GM Jason Licht outlines Buccaneers’ draft-first plan at NFL Combine
· Yahoo Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht met with the media at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and made one thing clear: the foundation of this roster will continue to be built through the draft.
Licht emphasized that Tampa Bay’s “bread and butter” remains developing young talent. While the team will evaluate free agency and maintain open communication with its own pending free agents, the draft remains the organization’s primary vehicle for sustainable success. He declined to identify specific players the team is prioritizing, but confirmed discussions are ongoing.
Visit fishroad-app.com for more information.
Continuity on offense was another focal point. Licht acknowledged that injuries disrupted the 2025 season, particularly along the offensive line. Multiple lineup combinations, rookies shifting positions, and key skill players missing time created instability. He expressed confidence in the offensive line room when healthy and believes improved continuity in Liam Coen’s offense will benefit quarterback Baker Mayfield and the unit as a whole.
Defensively, Licht pointed directly at the pass rush as an area that must improve. He noted that Tampa Bay was competitive in many close games but acknowledged that consistent quarterback pressure is essential to taking the next step. Edge rusher and inside linebacker were identified as positions with strong depth in this year’s draft class, while defensive tackle appears thinner at the top tier.
When evaluating prospects, Licht highlighted tackling ability, physicality, and competitiveness as core traits. Combine participation matters, but he stressed that workouts are only one piece of a larger evaluation process.
Licht also reiterated confidence in Mayfield, describing him as mentally and physically tough and an elite competitor. Despite the disappointment of how the 2025 season ended, he expressed confidence that the organization is aligned in correcting course.
As the Buccaneers enter a pivotal offseason, the message from their general manager was consistent: build through the draft, improve the pass rush, and restore continuity.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2026 NFL combine: Bucs GM outlines draft plans for the coming months