Report: Buccaneers met with Kansas IOL Kobe Baynes at American Bowl
· Yahoo Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue evaluating offensive line prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. According to an interview with Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo, Kansas interior offensive lineman Kobe Baynes said the Buccaneers were among the teams he met with at the American Bowl.
Meetings at all-star events often give teams an opportunity to learn more about prospects beyond their on-field performances that can be seen on film. Baynes reportedly met with 19 teams during the event, giving organizations the chance to evaluate the Kansas lineman as he prepares for the next level of competition.
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Baynes had been a steady presence on the Jayhawks’ offensive line in 2025. According to Pro Football Focus data, he played 751 offensive snaps in 2025 and earned a 74.3 offensive grade with a 76.0 pass-blocking grade. During last season, he allowed 11 total pressures across more than 400 pass-blocking snaps, showing reliability in pass protection along the interior.
He also saw significant playing time in 2024, logging 668 snaps while maintaining strong efficiency in pass protection.
The interior offensive line could remain an area the Buccaneers monitor during the draft process, given their injuries at the position last season and the fact that upcoming players at that position have expiring contracts at the end of 2026. Tampa Bay currently has Ben Bredeson and Cody Mauch projected at the guard spots, but additional depth and competition along the interior should be part of the team’s long-term plan.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Report: Bucs met with Kansas IOL Kobe Baynes