Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans and give them names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these to keep Bucs fans as informed as possible.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Background Information
Notable Career Stats Heading Into 2026
Notable Numbers From PFF Heading Into 2026
Strengths
Weaknesses
Player Summary
Mikai Gbayor enters the 2026 season with a unique college football journey behind him. After beginning his career at Nebraska and spending the 2025 season at North Carolina, he now arrives at Florida State looking for an opportunity to secure a larger role and improve his NFL Draft outlook. His familiarity with defensive coordinator Tony White should help ease the transition as he enters his final collegiate season.
The statistical profile presents an experienced linebacker who has steadily improved throughout his career. His best season came in 2024 at Nebraska, where he earned a 72.1 overall PFF grade while posting career highs in tackles and tackles for loss. He followed that up with a productive campaign at North Carolina that included an ACC Linebacker of the Week performance and a defensive touchdown.
He has played in multiple defensive systems, accumulated meaningful Power Four experience, and demonstrated the ability to contribute in a variety of roles. At the same time, he has yet to fully establish himself as a long-term centerpiece of a defense.
Florida State offers what could be Gbayor’s final opportunity to put everything together. If he can earn a full-time role and produce the most complete season of his career, he has a chance to significantly improve his draft stock. Entering the year, he projects as an experienced linebacker with NFL developmental upside and a realistic path to becoming a late-round draft selection.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Mikai Gbayor, LB, Florida State
Reporting by Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
