The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and all eyes are on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they navigate their draft strategy. With the retirement of Lavonte David, the Buccaneers have some crucial decisions to make, especially in the linebacker unit.
ESPN NFL insider Matt Miller has released his comprehensive seven-round mock draft, offering a glimpse into the potential future of the Bucs. And let's just say, it might not be music to Baker Mayfield's ears.
In the first round, Miller predicts the Buccaneers will snag Georgia linebacker CJ Allen with the 15th overall pick. Allen seems like a perfect fit to fill the void left by David. Even though the Bucs signed Alex Anzalone in free agency, Allen could provide the extra punch needed in the linebacker corps.
Moving into the second round, Miller continues to focus on defense, suggesting T.J. Parker, a promising edge rusher, as the 46th pick. With Al-Quadin Muhammad brought in after his impressive 11-sack season in 2025, Parker could be the young talent that bridges the gap for Tampa Bay's defense.
Round three might just be where the Buccaneers find their hidden gem. Miller projects them picking up South Carolina cornerback Jalon Kilgore.
Though Kilgore has flown under the radar, his potential is sky-high. Landing him in the third round could be a significant boost for the Bucs' secondary.
Interestingly, Miller doesn't foresee the Buccaneers addressing their offensive needs with their early picks. While this strategy might not directly aid Mayfield, a stronger defense could lead to more opportunities on offense.
As Miller wraps up his mock draft, he continues to emphasize defense, suggesting that Tampa Bay will focus heavily on bolstering this side of the ball. This approach might not seem balanced, but it could pay dividends in the long run.
Among the later picks, Trigg stands out as a developmental prospect with a lot of potential upside. Learning from Cade Otton could accelerate his progress. Meanwhile, Rivers might serve as a depth piece, likely starting on the practice squad but with room to grow.
Overall, Miller's mock draft paints a picture of a Buccaneers team prioritizing defensive strength, aiming to create a formidable unit that can support the offense in the upcoming season.