ESPN updates the Bucs needs ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft

A recent ESPN breakdown by NFL reporter Jenna Laine examined team needs across the league ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, including those of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The positions discussed were edge rusher, linebacker, and tight end. None of those should come as a surprise, seeing as the Bucs added two veteran linebackers, hardly had much production from the tight ends last season, and the Bucs have desperately needed an elite edge rusher for some time now.

Even after adding veterans like Al-Quadin Muhammad, Alex Anzalone, and Christian Rozeboom, the Buccaneers still have questions across the front seven. Muhammad’s production last season shows he can contribute at times, but a one-year deal does not lock anything down long-term. Tampa Bay still needs to find a consistent pass-rush presence to pair with its young defense, which is currently going through turnover.

Linebacker is in a similar spot. With Lavonte David no longer in the picture, the Bucs have added experience with players like Alex Anzalone, but he's not necessarily a long-term answer. This is more like a bridge than a permanent solution.

Then there is tight end, under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, Tampa Bay will lean into heavier personnel looks, which makes the lack of a true big-play option at the position stand out even more. The current group is functional, but adding a player who can stretch the field would change how defenses approach this offense. One collegiete name to watch is linebacker Jacob Rodriguez out of Texas Tech.