The next offseason event that has long been circled on the calendar is the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. It will be the most extensive glimpse yet at the draft class as teams evaluate the person and player they could potentially draft. Few teams value this time more than the Bucs, who put stock in character nearly as much as talent. While Tampa Bay will enjoy the process of gathering intel, it will also provide a look at which players shine athletically as they participate in various drills.
With excitement abounding across the league, this week also serves as a pulse check of team needs. NFL free agency is less than a month away, and before you know it, the Bucs will be on the clock for the 2026 NFL Draft. More than at any point of the year, followers of every team are hypothetically connecting prospects to their teams and imagining how they can contribute.
Here is the latest of what local and national reporters have in mind for Tampa Bay in the first few rounds.
Stay tuned to PewterReport.com this coming week as our staff will be traveling to Indianapolis, Indiana, to cover all the action and share what we learn in our interviews and observations.
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Ohio State ILB Sonny Styles
This would be an ideal scenario for the Bucs, who have a massive need at linebacker, even if Lavonte David returns for a 15th season. Styles is a complete player with an impressive blend of physical and mental traits who would be an immediate upgrade next to David, and a worthy successor whenever the future Hall of Famer does decide to hang up his cleats. Styles is a top-10 talent in this class, but teams might not prioritize the off-ball linebacker position earlier in the round, leaving Tampa Bay to reap the benefits.
No. 46 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell
No. 77 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Baylor TE Michael Trigg
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia ILB CJ Allen
With Lavonte David pondering retirement, Todd Bowles has to be thinking about finding a new defensive nerve center. Allen’s scouting report screams GREEN-DOT DEFENDER. A starter for the last two-plus seasons on Georgia’s loaded roster, the linebacker fully bloomed in 2025, earning first-team All-America honors from the Associated Press. Everyone raves about his football IQ and leadership skills, but some question his ability in coverage. The combine workout looms large.
Georgia ILB CJ Allen – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Brett Davis
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia ILB CJ Allen
Legendary Buccaneer Lavonte David is an impending free agent and even if he chooses not to retire and returns in 2026, he could help mentor his future successor. CJ Allen fits the Bucs’ character criteria with leadership skills as a green dot linebacker for the Bulldogs and team captain role. Allen possesses the position flexibility that is required in Todd Bowles’ complex system.
He has quick burst to close on receivers to limit YAC yards from zone, blitz prowess from the A- and B-gaps, textbook wrap-up tackling technique and trust in his instincts to play fast after diagnosing. He fills gaps with proper leverage and his football intelligence was evident in Kirby Smart’s system.
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia ILB CJ Allen
General manager Jason Licht has no qualms with taking a player who is not at a position of need, so anything is in play here. This is the year the Bucs finally draft the replacement for the unsinkable Lavonte David. Allen has been a steadying force for Georgia’s defense ever since he stepped on the field as a freshman. He has intangibles and a well-rounded game that would fit in Todd Bowles’ defense. And really any defense, to be fair.
Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Jerome Miron
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell
There will be a lot of talk about Howell having shorter arms, but the tape shows an Aggie who plays every snap with intensity. Todd Bowles could use more juice off the edge.
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia ILB CJ Allen
The heartbeat of Georgia’s defense this year, Allen is a tenacious tackler who thrives in the run game and can also cover receivers in the slot. Lavonte David is 36 years old and this is a good chance for Tampa to replace him with a high-IQ player to prevent explosive plays at the second level.
In three seasons with the Bulldogs, Allen totaled 205 tackles, 117 solo tackles, 10 passes defended, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq
I genuinely wouldn’t be surprised if Kenyon Sadiq works his way into the top 10 by the time the draft rolls around. We’ve seen how important tight ends have become for plenty of offenses in recent years, and how teams value the position. Sadiq is the clear No. 1 option at the position to be That Guy in this class. He reminds me of George Kittle.
Ohio State ILB Sonny Styles – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Raymond Carlin III
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Ohio State ILB Sonny Styles
I have Styles rated much higher than 15th in my prospect rankings, but not all teams value off-ball linebackers the same way. Styles can plug the hole if Lavonte David does not return.
No. 15 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy
The Buccaneers would likely love to have either of the two Ohio State linebackers, but McCoy would be a great fallback option for a team that could lose cornerback Jamel Dean to free agency. McCoy missed all of the 2025 season but earned an 87.0 PFF overall grade in 2024.