Pewter Report analyzes the highest gamers within the 2023 NFL Draft with its place previews – energized by CELSIUS, the official vitality drink of Pewter Report. Scott Reynolds continues the previews with the within linebacker place, and a complete take a look at what the Bucs have and what they want at linebacker. Reynolds additionally offers an in depth checklist of this 12 months’s prime inside linebackers and presents up the Bucs draft wants and the annual Pewter Report Bucs’ Greatest Bets – the almost definitely inside linebacker for the Bucs to pick in Rounds 1-3, and in Rounds 4-7.
What The Bucs Have At Inside Linebacker
The Bucs have two of the higher inside linebackers within the league in Lavonte David and Devin White – when each are on the sector on the similar time. That could possibly be in jeopardy this 12 months, as White has requested a commerce over a contract dispute. But, each Todd Bowles and Jason Licht have stated that the group has no plans to commerce him.
Bucs LBs Lavonte David and Devin White – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
The Bucs count on White to play out his fifth-year choice, and if he turns into extra constant, then he’ll have an opportunity to money in on a profitable contract extension in Tampa Bay or elsewhere. Though the Bucs have all of the leverage, it stays to be seen whether or not or not White will maintain out of necessary mini-camp or coaching camp.
The Bucs had been in a position to re-sign David this offseason to a really cap-friendly deal. David had one other superb, constant season in 2022 and was considered one of Tampa Bay’s greatest defenders. However David will likely be 34 subsequent January and received’t play a excessive degree perpetually. He’s solely on a one-year deal and the Bucs might want to start planning for all times after the group legend.
The Bucs have three different inside linebackers on the roster in KJ Britt, JJ Russell and Ulysses Gilbert. All three are particular teamers who haven’t proven the power to be long-term solutions at linebacker on protection. Bowles and Licht are excessive on Britt, who has a superb soccer I.Q. However he lacks the pace and athleticism that David and White carry to the desk.
What The Bucs Want At Inside Linebacker
Sooner somewhat than later, the Bucs are going to want to deal with inside linebacker with a premium draft decide. The group should discover a starting-caliber participant to both substitute David after subsequent season or maybe substitute White this 12 months if he holds out for the season. The Bucs obtained a glimpse of what it will seem like with out White and David within the beginning lineup within the second half of their Week 18 loss at Atlanta.
Britt and Russell mixed to make eight tackles, but additionally miss 4 tackles. The backups additionally mixed to permit seven catches for over 100 yards in protection because the Bucs had been outscored 20-0 by the Falcons within the final two quarters.
The Bucs may use one other quick, athletic linebacker who has beginning potential. Bowles likes good linebackers which are good communicators and have the power to drop in protection and blitz. This isn’t a very good or deep class of linebackers. Actually, there may not be an inside linebacker drafted within the first spherical this 12 months.
Prime Inside Linebackers In 2023 NFL Draft
*Essential Be aware: These gamers are NOT listed within the order of Pewter Report’s rating for them. Somewhat, the numbers are supplied to indicate you the tough order through which we count on them to come back off the board in the course of the draft.
1. Arkansas ILB Drew Sanders – Junior – 6-4, 235 – 4.64
Arkansas LB-OLB Drew Sanders – Picture by: USA At this time
Sanders is one heck of an athlete and may play two positions on the subsequent degree – off-ball linebacker in addition to outdoors linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Sanders started his profession as an edge rusher at Alabama, however transferred to Arkansas attributable to an absence of taking part in time. He notched only one sack in three begins for the Crimson Tide. When he arrived in Arkansas, he transitioned to inside linebacker, however was used as a go rusher on third downs the place he notched 9.5 sacks for the Razorbacks attributable to his size and athleticism.
Sanders additionally racked up 103 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss along with forcing three fumbles. But, he missed 20 tackles, based on Professional Soccer Focus, so he’ll be a work-in-progress on the subsequent degree attributable to his lack of expertise as an inside linebacker. Sanders did present good vary and the power to drop in protection, and broke up six passes and produced one interception. He has a excessive ceiling and simply turned 22. Sanders initiatives as an early second-round decide, however may sneak into the primary spherical if there’s a group that loves him.
