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Bucs projected an ACC defender in latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft
TL;DR
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are projected to select Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor with the 15th pick in the 2026 NFL Mock Draft. This choice addresses their need for improved pass-rush production.
Key points
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers projected to select Akheem Mesidor at No. 15
- Mesidor addresses the need for improved pass-rush production
- Mock draft includes additional defensive and offensive players
Akheem MesidorJacob RodriguezDavison IgbinosunTampa Bay Buccaneers
A new mock draft from NFL.com has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers addressing one of their biggest needs early, projecting Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor to Tampa Bay at No. 15 overall.
The fit makes sense given how this roster is currently built. Tampa Bay still needs more consistent pass-rush production off the edge, and Mesidor brings a mix of quickness and strength that shows up both rushing the passer and holding up against the run. The only real question mark is age, as he would enter the league as a 25-year-old rookie, but that may not carry as much weight for a team that believes it can compete right now.
From there, the mock continues to lean into defense early before shifting toward depth and balance. Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez comes off the board in Round 2, followed by Ohio State corner Davison Igbinosun, reinforcing two areas that need long-term stability.
Later rounds focus on building out the roster with depth on both sides of the ball, including defensive tackle Zxavian Harris and multiple offensive line additions.
The mock draft has the Bucs landing the following players:
- Round 1, Pick 15 – Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami)
- Round 2, Pick 46 – Jacob Rodriguez (LB, Texas Tech)
- Round 3, Pick 77 – Davison Igbinosun (CB, Ohio State)
- Round 4, Pick 116 – Zxavian Harris (DT, Ole Miss)
- Round 5, Pick 155 – Keagen Trost (OT, Missouri)
- Round 6, Pick 195 – Alex Harkey (OG, Oregon)
- Round 7, Pick 229 – J. Michael Sturdivant (WR, Florida)
This is a class that reflects where Tampa Bay is right now. Early defensive investment paired with late-round depth pieces, all pointing toward a team trying to stay competitive while quietly reshaping key spots on the roster.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Mock Draft: Bucs land three starters on defense
Q&A
Who is Akheem Mesidor and why is he projected to the Buccaneers?
Akheem Mesidor is a defensive EDGE from Miami, projected to the Buccaneers due to his ability to enhance their pass-rush and overall defensive strength.
What are the Buccaneers' biggest needs in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Buccaneers need to improve their pass-rush production and reinforce their defense, which is why they are focusing on defensive players early in the draft.
What other players are included in the Buccaneers' 2026 NFL Mock Draft?
In addition to Akheem Mesidor, the mock draft includes Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and Ohio State corner Davison Igbinosun among other defensive and offensive additions.
