Operation Inside Linebacker
April 24th, 2026
Georgia Bulldogs inside linebacker C.J. Allen.
There is no debate. The Bucs entered the 2026 NFL Draft determined to draft an immediate starter at inside linebacker.
And Joe is rather confident that guy is coming tonight in Round 2, which kicks off at 7 p.m.
A CBS Sports second-round mock draft published after last night’s opening round has the Bucs picking University of Texas linebacker Anthony Hill.
There is no linebacker prospect in this draft who has produced as much as Hill over the course of his career. He has stepped up as a pass rusher and has the athleticism to play sideline to sideline.
The Bucs are sitting with the No. 46 overall pick, the No. 15 selection of Round 2.
Lots of Bucs fans are aching for Texas Tech inside linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who CBS has coming off the board in a hurry to the Bills at No. 34 overall. He seems like a tremendous, do-it-all player. Georgia linebacker C.J. Allen also seems like a can’t-miss prospect, not a Pro Bowler but a sound, strong and NFL-ready starter. CBS has him mocked to the New York Jets at No. 44 overall.
Will Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager trade up for any one those three linebackers? That’s Joe’s big question of the day.
It’s a safe bet Licht might weep in a quiet corner if he has to cough up a fourth-round pick to make it happen. Licht loves his draft picks. Fifth-round? Joe could see Licht stomaching that very easily.