2. Iowa ILB Jack Campbell – Senior – 6-5, 249 – 4.65
Whereas Sanders is new to the within linebacker place, Campbell has nearly mastered it. An enormous-framed linebacker at 6-foot-5, 249 kilos, Campbell is sort of a bodily specimen, however doesn’t at all times play with the authority he ought to at that measurement. The 2-time All-American was additionally a two-time captain at Iowa and is tremendous critical about his craft, eschewing social media as a result of he thinks it’s a distraction, as reported by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. Whereas he appears like a downhill thumper, Campbell’s greatest attribute could also be in go protection.
Campbell recorded 305 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and three sacks attacking the road of scrimmage, however notched 18 go breakups and 5 interceptions in his five-year profession with the Hawkeyes. Whereas his 4.65 pace within the 40-yard sprint will not be blazing quick, Campbell crushed the agility drills and all the different athletic testing on the Mix. Campbell is a scholar of the sport and has a excessive soccer I.Q. He’ll problem Arkansas’ Drew Sanders and Clemson’s Trenton Simpson to be the primary linebacker off the board – probably within the early second spherical.
3. Clemson ILB Trenton Simpson – Junior – 6-2, 235 – 4.43
Clemson LB Trenton Simpson – Picture by: USA At this time
Simpson is among the quickest and most athletic linebackers on this 12 months’s draft. His 4.43 pace on the Mix was nearly as good as marketed and his greatest trait is protection attributable to his fast twitch and skill to hold with operating backs out of the backfield, tight ends and slot receivers. Simpson performed an overhang linebacker at Clemson and was not requested to line up typically in between the tackles. But, Simpson solely broke up six passes in three years for the Tigers and didn’t document a decide.
Simpson’s common deployment in protection and taking part in the overhang linebacker position has diminished his expertise in terms of sifting via the rubbish on the line of scrimmage and sniffing out the ball, along with shedding blocks. The Tigers star is best as a run-and-pursue linebacker than a stack-and-shed level of assault ‘backer. However the place he excels is blitzing. Simpson recorded 187 tackles and 22.5 tackles for loss in three years at Clemson, however notched 12.5 sacks and three compelled fumbles. Whereas he has immense bodily expertise, Simpson remains to be uncooked in some areas and wishes to raised hone his instincts. Nonetheless, he’s within the combine to be the primary off-ball linebacker drafted – in all probability within the early a part of the second spherical.
4. Washington State ILB Daiyan Henley – Senior – 6-0, 225 – 4.54
Henley began his profession at Nevada, the place he was a large receiver in 2017 earlier than transferring to nickel DB the following 12 months, then transitioning to linebacker in 2020. He didn’t get his first begin till 2021 when he notched 102 tackles with 4 go breakups and 4 interceptions for the Wolfpack. Henley transferred to Washington State for his sixth season (COVID bonus 12 months) the place he recorded 106 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, three compelled fumbles, two go breakups and an interception.
Henley had a superb Senior Bowl and Mix, the place he upped his draft inventory. He’s a lot quick, evidenced by his 4.54 pace, and has developed into an all-around linebacker who’s near being prepared to begin on the subsequent degree. He’s actually solely performed linebacker for 2 years, so there may be loads of untapped potential there for an NFL group to work with, so long as there may be some persistence, too. Henley is a stable Day 2 decide and received’t final previous the third spherical.
5. Tulane ILB Dorian Williams – Senior – 6-1, 228 – 4.49
Williams had a sensational senior marketing campaign, serving to to guide the Inexperienced Wave to a Prime 15 rating and a Cotton Bowl win over USC in an exciting, come-from-behind victory with a career-high 17 tackles. He capped off his Tulane profession with a pleasant exhibiting on the Senior Bowl and operating a 4.49 on the Mix. Williams has good measurement and vary and shutting pace towards the run and the go. He had 131 tackles as a senior and completed his Tulane profession with 311 stops, 27 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and two compelled fumbles.
Williams is the right, modern-day linebacker attributable to his potential to drop into protection. He broke up 15 passes in school, together with 9 as a senior, to associate with a pair of interceptions in his profession. Williams additionally has an incredible quantity of particular groups expertise (759 snaps, based on The Athletic’s Dane Brugler), which solely provides to his draftable worth. The Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP is probably going a third- or fourth-round decide within the draft.
