3 final predictions for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2026 NFL Draft: The Bucs line up well with one SEC program

2) The Bucs will draft a player from the University of Georgia

This, to me, is a bit of a numbers game. The Bucs clearly need an inside linebacker, as well as depth on the defensive line. Finding a tight end, one in particular who could be a weapon in the passing, should also be on the list.

And, in the draft’s first three rounds, the Georgia Bulldogs offer intriguing options for all three needs.

LB CJ Allen could still be on the board when the Bucs are on the clock in the second round at pick No. 46. Allen is a three-down, cerebral player who could be a leader of the Bucs’ defense for years to come.

DL Christen Miller is a top-notch run defender. With Vita Vea on the final year of his contract and A’Shawn Robinson on just a one-year deal, finding a future brick wall in the middle should be in the cards for Licht, and that could be a second-round option.

TE Oscar Delp dropped jaws at his Pro Day. He ran a 4.48 40-yard dash and posted a 38-inch vertical jump and 10-foot broad jump. He is a willing blocker and could be a weapon in the passing game, both closer to the line of scrimmage and down the field.

Three needs, three players who make a lot of sense to address them.

3) The Bucs will draft a quarterback on Day 3

Tampa Bay flat-out needs to find a young quarterback to start preparing for the future. The Bucs managed to sign experienced backup Jake Browning to back up Baker Mayfield this year.

The Bucs haven’t drafted a quarterback since taking Kyle Trask in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. That should end this year.

A player with high upside is Arkansas’ Taylen Green, who blazed at the NFL Combine with a 4.36 40-yard dash and 1.55 10-second split. He feels like an early Day 3 pick, perhaps as early as the fourth round.

Someone who could make sense later on is Kansas’ Jalon Daniels or UConn’s Joe Fagnano. In 2025, Fagnano completed 69% of his passes for 3448 yards with 28 touchdowns and just one pick. The Bucs had a Top 30 visit with Daniels earlier this month.