Buccaneers go in odd direction in latest mock draft

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TL;DR

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may prioritize adding a first-round receiver in the NFL Draft despite needing to address their pass rush. This comes after losing Mike Evans in free agency, leaving a gap in their receiving corps.

Buccaneers go in odd direction in latest mock draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for most, need to address their pass rush in the NFL Draft, given the dire need to get to the quarterback.

But the franchise also lost Mike Evans in free agency, so there is a hole there.

I've stated that the Buccaneers have the weapons to deal with the loss of Evans, but they don't have a big-bodied receiver to move the chains downfield. All Baker Mayfield's weapons are speedy.

So, could the Buccaneers look to add another first-round receiver to Baker's arsenal?

NFL.com's Adam Rank, in his latest mock draft, thinks so, with Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson being selected by Tampa Bay.

"You have a group of fine receivers already, including Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka , the latter of whom enjoyed that great opening stretch to his rookie season last year," Rank wrote. "However, you need a true "X" to replace Mike Evans . If you want Emeka to develop this season, add Tyson to the lineup and allow Baker Mayfield to really cook."

More: Analyst reveals top draft priority for Commanders

Do Bucs need another WR?

Well, you can never have enough weapons, can you?

Adding a receiver like Tyson, who is an exceptional route runner, not afraid to go up for contested catches, and can easily create separation on his routes, he could develop nicely with Mayfield.

Already with Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin, and Tez Johnson, adding Tyson to the mix would be fun to watch in 2026.

But can the Buccaneers afford not to go defense in the first round?

Rank thinks so, I'm not so sure.