The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have finally entered the win column with their 24-16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, but their 1-4 record still has them appearing near the top of early 2027 NFL mock drafts. One national analyst believes Tampa Bay could use that opportunity to add one of college football's best defensive backs.
In his latest mock draft for FOX Sports, Rob Rang projects the Buccaneers to select Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore with the third overall pick. Rang has Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith going first to the Houston Texans, followed by Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons to the Tennessee Titans.
Rang briefly acknowledged that general manager Jason Licht could consider a quarterback if he identifies a potential franchise
player, but Moore was ultimately his selection. The Notre Dame standout has established himself as one of the nation's premier coverage defenders and currently ranks fifth overall on Pro Football Focus' 2027 NFL Draft big board.
The 6-foot-2, 197-pound cornerback earned a 91.8 overall PFF grade in 2025, the highest among college cornerbacks, while recording five interceptions and seven pass breakups. His 92.5 coverage grade also led the position, establishing him as one of the country's most productive defensive backs.
Through five games in 2026, Moore has allowed just six receptions for 65 yards on 13 targets across 130 coverage snaps, according to PFF. He hasn't recorded an interception this season, but opposing quarterbacks have struggled to find success when throwing his way. Six of his seven career interceptions have also come in man coverage, an appealing trait for Todd Bowles' defense.
Moore, like any player isn't without some weaknesses. PFF has identified tackling consistency and run defense as areas needing improvement, while questions remain about his top-end speed. Those concerns could become more important against NFL receivers, particularly for a prospect expected to be selected near the top of the draft.
The selection would also reunite Moore with former Notre Dame teammate Benjamin Morrison, whom Tampa Bay drafted in the second round of the 2025 draft. However, the Buccaneers have already invested in Morrison, Jacob Parrish and Keionte Scott, making cornerback an interesting choice with a premium selection.
Tampa Bay's secondary has dealt with injuries this season, and the Cowboys still managed 316 passing yards despite the Buccaneers forcing three second-half turnovers. Moore could provide another talented option at coverage, but whether the position warrants a top-three pick remains debatable.
For now, Moore is a prospect worth monitoring as the Buccaneers work to improve their record. Rang's projection was published before Tampa Bay's victory over Dallas, and with 12 games remaining, the team's eventual draft position is far from determined.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Mock Draft Monday: Buccaneers land star Notre Dame cornerback
