The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading into Senior Bowl week with a noticeably different vibe than in recent years - and not just because they’re watching the playoffs from home for the first time in six seasons. After a half-decade of postseason appearances, the Bucs ceded the NFC South crown to the Panthers, and now find themselves in unfamiliar territory: an early offseason with big decisions ahead.
But this year, there’s a sense of direction already in place - especially on the offensive side of the ball. Unlike previous offseasons, where the search for an offensive coordinator stretched into late January, Tampa Bay already has its guy.
Zac Robinson is officially in as OC, giving head coach Todd Bowles and GM Jason Licht a bit more breathing room to focus on scouting top collegiate talent. And there’s no better place to start that process than Mobile, Alabama, where 133 of the nation’s top seniors are set to showcase their skills at the 2026 Senior Bowl.
This is where draft season really begins to take shape. “The Draft Starts in Mobile” isn’t just a catchy slogan - it’s a reality for teams like the Bucs, who have a history of plucking talent from this very event. With Tampa Bay holding the No. 15 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the team’s scouts and decision-makers will be watching closely to see who might emerge as a future cornerstone.
Let’s take a look at some of the names being tied to the Bucs in recent mock drafts - and what each could bring to a team looking to retool and reload.
No. 15 - Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell
If there’s one name showing up consistently in mock drafts for Tampa Bay, it’s Cashius Howell. The Texas A&M edge rusher is drawing rave reviews across the board - and for good reason.
Howell brings a blend of speed, motor, and pass-rush instinct that jumps off the tape. His long-arm move is already NFL-ready, and when tackles overset, he’s got the quickness to counter inside and make them pay.
NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah called Howell one of his favorite players to study, and it’s easy to see why. With 27 career sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss, Howell has the production to back up the traits. He plays with his foot on the gas at all times - a relentless rusher who fits the mold of what Tampa Bay desperately needs.
Pro Football Focus echoed that sentiment, pointing out that Howell earned a pass-rush grade above 90.0 in each of the last three seasons. That kind of consistency, especially in the SEC, is no small feat. With Yaya Diaby showing promise, adding Howell could give the Bucs a dynamic one-two punch off the edge - something they lacked this past season when pressure often had to be manufactured through blitzes.
No. 15 - Ohio State ILB Sonny Styles
Another name generating buzz is Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. If Lavonte David - now 35 - decides to hang it up, inside linebacker goes from a long-term concern to an immediate need.
Styles brings physicality and range, with 183 total tackles, seven sacks, and eight passes defended over the last two seasons. He’s a tone-setter who can move sideline to sideline and drop into coverage - a modern linebacker built for today’s game.
Fox Sports highlighted how Styles has flown under the radar a bit, but his production speaks volumes. He’s the kind of player who could step into David’s shoes and keep the heart of the Bucs’ defense beating strong.
No. 15 - Georgia ILB CJ Allen
If not Styles, then Georgia’s CJ Allen is another linebacker option that makes sense. Allen is a natural fit in Todd Bowles’ scheme - instinctive, athletic, and tough.
With David’s future uncertain, Allen would provide a young, high-upside option to anchor the middle of the defense. He’s got the tools to be a three-down player from day one.
No. 15 - Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq
On the offensive side, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq is another intriguing option. With Cade Otton and Mike Evans both heading into free agency - and Evans turning 32 - the Bucs could be looking to retool their pass-catching corps.
Sadiq stands 6-foot-3 and brings explosive traits that make him a matchup nightmare. He’s the kind of tight end who can stretch the seam, win jump balls in the red zone, and create after the catch.
Mel Kiper sees Sadiq as a weapon who can help keep Baker Mayfield’s offense humming, especially if the team loses key veterans. With Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., Jalen McMillan and Tez Johnson already in the fold at wide receiver, adding a dynamic tight end like Sadiq could open up the playbook even more.
No. 15 - Clemson CB Avieon Terrell
Cornerback is another area where Tampa Bay could look to upgrade, and Clemson’s Avieon Terrell is a name to watch. The younger brother of Falcons star A.J.
Terrell, Avieon brings sticky man coverage skills that could help shore up the back end of a blitz-heavy defense. The Bucs have relied on pressure to mask coverage deficiencies at times, but with Terrell’s skill set, they could afford to be more aggressive up front.
Other Mock Draft Picks for Tampa Bay
- No. 46 - EDGE LT Overton (Alabama) Overton is another edge rusher with upside. If the Bucs pass on Howell in Round 1, Overton could be a Day 2 option to bolster the pass rush.
- No. 77 - TE Michael Trigg (Baylor) If Sadiq isn’t the pick in the first round, Trigg could be a mid-round target to add depth - or even compete for a starting job - at tight end.
- No. 116 - CB Domani Jackson (Alabama) Jackson brings speed and pedigree, and could be a developmental corner with starter potential down the road.
The Bottom Line
The Bucs may not be playing in January this year, but they’re still very much in the game - the draft game, that is. With a clearer coaching structure in place and a full offseason to evaluate talent, Tampa Bay is in position to make some meaningful moves. Whether it’s fortifying the pass rush, finding Lavonte David’s heir, or adding another weapon for Baker Mayfield, the options are on the table.
And as always, it all starts in Mobile.