The 2023 NFL Draft has come and gone. Where did the Tampa Bay Buccaneers make their picks, what draft capital did they possess, and were they able to turn that opportunity into results? Let’s take a closer look.
Want to see how the Buccaneers graded out during the 2023 NFL Draft? Then come check out our full Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft grades. You can also see the entire 2023 NFL Draft results.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft Picks Tracker by Round in 2023
- Round 1, Pick 19
Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt
- Round 2, Pick 48 (from GB via DET)
Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State - Round 3, Pick 82
YaYa Diaby, EDGE, Louisville - Round 5, Pick 153
SirVocea Dennis, LB, Pittsburgh - Round 5, Pick 171 (from LAR)
Payne Durham, TE, Purdue - Round 6, Pick 181 (from IND)
Josh Hayes, DB, Kansas State - Round 6, Pick 191 (from PHI)
Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska - Round 6, Pick 196
Jose Ramirez, EDGE, Eastern Michigan
*Compensatory pick
How Many Draft Picks Did the Buccaneers Have in the 2023 NFL Draft?
The Buccaneers made selections in each of the first three rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft. In fact, the only rounds in which they didn’t have a selection were Rounds 4 and 7. However, they did hold multiple selections in Round 5 (2) and Round 6 (3).
The Bucs enjoyed three years of success following the signing of Tom Brady. With Brady retired, they have the remnants of a win-now roster without the quarterback. While the Bucs are outwardly committed to Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask, it’s hard to imagine they actually believe either is the long-term answer at quarterback.
MORE: History of Tampa Bay Buccaneers First-Round NFL Draft Picks
Nevertheless, Tampa Bay chose to pass on a QB in this draft, even with Will Levis still on the board during their selection in the first round and Hendon Hooker still available in Round 2. Instead, the Buccaneers added to the trenches through the first two days, as they plan for the future in hopes of setting up the team to begin seriously competing again in 2024 or 2025.
The trenches are where it started for the Buccaneers in the 2023 NFL Draft. In Round 1, Tampa Bay brought in polarizing DT prospect Calijah Kancey. Though he’s a massive size outlier at the position, Kancey plays with unmatched quickness and tenacity. He should be a superb fit as a 3-tech alongside nose tackle Vita Vea.
Kancey wasn’t the only addition the Buccaneers made on the defensive front. They also added two contrasting EDGE players to their pass-rushing rotation, joining Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Shaquil Barrett. In Round 3, the Buccaneers acquired YaYa Diaby — a tools-rich power rusher. And in Round 6, they scored a potential pass-rushing specialist with bend in Jose Ramirez.
Elsewhere on defense, the Buccaneers added versatile DB Josh Hayes in Round 6, and LB SirVocea Dennis in Round 5. Especially given the uncertain long-term futures of both Devin White and Lavonte David, Dennis’ arrival in Tampa Bay is intriguing. Dennis is an explosive, hard-charging LB between the tackles who can sift through congestion and snuff out plays in the backfield.
Tampa Bay made a few notable selections on the offensive side of the ball as well. Cody Mauch, drafted in Round 2, should be a starting talent at guard. And on Day 3, Payne Durham and Trey Palmer provide counterpunches to the team’s weapons rotation.