Tampa Bay’s offseason has left a clear question at linebacker, and the answer may not come until draft night. One recent mock draft suggests the Buccaneers could address that need earlier than expected.
Mock Draft Connects Buccaneers to Jacob Rodriguez
In a three-round mock draft for PFSN, Alec Elijah projected Tampa Bay to select Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with the No. 15 overall pick.
Elijah wrote that Tampa Bay’s defensive needs could push the team toward addressing the linebacker position early, and that Rodriguez fits the mold of a first-round impact player.
“At 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, Rodriguez may be considered undersized by traditional standards, but his play style more than compensates.” Elijah wrote.
“He’s a high-level athlete with superb instincts, allowing him to diagnose plays quickly and explode toward the ball. Whether it’s shooting gaps in the run game or dropping into coverage, Rodriguez consistently finds ways to disrupt opposing offenses.”
Elijah also pointed out that Rodriguez recorded 4 interceptions and 7 forced fumbles in 2025, showing a rare ability to create turnovers and shift momentum — something Tampa Bay’s defense could benefit from.
His production backs it up. Rodriguez totaled 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, 6 pass breakups, and 7 forced fumbles. He earned a 90.1 PFSN Linebacker Impact Grade while also taking home the Nagurski, Lombardi, Butkus, and Bednarik Awards.
Turnovers are where he separates himself. That level of production is difficult to find at the position and would immediately address a weakness in Tampa Bay’s defense.
Lavonte David’s Future Adds Urgency to Buccaneers’ Decision
The timing of the projection would address a glaring need for Tampa Bay. Veteran linebacker Lavonte David is still playing at a high level, but the longtime leader of Tampa Bay’s defense is 36 years old and weighing his future. Even if he returns for another season, the Buccaneers need a long-term plan in place.
The current depth chart has not provided that answer. SirVocea Dennis has flashed at times, but inconsistent coverage and space have limited his role. That has left the middle of the defense vulnerable, particularly against tight ends and running backs.
Tampa Bay’s defense finished No. 19 in PFSN’s Defensive Impact Metric last season, a drop from the unit’s previous standard. Rodriguez fits what this defense has been missing.
At 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, he is not the prototypical size. That will be part of the evaluation. His play speed, instincts, and ability to impact passing lanes help offset those concerns.
He plays best behind a strong defensive front that keeps him clean and allows him to flow to the ball. Tampa Bay’s defensive line structure could provide that environment.
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Elijah’s projection may be aggressive compared to Rodriguez’s current consensus range, but it reflects how teams value production and versatility at the position.
With the draft approaching, Tampa Bay’s need at linebacker is becoming harder to ignore. Rodriguez is one of the few prospects in this class who offers both immediate impact and long-term upside.