The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to select a defensive end with their No. 15 pick in the upcoming draft, based on recent mock draft data. Keldric Faulk from Auburn is the most popular choice among fans, being picked 21.7% of the time.
Key points
Buccaneers likely to select a defensive end at No. 15
Keldric Faulk is the top choice among fans
Edge rushers were picked 43.7% of the time in mock drafts
Keldric FaulkTampa Bay Buccaneers
(Jake Crandall/Imagn Images)
Throughout the pre-draft process, PFSN has offered a Mock Draft Simulator, allowing Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans and self-styled GMs to take a crack at drafting.
On Tuesday, just two days before the Bucs make their first-round selection, PFSN released the metrics of the most commonly-picked positions and players selected by users in the past week.
Not surprisingly, the most drafted first-round position was defensive end, with edge rushers being the pick 43.7 percent of the time. Auburn's Keldric Faulk lead the way at 21.7 percent.
The 2025 third-team All-SEC performer was a bright spot on a relatively disappointing Auburn squad last season, serving as the Tigers' team captain.
Faulk displayed versatility in the trenches, tying for the team-lead with 4 pass break-ups, using his size and 35' vertical to bat down balls at the line.
Following Faulk was Miami'sAkheem Mesidor, who was selected in 16.1 percent of the mocks.
Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr., his counterpart on the Miami defensive line, formed one of the most lethal pass rushes in the country last season, helping lead the Hurricanes to the National Championship game.
Roundtable's Jeremy Ballreich highlighted Mesidor's upside, calling him a "a versatile, high‑motor edge defender whose game is built on disruption, effort, and a deep toolbox of pass‑rush counters."
Last season, Mesidor posted top-notch numbers, tying for third in the FBS with 12.5 sacks, ranking fifth with 17.5 tackles for loss, and sixth with four forced fumbles.
Q&A
Which player is most likely to be drafted by the Buccaneers at No. 15?
Keldric Faulk from Auburn is the most commonly selected player, with a 21.7% pick rate.
What position are the Buccaneers prioritizing in the first round of the draft?
The Buccaneers are likely to prioritize defensive end, as edge rushers were chosen 43.7% of the time in mock drafts.
When is the Buccaneers' first-round selection in the NFL draft?
The Buccaneers will make their first-round selection two days after the release of the mock draft metrics.
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Unlike Faulk, Mesidor is more of a pure pass-rusher, honing in on racking up pressures and sacks.
While edge rusher was the runaway favorite position to target at No. 15, a highly touted tight end prospect was the most commonly drafted player, beating out Faulk by one-tenth of a percentage point.
Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq took the top spot at 21.8 percent, singlehandedly making tight end the second-most commonly drafted position.
Sadiq certainly is a first-round talent, combining tight-end size with receiver-like route running and agility.
Last season, Sadiq was a second-team All-American, leading all FBS tight ends with eight touchdowns. He also set a program record for tight ends with 51 receptions, averaging 11 yards per catch.
Sadiq would be the flashy pick at No. 15, if Tampa decides to give new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson another weapon to build around.
However, defense is a larger need, as indicated by PFSN's simulator and various mocks throughout the season.
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