The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is in full swing, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the thick of it, meeting with draft prospects in Indianapolis. This year, teams are allowed to conduct 45 formal interviews, each lasting 18 minutes. This is a shift from the previous format of 60 interviews at 15 minutes each.
Tampa Bay's approach involves both formal and informal interviews. The formal ones involve key figures like the Buccaneers' coordinators, general manager Jason Licht, and head coach Todd Bowles. Informal interviews are conducted by the area scouts and position coaches, allowing them to engage with more than 45 players.
The Buccaneers have a history of keeping their cards close to their chest. For instance, they didn't meet with former first-round pick Calijah Kancey at the Combine or during a Top 30 visit before drafting him. This strategic discretion might be in play again this year.
Let's dive into who the Bucs have been talking to so far at the Combine:
Quarterbacks:
- Alabama QB Ty Simpson had a formal sit-down with the team.
- Informal chats included Penn State's Drew Allar, UConn's Joe Fagnano, Arkansas' Taylen Green, and Tennessee's Joey Aguilar.
Running Backs:
- Nebraska's Emmett Johnson and Texas A&M's Le’Veon Moss were involved in formal interviews.
- Informal conversations took place with Penn State's Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, and Pittsburgh's Desmond Reid.
Wide Receivers:
- Georgia State WR Ted Hurst was formally interviewed.
- Indiana's Elijah Sarratt and Ole Miss' De’Zhaun Stribling were among those informally engaged.
Tight Ends:
- The Bucs formally interviewed several tight ends, including Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq and Ohio State's Max Klare.
- Informal discussions included Alabama's Josh Cuevas and SMU's Matt Hibner.
Safeties:
- Arizona's Genesis Smith had a formal meeting.
- Informal talks were held with players like Kansas State's V.J. Payne and SMU's Ahmaad Moses.
Cornerbacks:
- Arizona CB Treydan Stukes was part of the formal interview group.
- Informal meetings featured players like Indiana's D’Angelo Ponds and Duke's Chandler Rivers.
Linebackers:
- The Bucs showed serious interest with formal interviews for Ohio State's Sonny Styles and Georgia's CJ Allen.
- Informal chats included Utah's Lander Barton and USC's Eric Gentry.
Edge Rushers:
- Formal interviews included Texas A&M's Cashius Howell and Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas.
- Informal discussions were held with players like Duke's VJ Anthony and Penn State's Dani Dennis-Sutton.
Defensive Line:
- Ohio State's Kayden McDonald and Texas Tech's Lee Hunter were formally interviewed.
- Informal interactions included Missouri's Chris McClellan and Clemson's Demonte Capehart.
The Buccaneers' strategy at the Combine is both calculated and comprehensive, ensuring they explore a wide range of talent. As the week progresses, this list will continue to evolve, giving us a clearer picture of where the Bucs might be headed in the upcoming draft. Stay tuned for more updates as the Combine unfolds.