A new mock draft from NFL.com has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers addressing one of their biggest needs early, projecting Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor to Tampa Bay at No. 15 overall.

The fit makes sense given how this roster is currently built. Tampa Bay still needs more consistent pass-rush production off the edge, and Mesidor brings a mix of quickness and strength that shows up both rushing the passer and holding up against the run. The only real question mark is age, as he would enter the league as a 25-year-old rookie, but that may not carry as much weight for a team that believes it can compete right now.

From there, the mock continues to lean into defense early before shifting toward depth and balance. Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez comes off the board in Round 2, followed by Ohio State corner Davison Igbinosun, reinforcing two areas that need long-term stability.

Later rounds focus on building out the roster with depth on both sides of the ball, including defensive tackle Zxavian Harris and multiple offensive line additions.

The mock draft has the Bucs landing the following players:

Round 2, Pick 46 – Jacob Rodriguez (LB, Texas Tech)

Round 3, Pick 77 – Davison Igbinosun (CB, Ohio State)

Round 7, Pick 229 – J. Michael Sturdivant (WR, Florida)

This is a class that reflects where Tampa Bay is right now. Early defensive investment paired with late-round depth pieces, all pointing toward a team trying to stay competitive while quietly reshaping key spots on the roster.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Mock Draft: Bucs land three starters on defense