Day two of the NFL Draft is in the books and the Buccaneers were able to pick up a few players at positions need while also adding another pick for day three. With day two wrapped up, let’s take a look at the players the Bucs took and put a grade on each pick.
Round 2, 46th overall, Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
After adding a pass rusher on night one, the Bucs addressed their second biggest need on defense with their second round pick in Josiah Trotter. The son of former NFL star linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, Josiah Trotter has a high ceiling but doesn’t
come without risks. The positives are his blitzing ability which Todd Bowles will surely use and his ability to defend the run.
One area he needs to improve is pass coverage and overall tackling. It was a bit surprising seeing the Bucs take Trotter over a few other linebackers that were available especially one that is a bit of a project when it comes to pass coverage. Regardless, he’ll fill a need and play role for them in 2026. This was a solid selection that could end becoming even better as years go on.
Grade: B-
Round 3, 84th overall, Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
After a small trade down with the Green Bay Packers where the Bucs were able to pick up an extra 5th round pick (160th overall) they moved down and selected a player I would’ve been perfectly fine with them selecting at 77. Ted Hurst is your typical X receiver which the Bucs certainly need in their wide receiver room. He will come in and have a role in this offense immediately because of the size and ball tracking ability he brings. At 6’4”, 206 pounds Hurst brings that size and deep threat ability that Tampa Bay lost when Mike Evans departed in free agency.
Some may question taking a wide receiver, but Hurst is a talented player with tremendous upside and he brings something to an already talented receiver room that lacked someone with that size. This is the type of pick that could be a home run if all goes right. Being able to move back and get an extra pick is just the cherry on top.
Grade: A-
The Bucs have set themselves up for a little bit of potential flexibility with that extra 5th round pick. Tampa Bay currently has five picks on day three and could end up using some of those to move up in order to get a player they like. We will see who Tampa Bay adds on the final day of the draft.
