The Bucs fell short of the postseason in 2025 and they’ll be looking to get right back to the big dance next year. To do that, they must find how they can replicate the formula that consistently got them there in each of the previous five seasons.
One option is for them to get their defense back in championship shape. In 2025, they ranked 19th in total defense and 20th in points allowed per game. In 2024, they were ranked fifth and sixth, respectively. That’s quite the shift in just one season.
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In a new mock draft from NFL.com’s Genaro Filice, the analyst has the Bucs taking Georgia inside linebacker CJ Allen with the 15th-overall pick, a prospect many believe is a plug-and-play leader for a NFL defense.
“With Lavonte David pondering retirement, Todd Bowles has to be thinking about finding a new defensive nerve center,” says Filice. “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.”
The 6’1, 235-pounder had a career-high 88 tackles in 2025 to go with eight tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He also added four pass breakups, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries en route to being named a First-Team AlL-SEC selection and a Consensus All-American.
For those who haven’t seen a lot of Allen, the tape from the Florida game in the video above is definitely something you should take the time to watch.
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But let’s talk about it. Would you be all-in on this pick of Allen in the first round? Yay or nay? If not, why? Let us know all of your thoughts in the comments below!
