Sports
Swiatek leads playersâ surprise as WTA head Portia Archer quits after two years
The Guardian Sport
Sports
2026 Bucs Draft Scenarios: What if they go with a linebacker?
TL;DR
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without linebacker Lavonte David for the first time in 14 seasons and are looking for a new starter in the 2026 draft. The draft class is rich in linebacker talent, providing multiple options for the Bucs.
Key points
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without Lavonte David for the first time in 14 seasons
- The 2026 draft class has strong linebacker talent
- Multiple starting options available in the first three rounds
- Sonny Styles is a top prospect but unlikely to be available for the Bucs
- Bucs are considering various draft scenarios for linebacker selection
Tampa Bay BuccaneersLavonte DavidSonny Styles
This season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers embark on an unfamiliar journey: life without linebacker Lavonte David. For the first time in 14 seasons, the Bucs will be without their longtime defensive leader and will be in the market for a new starter. Fortunately for Tampa Bay, the 2026 draft class is well-stocked with linebacker talent. They have a multitude of starting options in the first three rounds, as well as some potential sleepers in Day 3. The question is just what scenario will work best.
Here are the Bucs' 2026 draft day scenarios at the linebacker position:
The "Dream On" pick: Sonny Styles
As one of the best prospects in this year's draft class, Ohio State LB Sonny Styles just is not in the cards for Tampa Bay. In addition to being among the best athletes regardless of position, Styles is an off-ball linebacker worthy of a top-five selection. He has no real gaps in his profile. He can defend the run, cover, and rush the passer. His tackling was immaculate last season, missing just 2.2% of his attempts per PFF. His profile makes him scheme-agnostic and would instantly upgrade the middle of virtually any defense. The Bucs simply will not have a realistic opportunity to draft him, even though his addition would solve every concern they currently have at the linebacker position.
Best case scenario: Jacob Rodriguez
Fortunately for the Bucs, the next best thing is certainly within their reach. Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez has enjoyed an ideal draft process in which he has answered questions surrounding his athleticism and ability relative to the rest of the class. His sub-4.6 second 40-yard dash and sub-7 second three cone established that Rodriguez possesses the necessary traits to be a coveted NFL linebacker. His production speaks for itself: seven forced fumbles, four interceptions, and 11 tackles for a loss in 2025. While there is no replacing Lavonte David, Rodriguez would be an ideal first step to a new era of Tampa Bay linebackers.
The next best thing: CJ Allen
Q&A
Who is Lavonte David and why is he significant to the Buccaneers?
Lavonte David is a longtime linebacker and defensive leader for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and his absence marks a significant change for the team's defense.
What are the top linebacker prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The 2026 NFL Draft features several strong linebacker prospects, including Sonny Styles, who is considered one of the best in the class.
What draft scenarios are the Buccaneers considering for linebackers?
The Buccaneers are exploring various scenarios for selecting a linebacker, focusing on options available in the first three rounds and potential sleepers on Day 3.
Why is Sonny Styles considered a top prospect for the Buccaneers?
Sonny Styles is viewed as a top prospect due to his exceptional athleticism, versatility, and strong performance metrics, making him a valuable addition to any defense.