Buccaneers Draft Elite Edge Rusher in Latest NFL Mock

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had some glaring holes in the roster last season, and not the least of which were on defense.

The Bucs could've used more depth in the secondary and quarterback pressure was almost non-existent. These are some of the things that general manager Jason Licht will address in both the NFL Draft and free agency.

In a recent NFL mock draft, Tampa Bay Buccaneers on SI predicts the Bucs will go defense with their first pick at No. 19 in the first round, and draft a much-needed edge rusher to compliment Todd Bowles' unit.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a lacking edge rush. Yaya Diaby is a high-pressure player but can't seem to get sacks, and players like Joe Tryon-Shoyinka have disappointed. It's entirely possible that Green isn't here at 19 if he has a fantastic combine, but the Bucs would be thrilled if he ends up making it down here.

Green is an explosive player with a ridiculous motor and he produced in 2024, netting 17 sacks. The Bucs have had trouble developing edge rushers, but Green could be an answer to one of Todd Bowles' biggest problems on defense.

Calijah Kancey led the team with 7.5 sacks last season followed by Vita Vea's 7.0. If the Bucs could add a force to line up opposite Kancey on the end and rotate with Logan Hall, the Tampa Bay defense could improve in the sack and quarterback hurries department.

And that could open things up for the offense too. But Tampa Bay will still need to add some depth in the secondary and at linebacker if this team is to improve even more on defense.