New Buccaneers Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

This is a pivotal draft for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

An aging roster decimated by injuries was a recipe for disaster in not winning the NFC South. They need to start adding more difference-makers on both sides of the ball.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Buccaneers will do with the No. 15 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (3/31)

Selection (No. 15): Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

The Buccaneers' defensive front is somewhat mismatched, with Vita Vea and A'Shawn Robinson presenting similar skill sets along the interior. Meanwhile, Calijah Kancey falls on the opposite side of the spectrum as an undersized, penetrating option. All three could be entering the final years of their current deals as well.

Auburn's Keldric Faulk, who doesn't turn 21 until September, is an ideal piece to place into this rotation. The 6'6", 276-pound defender could give the Bucs what Logan Hall failed to provide after being a second-round selection from the 2022 class.

"Faulk's selection at this spot is more about the Buccaneers' long-term vision than next season," B/R scout Matt Holder said. "He'd be a great fit as a 4i- to 5-technique and complement Kancey well in odd fronts. Kancey would be the undersized but quick-twitched pass-rusher, while Faulk is the long-limbed run defender. It also doesn't hurt that the latter has good traits to potentially develop into a more complete player down the road."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (3/17)

Selection (No. 15): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 15): Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 15): LB CJ Allen, Georgia

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 15): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 15): Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (3/4)

Selection (No. 15): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 15): Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Summary

It appears Tampa Bay will decide between a playmaking tight end and a powerful edge-rusher. Both are positions of need, although new defensive leaders have to emerge for head coach Todd Bowles. How the Bucs determine what prospect best suits their long-term vision will be one of the more fascinating storylines to watch for in the middle of the draft.