Fixing the Buccaneers + Mock Draft | 2026 NFL Draft

Описание: Welcome to Episode 3 of The Search on Fear the Bay with your host, Daniel Morales!

Bucs fans, welcome back to The Search — our NFL Draft series zeroed in on the best potential fits and offseason moves for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2026.

In this episode, we're going full mock offseason mode: If I were GM Jason Licht, here's exactly how I'd handle the three key stages to rebuild and reload the roster for contention.Here’s what’s on tap:
• Stage 1: Re-Signing Bucs Free Agents or Letting Them Walk — Prioritizing the big names set to hit the market, like WR Mike Evans (franchise legend—bring him back on a team-friendly deal to mentor the young WRs), LB Lavonte David (veteran leadership is irreplaceable—re-sign for depth and culture), CB Jamel Dean (secondary needs stability—re-sign if the price is right), and others like RB Rachaad White, TE Cade Otton, and EDGE Haason Reddick. Tough calls on letting some vets walk to free up cap space while keeping core pieces.
• Stage 2: Free Agency Targets — Focusing on linebacker and EDGE reinforcements to shore up the front seven. Key target: LB Nakobe Dean from the Eagles—his athleticism, tackling, and pass-rush flashes make him a perfect fit for Todd Bowles' scheme; I'd go aggressive to land him as a high-upside starter. Other realistic adds: Veteran EDGE help or depth LBs to pair with existing talent and address run defense/pass coverage gaps.
• Stage 3: 2026 NFL Draft (2-Round Mock) — Closing out the mock with my two-round vision using current projections and the PFF Mock Draft Simulator style. Round 1: Targeting a premium EDGE or LB like Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) at a projected mid-first pick to inject explosive pass-rush juice. Round 2: Adding linebacker depth with a versatile, high-motor fit like Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech) to build long-term strength at the second level.This mock offseason balances retaining experience, adding proven free-agent talent, and drafting high-upside youth to keep the Bucs competitive in the NFC South.

Subscribe, like, and drop your thoughts in the comments—what’s your biggest priority in this mock offseason for the Bucs?

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