2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Caleb Bacon, LB, Penn State
Summer is here, sort of, 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, but also give them an idea of 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 so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Background Info
Notable Career Stats
Notable PFF Numbers
2025
2023
Strengths
Player Summary
Caleb Bacon arrives at Penn State after a unique college journey that began as a walk-on at Iowa State. By the end of his time in Ames, he had developed into a team captain, an All-Big 12 honorable mention selection, and one of the leaders of the Cyclones defense. His path speaks to both his work ethic and ability to steadily earn larger roles throughout his career.
The statistical profile points toward a linebacker who does his best work against the run. His 2023 season was particularly impressive, earning a 91.3 run-defense grade from PFF while producing 41 defensive stops on just 346 snaps. Even after suffering a season-ending injury in 2024, Bacon returned in 2025 to start every game and post career-best tackle production.
The upcoming season at Penn State could be the most important of his career. Currently listed as a backup middle linebacker, Bacon will be competing for defensive snaps while adjusting to a new program. NFL evaluators will likely be watching to see whether he can carve out a larger role in the Nittany Lions’ defense and replicate the production he showed during his final healthy seasons at Iowa State.
For now, Bacon projects as an experienced, productive linebacker whose resume is built on toughness, leadership, and run-defense production. A strong season at Penn State could significantly improve his standing within the 2027 NFL Draft class.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Caleb Bacon, LB, PSU
Reporting by Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