Greatest Of The Relaxation
6. Wisconsin ILB Nick Herbig – Junior – 6-2, 240 – 4.65
Herbig is a high-motor, high-energy linebacker who spent a great deal of time at Wisconsin speeding off the sting. He racked up 21 sacks, together with 20 over the previous two years – 11 of which got here in his closing season for the Badgers. Herbig performs with a heady soccer I.Q. that helped him breakup seven passes and pressure 4 fumbles in three seasons. He’ll probably should be a 3-4 outdoors linebacker or a learn-on-the-run inside linebacker, as he hasn’t spent nearly all of his snaps lining up between the tackles. Herbig is a Day 2 decide, probably within the third spherical.
7. Alabama ILB Henry To’oto’o – Senior – 6-1, 227 – 4.62
To’oto’o started his profession at Tennessee earlier than transferring to Alabama, the place he performed his closing two seasons. He was a constant producer, racking up 354 tackles in his profession, together with 31 tackles for loss with seven go breakups, an interception and a sack. He struggles to get off blocks at occasions, however To’oto’o is a reasonably instinctive linebacker who may be very sturdy, not lacking a single recreation in school. To’oto’o initiatives as a third- or fourth-rounder.
8. Texas ILB DeMarvion Overshown – Senior – 6-3, 229 – 4.56
Overshown is a really athletic, high-energy linebacker that makes extra performs with hustle than he does with instincts. He wants to enhance his tackling, which is inconsistent and frustrates scouts on condition that he was a four-year starter at Texas. Overshown was a stable producer for the Longhorns, as he notched 249 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 20 go breakups, three compelled fumbles and three interceptions. He’s probably a third- or fourth-round choice.
9. Auburn ILB Owen Pappoe – Junior – 6-2, 225 – 4.39
Auburn LB Owen Pappoe – Picture by: USA At this time
Pappoe was the quickest linebacker on the NFL Scouting Mix and could possibly be the quickest linebacker on this draft class. He has a slighter construct than most linebackers, however isn’t afraid to hit. Pappoe is a violent hitter on protection and on particular groups. He’s considered one of three SEC gamers to choose off Bryce Younger and had two INTs to associate with 9 go breakups, three compelled fumbles, eight sacks, 15 tackles for loss and 256 tackles. Pappoe had a casual interview with the Bucs on the Mix. The Bucs have drafted three Auburn defenders since 2018.
10. Louisville ILB Yasir Abdullah – Senior – 6-0, 237 – 4.47
Like different linebackers on this class, Abdullah was primarily a standup edge speeding linebacker in school. He could possibly be a superb slot in a blitz-heavy scheme, as he recorded 23.5 sacks at Louisville and 7 compelled fumbles with 19.5 of these sacks coming over the past two seasons. Abdullah has good vary in protection, evidenced by 11 go breakups and three interceptions. However his measurement and lack of expertise taking part in in between the tackles will trigger him to slip to the fourth spherical.
11. Cincinnati ILB Ivan Tempo Jr. – Senior – 5-10, 230 – 4.59
Tempo is a brief, but compactly-built linebacker who was an efficient blitzer for each the Miami Redhawks (2019-21) and the Bearcats (2022). He logged 21 sacks, together with 11 final 12 months, along with 10 go breakups, 4 compelled fumbles and an interception. Tempo is a quick, high-motor, violent hitter. However his lack of excellent peak and his quick arms will work towards him within the NFL Draft. Tempo figures to be a fourth-round decide.
12. Oregon ILB Noah Sewell – Junior – 6-1, 246 – 4.64
Sewell is a throwback, down-hill thumper at linebacker. He has nice measurement, physicality and a nostril for the soccer. Sewell is stout towards the run, however restricted in protection, particularly man protection the place his lack of excellent pace and alter of path present up. Nonetheless, Sewell did 11 go breakups and a pair of interceptions together with 215 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and three compelled fumbles. Sewell has a fourth- or fifth-round grade.
13. Pittsburgh ILB SirVocea Dennis – Senior – 6-0, 226 – 4.63
Pittsburgh LB SirVocea Dennis – Picture by: USA At this time
Dennis a smaller, leaner linebacker however isn’t afraid to combine it up and performs larger towards the run. The three-year starter racked up 239 tackles, 36 tackles for a loss and 15 sacks at Pittsburgh the place he lived behind the road of scrimmage. Dennis is a superb blitzer, however may also drop in protection and maintain his personal. He produced 5 go breakups and two interceptions for the Panthers. Dennis, who was a big-time chief and a mainstay on particular groups, is probably going a mid-Day 3 choice.
