The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh next April, a city that could be where the Bucs select the next star they add to their roster in hopes of righting the proverbial ship. Before next April, though, there will be plenty of speculation and buildup for the team and who they may add to the roster through the draft. Thankfully, we now have some added context for players now that the scouting combine has come and gone.
ESPN’s Field Yates recently released the latest 2026 NFL mock draft of the cycle, which has the team focusing on defense once again. He has them drafting Akheem Mesidor in the first round of his two-round mock draft. The 25-year old pass rusher is a proven piece in this year’s class, and could help the Bucs on day one.
Yates explains the Mesidor pick, writing, “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.”
In the second round, the Bucs land dynamic tight end Eli Stowers. The team re-signed Cade Otton this offseason, but Stowers is a different type of tight end for the team. He is much more refined as a pass catcher, while not offering up much in the blocking department.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Who did the Bucs get in Field Yates’ latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft?
Reporting by Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
