Minnesota Vikings, Justin Skule
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 24: Sean Tucker #44 celebrates with teammate Justin Skule #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
The NFL Draft is just two weeks away! And it’s almost time for the final verdict to be made on where some of the best collegiate players will start their 2026 careers. For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, their first selection comes in the first round at No. 15.
However, a recent prediction by FanSided’s Mark Powell has the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buccaneers linking in a pre-draft trade that would give the 15th overall pick to the Steelers in exchange for two additional draft picks.
The idea behind the deal is that the Steelers can use the 15th pick to draft a wide receiver, specifically Makai Lemon.
Per a lot of mock drafts that have been floating around, a common guess on who the Buccaneers might draft if they do keep that pick is Keldric Faulk out of Auburn, if he makes it that far.
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Is This Actually a Good Trade Idea for Tampa Bay?
GettyTAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 03: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers huddles up with his teammates during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers during a game at Raymond James Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Here is the full trade breakdown, as Powell proposes it:
“Steelers receive: No. 15 pick
Buccaneers receive: No. 21 pick, 2026 third-round pick (Via Dallas/ George Pickens trade), and a 2026 fourth-round pick (141)”
“Moving back to 21 could put the Bucs in prime position to select a different EDGE, such as Clemson’s TJ Parker, who Williams has mocked to the Philadelphia Eagles at pick 23. If the Bucs believe in Parker and view him as one of the top EDGE rushers in this class, then perhaps moving back is a good idea. Netting extra draft capital on Day 2 and Day 3 — back-to-back rounds mind you — is a lot of value for a five-pick difference, even in the first round.”
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What is the Biggest Focus for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL Draft?
The NFL Draft, as mentioned, is just a few weeks away, so NFL fans across the country will finally get the final decision on who their favorite team ends up adding.
For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the plan has to be simple: defense, defense, and more defense.
Aside from a wide receiver to try and replace Mike Evans, the Buccaneers will certainly address their defensive line in the form of an edge rusher. Tampa had a hard time getting to the QB last season, which might be the primary reason they were unable to hold onto a big division lead in the NFC South down the stretch of the 2025 season.
Many mock drafts echo that sentiment as well, with the Buccaneers drafting several front-seven players. Perhaps the only strength of the Bucs defense is the secondary, which has definitely had its issues as well, but with Zyon McCollum and Antoine Winfield Jr. under contract, the Bucs front office likely feels most comfortable with the defensive back group.
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