14. Indiana ILB Cam Jones – Senior – 6-1, 226 – 4.60
Jones is a well-rounded, do-it-all linebacker with a really excessive soccer I.Q. He’s an above-average athlete, however wins along with his instincts and nostril for the soccer, evidenced by 5 compelled fumbles, seven sacks, 11 go breakups and two interceptions, together with a pick-six. Jones is a Bucs-style linebacker who may play both the center (Mike) or weakside (Mo) spot in Tampa Bay. He missed the ultimate seven video games of his senior season with a foot damage, however was averaging 10.8 tackles per recreation within the first 5 video games. Jones is probably going a fifth- or sixth-round decide.
15. Vanderbilt ILB Anfernee Orji – Junior – 6-1, 230 – 4.53
Robust, athletic and explosive, Orji has plenty of good bodily attributes. However his stiff hips work towards him in terms of change of path and dealing hand-in-hand along with his questionable instincts. Orji was a three-year starter had been he notched 272 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 5 compelled fumbles, six go breakups and one interceptions. Protection will not be his sturdy go well with, and that may pressure him into the center of Day 3.
16. TCU ILB Dee Winters – Senior – 5-11, 227 – 4.49
Winters was an enormous catalyst on protection in TCU’s nationwide championship run. He’s quick, however very undersized and will get too simply engulfed in blocks within the run recreation. Winters was typically taking part in an overhang place and shielded from offensive linemen consequently. He was a productive tackler with 246 profession tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks. Winters exceled in protection with 10 go breakups and three interceptions, however his limitations will trigger him to be a fifth- or sixth-round decide.
17. Duke ILB Shaka Heyward – Senior – 6-3, 235 – 4.53
Heyward is a great, athletic group captain who was a four-year starter at Duke. He racked up 340 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks across the line of scrimmage, whereas notching 11 go breakups and 4 interceptions in protection. Heyward is extra quick than agile, however he has an excessive amount of expertise on particular groups, which can assist him make an NFL group’s roster. Heyward is a late Day 3 decide, probably within the sixth- or seventh-round.
Bucs Greatest Greatest At Inside Linebacker
Bucs Greatest Wager – Rounds 1-3: Auburn ILB Owen Pappoe
Whereas the Bucs is likely to be tempted to take one of many top-rated inside linebackers like Arkansas’ Drew Sanders or Iowa’s Jack Campbell, Tampa Bay might need extra urgent wants at different positions, comparable to offensive deal with, outdoors linebacker and security/nickel. Campbell could be an excellent slot in pink and pewter, however the Bucs have discovered some good defenders from Auburn lately (cornerbacks Carlton Davis III and Jamel Dean and linebacker KJ Britt). Owen Pappoe could possibly be subsequent Tiger to hitch the Bucs protection.
Each head coach Todd Bowles and normal supervisor Jason Licht wish to subject a quicker group in 2023, and Pappoe is the quickest linebacker on this 12 months’s draft class, evidenced by his 4.39 time within the 40-yard sprint on the NFL Scouting Mix. Pappoe is a fierce hitter who nonetheless has loads of upside to develop his recreation. He’s athletic sufficient to both substitute Devin White ultimately at center linebacker (Mike) or Lavonte David at weakside linebacker (Mo). Pappoe can deal with, blitz and canopy, and he could possibly be particular groups star whereas he develops throughout his rookie season. He could possibly be the Bucs’ third-round decide.
Bucs Greatest Wager – Rounds 4-7: Indiana ILB Cam Jones
If the Bucs wait till Day 3 to deal with inside linebacker, there are some engaging choices, together with Pappoe if he slides to the fourth spherical, Pittsburgh’s SirVocea Dennis, and Jones. The Hoosiers star is a great, savvy inside linebacker with superb instincts and above common athleticism. Jones has the power to drop off in protection or be the occasional blitzer, and is sweet at sniffing out the ball between the tackles within the operating recreation.
He’s not the most important linebacker, however his play type is harking back to Bucs legend Lavonte David, particularly when he’s lined up within the slot or the weakside in protection. Todd Bowles will admire Jones’ excessive soccer I.Q. and management qualities. Jones was one of many few linebackers to obtain a proper interview with the Bucs on the NFL Scouting Mix. He could possibly be a viable choice for the Bucs within the fifth or sixth spherical.
