This season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers embark on an unfamiliar journey: life without linebacker Lavonte David. For the first time in 14 seasons, the Bucs will be without their longtime defensive leader and will be in the market for a new starter. Fortunately for Tampa Bay, the 2026 draft class is well-stocked with linebacker talent. They have a multitude of starting options in the first three rounds, as well as some potential sleepers in Day 3. The question is just what scenario will work best.
Here are the Bucs’ 2026 draft day scenarios at the linebacker position:
The “Dream On” pick: Sonny Styles
As one of the best prospects in this year’s draft class, Ohio State LB Sonny Styles just is not in the cards for Tampa Bay. In addition to being among the best athletes regardless of position, Styles is an off-ball linebacker worthy of a top-five selection. He has no real gaps in his profile. He can defend the run, cover, and rush the passer. His tackling was immaculate last season, missing just 2.2% of his attempts per PFF. His profile makes him scheme-agnostic and would instantly upgrade the middle of virtually any defense. The Bucs simply will not have a realistic opportunity to draft him, even though his addition would solve every concern they currently have at the linebacker position.
Best case scenario: Jacob Rodriguez
Fortunately for the Bucs, the next best thing is certainly within their reach. Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez has enjoyed an ideal draft process in which he has answered questions surrounding his athleticism and ability relative to the rest of the class. His sub-4.6 second 40-yard dash and sub-7 second three cone established that Rodriguez possesses the necessary traits to be a coveted NFL linebacker. His production speaks for itself: seven forced fumbles, four interceptions, and 11 tackles for a loss in 2025. While there is no replacing Lavonte David, Rodriguez would be an ideal first step to a new era of Tampa Bay linebackers.
The next best thing: CJ Allen
Georgia LB CJ Allen is as NFL-ready as any linebacker in the class. He was usually the most prepared player on the field in any given game and is almost always near the ball. He does not quite have the ideal sideline-to-sideline speed, but his instincts give him an extra step on any given play. He is rarely out of position, but his size and athleticism leave some questions about how effective he will be at the next level. He is a limited blitzer and may struggle covering more athletic tight ends. Allen will have a firm ceiling in the NFL, but the floor is high enough to make him a worthy second-round selection for Tampa Bay.
The “just fix the problem” pick: Kyle Louis
The Bucs’ biggest weakness at linebacker over the last few years is easily pass coverage. The most direct solution in this year’s draft class is Pitt LB Kyle Louis. The rangy linebacker specializes in pass defense, both in coverage and as a blitzer. Over the last two seasons, Louis recorded six interceptions, six pass breakups, and 10 sacks. The downside is Louis is very undersized at 5’11” and 220 pounds. While he has the speed to avoid blocks, he simply lacks the size to consistently get off blocks once engaged. His lack of size and length will make missed tackles an inevitability against NFL talent. Drafting Louis would be a risk, but it may be a worthwhile one if the Bucs are intent on addressing their middle field coverage woes.
The sleeper: Jackson Kuwatch
While linebacker should be a position the Bucs prioritize in this year’s draft, they have some options to address the position even on Day 3. Miami (Ohio) LB Jackson Kuwatch broke out in 2025, recording 109 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss and five sacks. He is also an impressive athlete, running a 4.64-second 40-yard dash and a 6.95-second three-cone drill at 6’4″ and 232 pounds. Kuwatch lacks the experience to start right away, but his upside might make him a coveted prospect late in the draft.
Even if the Bucs take a linebacker in the first two days, they could double up with a high-upside linebacker like Kuwatch with one of their later picks.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2026 Bucs Draft Scenarios: What if they go with a linebacker?
Reporting by Jason Kanno, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
