New Buccaneers NFL 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 ultimately cost them in 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 (4/15)

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

Cade Otton signed a three-year, $30 million contract extension this offseason. Normally, that type of financial investment would prevent an organization from sinking a first-round pick in another tight end.

In this case, Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq provides an ideal complementary skill set in an offense that could lean heavily on 12 personnel during the upcoming campaign.

"The Bucs could use playmaking ability at tight end," B/R scout Daniel Harms said. "Otton is a fine player but doesn't bring much offensive impact. Sadiq is the class' best tight end and brings a dominating mentality as a blocker, with untapped potential as a pass-catcher.

"With new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who just saw Kyle Pitts have his best season, and likely plans to run more two-tight end sets, this pairing isn't a luxury. Sadiq is exactly what the offense needs and rounds out the receiving options for quarterback Baker Mayfield."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (4/15)

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 (4/15)

Selection (No. 15): G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

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

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

Summary

Tampa Bay will have plenty to choose from. There are several needs across the roster, although head coach Todd Bowles will be urging for new defensive leaders. How the organization determines which prospect best suits their long-term vision will be one of the storylines to watch for in the middle of the draft.