One final Bucs mock draft on the day of Round 1

Round 3, pick 77: Kyle Louis, linebacker, Pitt

Tampa Bay's linebacker situation is dire enough that doubling up at the position is well within reason, especially if they take a less coverage-savvy linebacker like Jeremiah Trotter. On the flip side of Trotter's more traditional thumper role, Kyle Louis is smaller, faster, and more reliable in coverage. While his size would relegate him to a rotational role for passing downs, he would play an important role that was a major weakness for the Bucs defense in recent years.

Round 3, pick 98 (from Philadelphia): Oscar Delp, tight end, Georgia

The Bucs' trade with the Eagles also sees them take a page from Philadelphia's draft book, selecting their second Georgia Bulldog in the 2026 draft. Oscar Delp was not a very productive player for Georgia, catching just 70 passes in four seasons. However, his upside is undeniable. At 6'4" and 245 pounds, Delp ran a 4.49 40-yard dash at his pro day. He flashes enough impressive athleticism to entice the Bucs to draft a high-ceiling tight end to play behind Cade Otten.

Round 5, pick 155: Charles Demmings, cornerback, Stephen F. Austin

Cornerback is a position in flux for Tampa Bay. With Jamel Dean gone, Tampa Bay is left with two highly regarded but still unproven corners in Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison. Demmings did not face much NFL-quality talent in college, but he certainly played like one, recording 9 career interceptions and 35 pass breakups. Demmings will not be an immediate contributor, but he could find himself pressed into action if McCollum or Morrison struggles either with play or injury.

Round 6, pick 195: Lorenzo Styles, defensive back, Ohio St.

The Bucs may have missed out on the draft's best pure linebacker prospect in Sonny Styles, but they do not miss the chance to draft his brother, Lorenzo. While he does not have his brother's size or even his overall talent, Lorenzo Styles is an impressive athlete and a solid football player. He will not threaten Antoine Winfield Jr. or Tykee Smith for starting snaps, but his speed and solid tackling should make him an early special teams participant.

Round 7, pick 227: Michael Heldman, EDGE, Central Michigan

The Bucs double up again, this time adding another edge defender in Michael Heldman. Persona non grata until last season, Heldman broke out in 2025 with 10.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. His 26.4% pass rush win rate was third-best among all edge defenders in this year's draft class per PFF. He could be a diamond in the rough for a team starving for pass rushers.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Draft: One final Bucs mock draft on the day of Round 1