he’ll nonetheless be 32 years outdated. The Bucs made their highest draft funding at linebacker since Devin White in 2019, as they made Trotter a top-50 decide. His NFL pedigree has helped develop his instincts and demeanor, and a better athletic ceiling than his predecessors ought to assist Trotter obtain his potential as a real MIKE linebacker. He ought to give Bowles extra choices given his run protection chops and pass-rushing talent.
Dennis would possibly discover a extra snug function as a 3rd linebacker who doesn’t have to be out on the sphere for all three downs, whereas Rozeboom is primarily particular groups depth. Nick Jackson was a preseason darling in 2025 however might want to hold asserting himself to remain as a observe squad choice.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 3: Jacob Parrish #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts in the course of the fourth quarter towards the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on January 3, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photograph by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Photos) Getty Photos
Zyon McCollum, 2. Kemon HallJacob Parrish, 2. Benjamin Morrison, Josh HayesKeionte Scott (R), Chase Lucas, Damarion Corridor
Maybe probably the most fascinating place group to watch in camp, there’s a spread of outcomes that might happen right here.
Most notably, it feels just like the Bucs actually like Jacob Parrish as an out of doors nook and are going to provide him each alternative to win the beginning job reverse Zyon McCollum, who stunk final 12 months however is getting paid large cash so he’s beginning to start the season it doesn’t matter what. Ben Morrison struggled with accidents and confidence points final 12 months however has loads of expertise, so Tampa absolutely wouldn’t thoughts seeing him earn the job if he can get proper.
New fourth-rounder Keionte Scott is Bowles slot incarnate — probably the greatest scheme suits of the whole draft. He’s a supremely proficient blitzer and run defender with adequate cowl abilities, and I can promise you Bowles desires to see him and Parrish on the sphere similtaneously a lot as potential.
Outdoors of these prime 4, the Bucs appear probably so as to add a higher-profile veteran to the combo. Josh Hayes is a particular teamer and nothing extra, as is Damarion Williams. Corridor and Lucas are drifters with no actual defensive worth.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 30: Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a interception towards the Arizona Cardinals in the course of the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photograph by Julio Aguilar/Getty Photos) Getty Photos
Antoine Winfield Jr., 2. JJ Roberts, 3. Marcus BanksTykee Smith, 2. Rashad Knowledge, 3. Miles Killebrew
The Bucs will subject one of many league’s greatest security tandems as soon as once more.
Winfield Jr. stays a difference-maker who can have an effect on the sport everywhere in the subject, whereas Tykee Smith dealt with his transition from nickel to main sturdy security very properly. They’ll be on the sphere collectively a overwhelming majority of the time.
The workforce actually preferred UDFA JJ Roberts final low season however he tore his ACL within the preseason. Given how properly he impressed in practices and preseason video games, he’ll get one other stab at being the the workforce’s third security. Rashad Knowledge has additionally caught round as practice-squader and occasional game-day energetic, so he’ll hold getting alternatives to try this.
Killebrew was signed due to his All-Professional particular groups background, under no circumstances for his protection. We’ll see what Marcus Banks can present to stay round on the observe squad.
