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“A Reflection On A Great Draft” August 22nd, 2026Since the start of the 2018 NFL Draft, Joe can’t say there are more than four general managers who have been better in the draft than Buccaneers Ring of Honor GM Jason Licht. The record is out there for all to review. Sure, it’s easy to throw a darts at Licht’s work, but that’s the nature of the draft across the NFL. That’s what makes it so fun. A lot of teams dump many millions into their front office and prospect evaluations every year and fail miserably. Joe looks at the 2026 Bucs draft and it’s hard not to drool. Staying calm is difficult when you watch first-round pick Miami Mauler edge rusher Rueben Bain practice, along with inside linebacker Josiah Trotter (Round 2) and crazy-talented receiver Ted Hurst (Round 3). They all have looked like studs this summer. And it’s not just Joe. Former Jets assistant linebackers coach and personnel director Pat Kirwan has been blown away by Bain and Trotter. He was at Bucs practice this week with his SiriusXM NFL Radio sidekick Jacob Hester, the former NFL tight end. Kirwan and Hester think Trotter, the No. 46 overall draft pick, is destined for the NFL’s all-rookie team, along with Bain. “[Trotter] in a high pressure scheme of defense where they’re trying to win on defense and not trying to just bend, don’t break. They are trying to attack you,” Kirwan said. “I think it’s perfect for him and to be next to Alex [Anzalone] until they pass the torch. … He is going to be given the opportunity to succeed early.” The Joe typing here is crazy high on Hurst. He has all the raw receiver talent and tools of a legitimate first-round draft pick. Joe can’t wait to see how quickly Hurst progresses — and if the Bucs let him loose on the league in a hurry. And don’t forget fourth-round nickel cornerback Keionte Scott. All these guys will be on display tonight against the Chiefs.