CJ Allen: First-Round Lock for Bucs' Linebacker Need

0:00On April 5th, the Buccaneers have a glaring need at inside linebacker, a key spot in Todd Bulls' defense. They've grabbed veterans like Alex Anzalone and Christian Roseboom, but they're still hunting for more firepower, especially in the draft. Georgia standout CJ Allen, a local kid from the Peach State, stands out as a prime target with his tackle machine stats. Allen balled out at Georgia after a high school highlight reel of over 1,600 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. As a starter of the last two seasons, he piled up 164 tackles plus 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles just this year. At 6 foot 1 and 235 pounds, he fits Tampa Bay's push for bigger bodies up front, that size and strength scream instant impact, but teens are buzzing about his knee. He tore his meniscus back in November 2025, came back in just 13 days, but skipped the Combine and Pro Day drills due to swelling. Scouts want medicals before pulling the trigger. If healthy, Allen could slide right in as a day one starter next to Anzalone in 2026, upgrading a thin room despite the vets.

1:08Rookies have growing pains, but his big game experience from Georgia makes him a safe bet for steady production and leadership down the line. Draftbuzz has Allen as a first round lock, maybe even to the Bucks at pick 15 despite the injury flags. Three years out, he could lock down that linebacker spot for good, turning Tampa's D into a beast. That's your NFL news today update, AI powered and always on.