By When it comes to the ten best draft picks in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history, we look at players who delivered elite performance, longevity, and in some cases helped bring a championship to Tampa Bay.
Here’s a look at the 10 best draft picks in Buccaneers history.
10. Tristan Wirfs-Offensive Tackle
Taken as the 13th pick overall in the NFL draft from Iowa.
Wirfs has become an elite tackle who can play both right and left tackle and is one of the best in football.
He was a key part of the offensive line during the Bucs last
Super Bowl run in 2020.
9. Doug Williams-Quarterback
Was the overall 17th pick in the 1978 draft from Grambling.
Led the Buccaneers to early franchise success, and was the first quarterback to take the Bucs to the playoffs.
Lost in the 1979 NFC Championship game to the St. Louis Rams 9-0
Became a member of the “Krewe of Honor” in 1991. That has now become known as the—Ring of Honor.
8. Lavonte David-Linebacker
Taken in round 2 of the NFL draft with the 58th pick overall in the 2012 draft.
Is one of the most underrated linebackers ever to play the game.
His game was elite in tackles, coverage, and turnovers.
A key leader on the defense in the Super Bowl 55 Championship.
7. John Lynch-Safety
Drafted in the third round of the 1993 draft out of Stanford.
He was the tone setter in the secondary during his time in Tampa from 1993 to 2003.
Known for his punishing hits and leadership, Lynch is a 9x Pro Bowler and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
6. Ronde Barber-Cornerback
Drafted in the third round of the 1997 draft out of Virginia.
Barber played his entire career with the Buccaneers and redefined the slot corner position.
A member of the Hall of Fame, His pick-six vs. Philadelphia sent Tampa to the Super Bowl.
5. Mike Evans-Wide Receiver
Taken with the 7th overall pick in 2014 out of Texas A&M.
Evans started his career with 11+ straight 1,000-yard seasons. He is one of the most consistent receivers in NFL history.
A future Hall of Fame candidate.
4. Warrick Dunn-Running Back
The overall 12th selection of the draft in 1997 out of Florida State.
Earned NFL Rookie of the Year Honors in 1997.
Off the field, Dunn’s legacy is even greater. His charitable work, particularly through homes for single-parent families, cemented his status as one of the most admired figures in Tampa Bay sports history.
3. Lee Roy Selmon-Defensive End
The first-ever pick for the Buccaneers in 1976
Was a 6x Pro Bowler, and was Defensive Player of the Year in 1979.
Set a high standard for the organization.
2. Warren Sapp-Defensive Tackle
Was the 12th overall pick in the 1995 draft from Miami.
Was the engine of the Tampa defense along with Brooks and Barber during their Super Bowl run in 2003.
Named to the Pro Bowl 7x. Was a 4x All-Pro, and the 1999 Defensive Player of the Year.
One of the most disruptive DT’s ever.
1. Derrick Brooks-Linebacker
Derrick Brooks is, without question, the greatest Buccaneer of all time.
Brooks played in 11 Pro Bowls, was a 9-time All-Pro, and Defensive Player of the Year
Sealed Super Bowl XXXVII with a pick-six.
A first ballot Hall of Famer.
The Buccaneers’ best draft picks largely built two golden eras:
The late 1990s-early 2000s defense (Brooks, Sapp, Lynch, Barber), the modern contender era (Evans, David, Wirfs).
These players didn’t just perform; they defined the franchise’s identity. From dominant defense to explosive offense, Tampa Bay’s greatest successes have always been driven by hitting big in the draft.
