Bucs land familiar SEC pass rusher in new mock draft

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.

Bleacher Report's Scouting Department recently released the latest 2026 NFL mock draft of the cycle, which has the team focusing on defense as they get a new pass rusher. Auburn's Keldric Faulk is a dual-threat coming off the edge as the team looks to find a complement for Yaya Diaby. They explain the pick, writing, "The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive front is somewhat mismatched, with Vita Vea and A'Shawn Robinson presenting similar skill sets along the interior.

Meanwhile, Calijah Kancey falls on the opposite side of the spectrum as an undersized, penetrating option. All three could be entering the final years of their current deals as well. Auburn's Faulk, who doesn't turn 21 until September, is an ideal piece to place into this rotation.

The 6'6", 276-pound defender could give the Bucs what Logan Hall failed to provide after being a second-round selection from the 2022 class. " Faulk and Diaby have a similar skillset where they can help with the run game and rush the passer. With both being younger, they will likely be able to work together and build chemistry versus plugging in someone in free agency.