Bucs Eye Edge Rusher Patrick Payton as Draft Strategy Heats Up!

Seminole, Florida, United States - The countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh is on, and excitement is already building around potential picks for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As the team prepares for a weeklong stay in Pittsburgh for joint practices and a preseason game in August, speculation is swirling regarding who the Buccaneers might select to bolster their defense, particularly the edge rusher position. Bucswire reports that ESPN’s Matt Miller has linked the Buccaneers to Florida State’s standout defender, Patrick Payton.

Payton, hailing from Miami, Florida, made waves during his time at Florida State, especially noted for his impressive performances in his freshman year. After a strong showing with seven sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore in 2023, the pressure was on for him to maintain that momentum. However, 2024 saw a slight dip with only four sacks, raising questions about his future aspirations as he looks to rebound during his impending stint at LSU in 2025.

Potential and Performance

As Payton sets his sights on reclaiming first-round status, his strengths are already drawing attention from NFL scouts. Standing tall at 6’5″, he possesses the length and reach that are invaluable for both blocking and pass deflection. His quickness and speed align well with the Buccaneers’ current defensive lineup, including prominent tackles like Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey. Adding a talent like Payton could enhance a team that has shown consistent growth, particularly in the edge rusher category.

According to NFL Draft Buzz, Payton boasts an array of impressive statistics. His junior year was punctuated by 44 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and seven sacks—on top of having ten pass breakups. His ability to adapt his rush plan shows impressive instincts and a strong motor. Still, some areas need polishing, such as improving his get-off timing and adding strength. Nevertheless, Payton’s early breakout at a young age suggests he has plenty of potential remaining.

Analysts indicate that he could fit well within various defensive schemes, whether as a weakside defensive end in a 4-3 setup or an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. His ability to drop into coverage underscores his versatility, enhancing his appeal in the eyes of both scouts and fans.

Building on Legacy

The edge rusher position has seen some legendary talent flow into the NFL. Notable examples include players like Robert Mathis, who, despite being drafted in the fifth round, became one of the most recognized edge rushers of his time. Mathis had a stellar college career, racking up 20 sacks and 32 tackles for loss during his senior season. Interestingly, he defied expectations by making his mark in the league, emphasizing that significant talent can emerge even from lower-round picks. As detailed by NFL.com, there’s a history of players turning into stars, which undoubtedly adds to the intrigue surrounding potential selections like Payton.

With the draft looming, all eyes will be on the Buccaneers as they consider filling this crucial role in their lineup. Will Patrick Payton be the answer to their edge rusher needs? As his journey progresses, one thing is for sure: this Miami native has the potential to light up the NFL stage if he continues on his upward trajectory.