Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Mock Draft Roundup 4.0

The Bucs added Al-Quadin Muhammad (11 sacks last season for the Lions) in free agency, but they need a young pass rusher to pair with YaYa Diaby for the long haul. A third-team All-SEC honoree in 2025, Faulk registered 9.0 sacks, 16.0 tackles for loss and five pass breakups over his last two years at Auburn.

An improved pass rush is a must for Tampa Bay after it tied for 18th in total sacks last season (37) and lost defensive end Logan Hall in free agency. The relentless Mesidor would help achieve that goal, coming off a College Football Playoff run where he had 5.5 sacks in four games.

Mesidor was primarily a defensive tackle at West Virginia before reshaping his body and skill set to play largely from the edge at Miami. He has an impressive get-off and nuance as a rusher. While he turns 25 before the draft, most view him as a top-15 player off ability alone.

The tight end position provided minimal impact for the Bucs' passing game last season, as they ranked last in total receiving yards by tight ends (589). Though Cade Otton was re-signed to a four-year deal, Stowers would bring a much more dynamic skill set to the position. He's a former Texas A&M quarterback who led all FBS tight ends in receiving yards this past season (769).

They need more help for their pass rush. Faulk seems to fit the type of player general manager Jason Licht likes to draft. His best football is in front of him.

In this scenario, with their best-player-available philosophy, the Bucs would have been very tempted to try to trade up for Love. Despite free-agent additions of Al-Quadin Muhammad, Alex Anzalone and others, the Bucs' greatest needs remain on defense, and an edge rusher would be welcome. But Sadiq is an offensive weapon unlike anything they have, and he could help replace Mike Evans and stress defenses in ways that would create opportunities for the remaining wide receivers, as well as running backs Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell. — Dan Pompei

A team can never have too many corners, so Tampa Bay grabs a steady player in Terrell near the midpoint of the first round. Terrell isn't the most explosive cornerback, but he's fluid and plays the ball well — just like his older brother A.J. on the Atlanta Falcons. Tampa Bay would've liked to grab a defensive lineman with the potential to play on the end, but with Faulk going a few picks earlier, they go elsewhere with the pick here.

He will be 25 by draft night but could provide instant production — for a team that should be an instant contender and is in win-now mode — after leading the ACC with 12½ sacks in 2025, including 5½ in the CFP. YaYa Diaby was the only Buc with more than 4½ sacks last season, and recently signed Al-Quadin Muhammad is only under contract for one year.

Tampa Bay lands a productive pass rusher (35.5 college sacks, including 12.5 with Miami last season) who can set the tone off the edge with his physical play.

For the first time since he was drafted in 2014, Mike Evans won't be suiting up for the Buccaneers. The veteran receiver signed with the 49ers, and though Tampa Bay still has Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan, it is going to miss Evans' 6-foot-5 size downfield and in the red zone.

Sadiq could fill some of that void. Defenses struggle to match up with him because of his big 6-3 frame and 4.39 speed, and he has the explosive traits to go up and get 50-50 balls. Sure, the Bucs re-signed tight end Cade Otton, but new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson ran 12 personnel (two tight ends) 38.2% of the time in Atlanta last season, second most in the NFL.

Faulk's a great player. He's an excellent athlete and is long at 6-foot-6 with a ton of upside. We're only seeing just the beginning of what he could potentially turn into.