Buccaneers Eye Notre Dame Star CB in 2027 Draft

As of October 13, 2026, a prominent national analyst projects the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to select Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore with the third overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. This projection comes despite the Buccaneers' current 1-4 record this season, which could place them high in the draft order. Moore has emerged as a top defensive back prospect, earning a remarkable 91.8 overall PFF grade in 2025, the highest among college cornerbacks. He also boasts impressive coverage statistics through the first five games of the 2026 season, allowing minimal yardage on targeted passes.

While the possibility of drafting a quarterback exists, Moore's elite coverage skills and potential align with the team's needs. He has demonstrated significant success in man coverage, a scheme favored by the Buccaneers' defensive coordinator. However, areas such as tackling consistency and run defense require improvement, and questions about his top-end speed persist. The potential selection would also reunite Moore with a former Notre Dame teammate already on the Buccaneers' roster, though the team has other investments at the cornerback position.