Bucs Draft: Reclaim NFC South

0:00It's April 2nd. This is NFL News Today, powered by AI tracking teams, players, and standings. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are staring down a Maker Break 2026 season after their 2025-26 campaign fell flat. Baker Mayfield regressed hard, dropping from 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns in 2024 to just 3,000, 693 yards, and 26 scores last year. They also lost Star Whiteout, Mike Evans to the San Francisco 49ers in Free Agency, and running back Bucky Irving missed big chunks of time, crippling the offense. Now General Manager Jason Lycht has the Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft with 7 picks, starting at number 15 in the first, round, then 46 in the second, 77 in the third, and so on through the seventh. They've added running back Kenneth Gainwell, Minebacker Alex Anzalone, and Safety Miles Killabrew to plug some holes. Losing cornerback to Mel Dean to the Steelers, and watching Linebacker Lavante David retire

1:04after 14 seasons, leaves massive gaps. Fans and analysts see the defense crumbling without leaders like David, while the offense scrambles without Evans production second-year receiver. Amika Egbuca steps up, but it's a tall order. Key needs, hit linebacker, edge rusher, safety, cornerback, offensive guard, defensive tackle, and wide receiver. Top Draft targets include Ohio State's Sunny Styles, a 6-flip 5 athletic freak with a 4.4640 who could replace David if they trade up from 15. Duke's Chandler Rivers fits that corner in the third round with 29 pass breakups and seven picks, bringing that physical punch. Bucks brass knows this draft is their shot to reclaim the NFC South re-tool. Smart, draft bold, and get back to contending before the windowslam shut.