Biggest remaining needs for the Buccaneers after the 2026 NFL Draft

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the 2026 NFL draft with clear goals: add athleticism, improve defensive speed, and continue building around Baker Mayfield. General manager Jason Licht largely accomplished that mission, adding several intriguing prospects who can contribute immediately or develop into long-term pieces.

Still, no draft class solves every problem.

Even after adding talent across the roster, Tampa Bay exits the draft with several lingering concerns that could shape the remainder of the offseason. Whether through free agency, internal development, or training camp competition, the Buccaneers still have a few important questions to answer before the 2026 season begins.

Here are the Buccaneers' two biggest remaining needs after the NFL draft.

1. Edge rusher depth

Tampa Bay continues searching for consistent pass-rush production opposite its top defensive playmakers. While the Buccaneers added athletic front-seven talent (Rueben Bain Jr. ) during the draft and signed Al-Quadin Muhammad, there are still questions about whether the current group can consistently pressure elite quarterbacks over a 17-game season. Last season, the Buccaneers were third in pressure rate at 39.1%, yet they ranked just 23rd in sack rate at 5.8%.

1. Cornerback competition

The Buccaneers have plenty of options in the slot. Tykee Smith had that role in 2024, Jacob Parrish was a nickel in 2025, and 2026 fourth-round rookie Keionte Scott is a hybrid defender who could assume the role. On the outside, things are different. The third outside corner is , who didn't play a single defensive snap last season. The fourth outside corner is , who hasn't played any regular-season snaps since 2023 with . Veterans such as and L'Jarius Sneed could make logical sense.