The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the 2026 NFL Draft with several roster needs and the possibility of trading down from the No. 15 pick. Instead, the Buccaneers stayed put after Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. unexpectedly fell to them.
Tampa Bay ultimately addressed multiple positions during the draft and added several players expected to contribute immediately.
Buccaneers Considered as Potential Trade-Down Candidate
Before the draft, many expected the Buccaneers to explore trading back to acquire additional picks. Tampa Bay held the No. 15 overall selection, and speculation connected the team to several possible trade partners.
One of those teams was the Pittsburgh Steelers, who owned picks No. 21 and No. 53 entering draft weekend.
The Bucs appeared positioned to move down until Bain remained available at No. 15.
Steelers Believed Buccaneers Would Trade Pick
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer Gerry Dulac recently discussed the Steelers’ draft strategy during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show.
According to Dulac, Pittsburgh believed it could potentially move up with Tampa Bay to acquire wide receiver Makai Lemon.
“When you look at what was in front of them… they thought they might have the opportunity to with Tampa Bay at 15 to trade up,” Dulac said. “But when Rueben Bain was still on the board, Tampa Bay obviously loved Rueben Bain and they weren’t willing to trade down.”
The Steelers eventually remained at No. 21 and selected tackle Max Iheanachor.
Pittsburgh later traded the No. 53 pick to the Indianapolis Colts, who used the selection on linebacker CJ Allen.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Addressed Multiple Needs
The Buccaneers remained at No. 15 and selected Bain, who is expected to become a starting edge rusher.
Tampa Bay also added linebacker Josiah Trotter, who could compete for a starting role immediately.
The Bucs continued improving their secondary by selecting Keionte Scott to play nickel cornerback. Scott’s addition allows Jacob Parrish to move outside and adds more cornerback depth.
Tampa Bay also strengthened its trenches during the draft.
The Buccaneers selected Billy Schrauth as a backup guard and DeMonte Capehart as a backup defensive tackle.
At wide receiver, Tampa Bay drafted Ted Hurst as a potential future replacement for Mike Evans at the X receiver position.
The Buccaneers also selected Bauer Sharp to add depth and competition at tight end.
Buccaneers Appear Satisfied With Draft Results
Tampa Bay addressed several roster needs without moving down in the draft.
While the Steelers reportedly hoped to complete a trade, the Buccaneers chose to keep the No. 15 selection and secure Bain.
On paper, Tampa Bay’s draft class filled several important positions across the roster.
The Buccaneers’ rookie class will continue preparing throughout the offseason before organized team activities begin on May 26.
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