The Tampa Bay Buccaneers certainly didn’t have the flashiest draft — using their top three picks on offensive or defensive linemen.
However, they filled many positions of need, and have set themselves up for the future as they navigate through the post-Tom Brady era.
Let’s meet the Buccaneers’ 2023 NFL Draft class.
Buccaneers NFL Draft Picks 2023
- Round 1, Pick 19 Overall: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
- Round 2, Pick 48 Overall (From DET via GB): Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State
- Round 3, Pick 82 Overall: YaYa Diaby, DE, Louisville
- Round 5, Pick 153 Overall: SirVocea Dennis, LB, Pittsburgh
- Round 5, Pick 171 Overall (Compensatory From LAR): Payne Durham, TE, Purdue
- Round 6, Pick 181 Overall (From IND): Josh Hayes, DB, Kansas State
- Round 6, Pick 191 Overall (From GB via LAR, HOU, PHI): Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska
- Round 6, Pick 196 Overall: Jose Ramirez, EDGE, Eastern Michigan
Buccaneers NFL Futures Odds
Now that the NFL Draft is complete, get ready for the 2023-24 NFL season with the latest Buccaneers odds and futures betting markets.
Buccaneers Draft Grade 2023
Buccaneers NFL Draft Grade: C
Our Frank Ammirante gave the Buccaneers a C after deciding to trot out Kyle Trask or Baker Mayfield next season but he did like the additions overall, especially first-rounder Calijah Kancey.
Click to see our full report card of 2023 NFL Draft Grades.
Note: The following information was written prior to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Buccaneers Draft Team Needs 2023
1. Offensive Line
Both guard and tackle are a need, the more urgent being a long-term replacement for tackle Donovan Smith to pair up with all-pro Tristan Wirfs.
Both offensive line depth and top-end talent are a necessity and the Bucs will almost certainly target multiple offensive line pieces throughout the draft.
2. Cornerback/Safety
This became slightly less of a need when Tampa re-signed Jamel Dean, and they have an excellent young safety in Antoine Winfield.
Even so with the loss of both Mike Edwards and Sean Murphy-Bunting, this room lacks depth. With not a lot of cap space to go around, look for the Bucs to shore up the secondary in this year’s draft.
3. Edge Rusher
This is a stacked edge-rusher class and an area where the Bucs desperately need more production.
When the Bucs were able to re-sign longtime middle linebacker Lavonte David to a one-year deal, the outside became the more immediate need.
With defensive-minded head coach Todd Bowles stating that he was looking for more production from his outside linebackers group, don’t be surprised to see them target an OLB/edge player that fits in his 3-4 defense.
Buccaneers May Also Consider Drafting: Quarterback, Inside Linebacker
Buccaneers NFL Draft Round 1 Mock 2023
- Round 1, Pick 19 Overall: Brian Branch, CB, Alabama
As of April 5, our own Anthony Cervino is predicting the Bucs will pick this versatile secondary defender. Read our full NFL Mock Draft.
Buccaneers NFL Draft Pick History
Buccaneers NFL Draft Picks 2022
- Round 2, Pick 1 (33rd Overall): Logan Hall, DE, Houston
- Round 2, Pick 25 (57th Overall): Luke Goedeke, G, Central Michigan
- Round 3, Pick 27 (91st Overall): Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State
- Round 4, Pick 1 (106th Overall): Cade Otton, TE, Washington
- Round 4, Pick 28 (133rd Overall): Jake Camarda, P, Georgia
- Round 5, Pick 14 (157th Overall): Zyon McCollum, CB, Sam Houston State
- Round 6, Pick 40 (218th Overall): Ko Kieft, TE, Minnesota
- Round 7, Pick 27 (248th Overall): Andre Anthony, LB, LSU
