2026 NFL Draft Grades: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

These 2026 NFL Draft Grades will be posted minutes after each pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Keep in mind that these NFL Draft Grades are based on team needs, player value, positional value, and any trade implications. Follow @walterfootball for updates.



Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFL Draft Team Grade: A- Grade

Goals Entering the 2026 NFL Draft: The Buccaneers lost some key free agents like Mike Evans and Jamel Dean, who must be replaced (Evans perhaps in the form of Kenyon Sadiq). Otherwise, the Buccaneers need help defensively, particularly in their front seven. The edge rush must be addressed, while Lavonte David will need to be replaced.

2026 NFL Draft Accomplishments: There was a ton of buzz about the Buccaneers drafting Akheem Mesidor at No. 15 to improve their pass rush. I thought this was too rich for an old Mesidor. Luckily for the Buccaneers, Mesidor’s teammate, Rueben Bain, fell to them. Bain has short arms, but is likely to have a solid career. He was expected to go around No. 9, so the Buccaneers obtained a steal.

The opposite of that was Josiah Trotter in the second frame. Trotter fills a big need in the wake of David’s retirement, but he was chosen a round too early. The same could be said of third-rounder Ted Hurst.

Tampa Bay rebounded with some strong picks on Day 3. Both Keionte Scott and DeMonte Capehart went way later than they should have, and they both will bolster the defense. Another steal was fifth-rounder Billy Schrauth, who will provide a needed upgrade to the interior of the offensive line.

The Buccaneers had a strong draft. They had a couple of mishaps on Day 2, but otherwise came away with a strong group of players who will improve their roster.



NFL Draft Individual Grades:


15. Rueben Bain, DE, Miami – A Grade

What an amazing value. Rueben Bain could have easily gone in the 7-10 range, and no one would have blinked an eye. Bain was dinged for short arms, but he’s a great player and should be able to be productive in the pros. The Buccaneers desperately needed an edge rusher, and they got the best one who’s been on the board since the fifth pick was made.


46. Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri – D Grade

The Buccaneers had C.J. Allen fall right into their lap, but they took a different linebacker instead. This one is a head-scratcher. Josiah Trotter is a third-round prospect because he has issues in coverage. He’s good in run support, but this is a reach.


84. Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State – B Grade

I had Ted Hurst going a bit later than this. He’s a tall and lengthy receiver who fills a need, as Tampa Bay needed to find depth at receiver in the wake of Mike Evans’ departure.


116. Keionte Scott, CB, Miami – A- Grade

Cornerback makes sense for the Buccaneers, who needed to address the position even before they lost Jamel Dean. Keionte Scott is very instinctive, but missed a lot of tackles. I had him in the third round, so I don’t think this is a great bargain like others do, but this pick is still a decent value.


155. DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson – A Grade

DeMonte Capehart is a massive defensive tackle with upside. I thought Capehart was a Round 3-4 guy, so to get him in the fifth round is a nice move by the Buccaneers.


160. Billy Schrauth, G, Notre Dame – A Grade

Billy Schrauth is great in pas protection, but he has an extensive injury history. The Buccaneers needed to strengthen their interior blocking, so if Schrauth can stay healthy, he could offer an upgrade sooner rather than later.


185. Bauer Sharp, TE, LSU – C Grade

Bauer Sharp is an atheltic tight end, but he’s a project. I didn’t have him in my top 400. I get the idea behind this selection, as the Buccaneers are swinging for the fences, which is fine.

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