Buccaneers Reportedly Targeting Top Linebacker in 2026 Draft

NFL insider says Tampa Bay has CJ Allen of Georgia on its radar.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:47pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a linebacker making a tackle, with sharp planes of pewter grey, creamsicle orange, and midnight blue representing the violent collision of the play.A cubist interpretation of a hard-hitting linebacker tackle captures the raw physicality of the NFL draft's top defensive prospects.Today in Tampa

According to a report from an NFL insider, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of the teams expected to target standout Georgia linebacker CJ Allen in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers have a need at linebacker and Allen is projected to be one of the top defensive prospects in the upcoming draft class, so this would be a significant addition for Tampa Bay as they look to reload their roster and remain competitive in the NFC South.

The details

The Buccaneers have a history of targeting top defensive talent in the draft, and Allen fits the mold as an athletic, sideline-to-sideline linebacker who can make an immediate impact. The Georgia standout is expected to be one of the first linebackers off the board in 2026.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

CJ Allen

A standout linebacker prospect from the University of Georgia who is expected to be one of the top defensive players available in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The professional American football team based in Tampa, Florida that competes in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division.

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What’s next

The Buccaneers will continue to scout Allen and other top linebacker prospects in the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Draft as they look to find the right fit to bolster their defense.

The takeaway

Tampa Bay's reported interest in CJ Allen shows they are committed to finding elite defensive talent to keep their roster competitive in the NFC South, as they look to build on their recent success and compete for another Super Bowl title.