Buccaneers Will Have Their Pick of Edge Rushers in 2026 NFL Draft

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have problems on defense. They lack depth at most positions all across the unit, and that was a big reason why that unit struggled in 2025, especially once injuries mounted up. The Bucs have done a little bit to address this in free agency by bringing in players like linebacker Alex Anzalone, defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson and edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad.

Muhammad was a good pickup and will serve as a strong rotational rusher, but the Buccaneers will still need a definitive starter at EDGE. They hold the No. 15 pick in the NFL Draft, and the most likely pick there is someone to play alongside Yaya Diaby and help add some pressure to the Bucs' front seven.

Thankfully, it looks like this edge class will be a deep one. ESPN writer Matt Miller put out a new report on what he's hearing as the NFL Draft draws closer, and it looks like the Bucs will be able to get a strong edge rushing prospect in the first round — even if they trade back.

Bucs will have plenty of options at EDGE

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

"But would it be a surprise to see as many as nine edge rushers? Not with this class," Miller wrote/ "There is a lack of top prospects at other premium positions and a need for rotational pass rushers in the NFL, especially from playoff teams selecting in the back end of the round."

There are a few players who have gotten notable buzz for Tampa Bay. Miami's Akheem Mesidor, Texas A&M's Cassius Howell and Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas have all been frequently mocked to the Bucs in recent mock drafts.

The Buccaneers have plenty of options at No. 15, but it might be a good idea for the Bucs to trade back and get more picks. Either way, with such a deep class at edge rusher, the Buccaneers could get a Day 1 starter at that position no matter where they pick.

That is, of course, if they are picking an edge rusher. General manager Jason Licht has been known to throw some curveballs, and he threw one last year when the Bucs drafted wide receiver Emeka Egbuka in the first round despite still needing defense. He could do something like that again, but at this point, Tampa Bay's edge situation is fairly dire and should probably be the direction the team goes with its first pick — whenever that is.

Only Jason Licht and his staffers know what the Bucs are thinking. But if edge rusher is the play, there looks to be plenty of prospects who could help the Bucs in 2026 and beyond.

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