When to expect Tampa Bay to make their pick in Thursday’s first round

The logo of the 2026 NFL Draft is showcased at the big screen inside the theater Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from outside Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. | Ethan Morrison / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are scheduled to make their first-round selection at No. 15 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. ET. Based on the standard pacing of the draft—with eight minutes allotted per pick in the first round—the Buccaneers are projected to be on the clock at approximately 10:00 p.m. ET.

That timing, of course, can fluctuate depending on trades, quick selections, or teams using most of their allotted time. Still, for fans planning their night around Tampa Bay’s decision, the 10 p.m. window is a reasonable expectation as the middle of the first round unfolds.

Entering the draft, the Buccaneers hold seven total picks and find themselves in a pivotal roster-building moment. With the No. 15 selection, the front office has flexibility but also clear areas of need. Defense appears to be the primary focus, particularly at edge rusher and linebacker, where adding impact talent could immediately elevate the unit. There is also a strong case for reinforcing the secondary, especially with the modern NFL’s emphasis on pass defense and versatility.

Offensively, Tampa Bay could explore adding another weapon—whether at wide receiver or tight end—to complement its existing core. While defense may take priority, the right playmaker could be difficult to pass up if available at No. 15, proving that drafting the best player available may trump the notion for drafting need.

Ultimately, Thursday night presents a significant opportunity for the Buccaneers to shape the trajectory of their 2026 season. Our friends at have odds set for draft positioning at No. 15 for USC wide receiver Makai Lemon and Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Will either of those two, or any others, help shape Tampa Bay’s 2026 campaign?