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The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh in one week's time, a city where the Bucs could select the next star they add to their roster in hopes of righting the proverbial ship. Before then, though, there will be plenty of speculation and buildup for the team and who they may add to the roster through the draft. Thankfully, we now have some added context for players now that the scouting combine has come and gone.
The Ringer's Todd McShay recently released the latest 2026 NFL mock draft of the cycle, which has the team going in the defensive direction, specifically, pass rush. Akheem Mesidor, out of Miami, is the pick, and the team would be getting a polished pass rusher to add to their defense.
McShay explains the Mesidor pick, writing, "Improving the pass rush is an absolute must for Todd Bowles’s defense. Mesidor brings exactly what they’re missing—he’s a polished, productive pass rusher with a deep arsenal of moves, change-of-direction quickness, violent hands, and a relentless motor. There are some age and durability concerns (he’ll be a 25-year-old rookie and has dealt with various injuries), but this is a team focused on the present, not a second contract. And from what I’ve heard, most teams view his durability risk as moderate. Production-wise, he checks out. He had 12.5 sacks, a 21.3 percent pass rush win rate (just behind Bain and Bailey in this class), and four forced fumbles in his final college season. That’s the type of impact the Bucs need off the edge."
Bucs general manager Jason Licht likes drafting aggressive players on the field. Mesidor fits their billing and meets a need as well. Checking both those boxes makes this projection one that could unfold on draft night.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Mock Draft: Akheem Mesidor lands with the Bucs
Continue reading...
The Ringer's Todd McShay recently released the latest 2026 NFL mock draft of the cycle, which has the team going in the defensive direction, specifically, pass rush. Akheem Mesidor, out of Miami, is the pick, and the team would be getting a polished pass rusher to add to their defense.
McShay explains the Mesidor pick, writing, "Improving the pass rush is an absolute must for Todd Bowles’s defense. Mesidor brings exactly what they’re missing—he’s a polished, productive pass rusher with a deep arsenal of moves, change-of-direction quickness, violent hands, and a relentless motor. There are some age and durability concerns (he’ll be a 25-year-old rookie and has dealt with various injuries), but this is a team focused on the present, not a second contract. And from what I’ve heard, most teams view his durability risk as moderate. Production-wise, he checks out. He had 12.5 sacks, a 21.3 percent pass rush win rate (just behind Bain and Bailey in this class), and four forced fumbles in his final college season. That’s the type of impact the Bucs need off the edge."
Bucs general manager Jason Licht likes drafting aggressive players on the field. Mesidor fits their billing and meets a need as well. Checking both those boxes makes this projection one that could unfold on draft night.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Mock Draft: Akheem Mesidor lands with the Bucs
Continue reading...
