The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2026 offseason is shaping up to be one of the most crucial periods in recent memory, as the franchise tries to erase the stench of 2025’s failures by improving to the point where it is viewed as a playoff-caliber team once again.

The offense is set to return the vast majority of starters (Mike Evans and Cade Otton are without deals), but it’s nowhere near the same scenario on defense. The Buccaneers are on track to replace at least one starter at every level of the defense, especially at linebacker, where Lavonte David’s future is in question, and SirVocea Dennis’ true impact remains unknown.

The second level of the Bucs defense was ineffective in 2025, sending ripples through the entire unit. Fortunately for them, the 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the better off-ball linebacker drafts in recent memory, as ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid pointed out Tuesday morning:

It’s been a while, but we finally have a really good LB class. This group is loaded. Great year to need an off-ball LB.

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) February 3, 2026

The middle linebacker position is integral to Todd Bowles’ defense

Bowles’ defense is so exotic and aggressive that he needs guys who can do it all at linebacker. They have to run, hit, cover, and blitz because they have to fill voids left by other blitzing defenders, match up against less-traditional assignments like an uber-athletic tight end or a dynamic running back, or they blitz.

It’s a big reason why the Buccaneers drafted Devin White fifth overall in 2019 and why he played such a key role in their Super Bowl run. Before he fell off, White’s insane speed and athleticism had him on track toward becoming the NFL’s best off-ball linebacker.

The defense is in far better shape when the second level is not only reliable, but dynamic. It allows Bowles to completely open his playbook, and it’s easy to see why.

So who are some of the realistic linebackers for the Bucs at No. 15 (or later)?

Picking in the middle of the draft is tough to project. All it takes is for one or two teams to roll the dice and move up to get a guy or what is deemed a top prospect to fall a few spots to shake things up and leave a team like the Bucs in an unexpected position.

Regardless, the Buccaneers should have their pick of the litter at No. 15. Right now, there are only two teams in front of them (Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders) that have a strong need at linebacker. However, they have stronger needs that could prompt them to take another position in the first round. There’s also the fact that the Commanders pick seventh – it’s hard to see them taking an off-ball linebacker that high, considering they need major help at wideout, EDGE, and cornerback.

So, with that said, here are some realistic options at No. 15 and then even a couple of options for the second round.

Round 1

• Ohio State’s Sonny Styles – This is probably the most popular pick, and for good reason. Styles can do it all, and the best part is that he is a sure-fire tackler with very good instincts. Athletic ability is great and all, but a linebacker is worth as much as his instincts, and Styles certainly has them to where he’d be a Day 1 starter.
• Georgia’s C.J. Allen – Like Styles, Allen can do it all, and he’s a better athlete. The Bucs may be better suited to trade back a couple of spots to land Allen, but it won’t be considered a “mistake” or a “reach” if they take him at 15.

Round 2

• Missouri’s Josiah Trotter – The son of Eagles legend Jeremiah Trotter, Josiah is as violent and as mean as they come at the position. He has an excellent processor in the run game, and while he probably doesn’t have the speed to cover in a sideline-to-sideline sense, he’s quick enough that he can drop in zone and take on seam routes.
• Texas’ Anthony Hill Jr. – Hill racked up 8.0 sacks last year, primarily playing off-ball, which is pretty incredible. He’s effective against the run, but his coverage skills aren’t up to snuff like the guys above him. That can be coached up, but it’s certainly something to consider when looking at the draft from the Buccaneers’ purview.

There are plenty of other names to consider, but these four prospects are the top (and most realistic) guys for where the Buccaneers pick in the first and second rounds.

Regardless, they’ll have a shot at the top option not named Arvell Reese Jr., and the hope is that guy can come in and fix one of the biggest problems on the Buccaneers defense. If that happens, we could certainly see Bowles’ defense return to the level we’ve become accustomed to.