C.J. Allen And The Bucs
February 28th, 2026
Drafting Georgia LB C.J. Allen would make Joe smile.
Joe cannot put a finger on it, but there are some traits for linebackers that just jump off a screen.
Maybe it’s the form-fitting tackling. Maybe it is the heat-seeking-missile-like ability to see the ballcarrier; put your laser dot on him and run and hit.
The above is how Joe describes Georgia inside linebacker C.J. Allen. Watching tape of this guy reminds Joe of the old Penn State linebackers who played perfect fundamental football. Always had their shoulders square to the line. Rarely out of position. Quick to fill a hole.
That’s Allen’s game. His video should be included on instructional videos on how to tackle. And man, that is such a skill lacking in today’s game.
One guy who tackles well, still, despite being an old man on a football field is Lavonte David. He’s lost his elite speed but he knows what to do when he meets a ballcarrier.
Allen is expected to be drafted late in the first round. The Bucs draft at No. 15, which may be reachy for Allen.
But Joe can dream and Joe asked Allen this week at the combine at the Indiana Convention Center what it would mean to him if he could play a year (or two?) next to David.
David is still undecided about playing this fall, but darn if he hasn’t worked out at One Buc Palace since the end of the season, so Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht told WDAE-AM 620/FM 95.3 this week.
“It would definitely mean a lot,” Allen said. “Lavonte David is the blueprint for what he means to that organization. It would mean a lot learning from him.”
Joe loved that answer. Allen didn’t speak about playing for David; he said, “learning from” David. It seems Allen’s head is screwed on right.
Whether David plays or not, Joe would not collapse in outrage if the Bucs selected Allen in the first round. How can you go wrong with a Kirby Smart linebacker?
C.J. Allen | LB | UGA
6’1 , 235 lbs2025 Stats:
• 88 Total Tackles | 47 Solo
• 3.5 Sacks | 2 FF | 8 TFLs
• 39 Defensive Stops
• 257 cov. snaps | 288 allowed receiving | 93.9 allowed passer rate+ Plus athlete , Down here ILB that shows flashes of elite ability of reading,… pic.twitter.com/68HkCoPa1o
— 4MR Fetti 🫡💙🖤 (@trappanthers) February 9, 2026
February 28th, 2026 at 11:07 am
If you find a great player who feels an important need, and if Sonny Styles not available it is not “a reach” to take CJ Allen at 15. The experts were all wrong about DROY 2025 Carson Schwensinger who was drafted early second round last year. The experts are often wrong but never in doubt.
February 28th, 2026 at 11:19 am
who fills…………….not “feels”
February 28th, 2026 at 11:20 am
Not at #15. Plays a little stiff to justify a premium pick. Could be a trade back candidate.
February 28th, 2026 at 12:06 pm
I like him as a trade down guy he is really a smart backer
February 28th, 2026 at 12:08 pm
Guys who know they’re athletic freaks want to show it off, anytime anywhere. You don’t wait for pro days so you can have a little home cooking. And I’m not talking just a stupid 40. Anyone that is a real sprinter and that has run track knows the 40 can be fugazzi. You can shave a tenth to two tenths just by perfecting the start. Lots of guys have run low 4.4 to high 4.3’s but they aren’t REALLY a 4.3 guy. Sean Tucker and Devin culp are perfect examples. Jeremiah love is running this weekend like a real man and his 40 time will likely be 4.38 -4.42ish, same as culp and Tucker, but the difference is stark for all you non runners out there – talking to YOU warrenbrookslynch. 2 different. Out of those 3 one is legitimate sprinter. As it pertains to CJ Allen, I know at the end of the day it’s all about film and how you play on Sunday but not working out just suggests that he knows he’ll be overshadowed by those real athletic freaks from Ohio state l. I personally don’t like it. It’s shying away. Sonny styles, Reese, Love know they are absolute freaks and they’re eager to show it off and it’s refreshing compared to people who want to COP OUT by sitting out
February 28th, 2026 at 12:10 pm
Not at 15.
February 28th, 2026 at 12:12 pm
Hill jr or Jrod way better value in round 2.
February 28th, 2026 at 12:19 pm
A year, or two next to David? Please, David needs to be replaced too. Take the 8 mill David would want, add to it, and get an upgrade. Bringing David back will not improve this defense. He was part of the problem last year, stop pretending he wasn’t Joe.
February 28th, 2026 at 12:35 pm
Would love a trade back, we have too many holes to fill.
Huge LVD fan but father time is undefeated and I don’t want to see his play slip any further. If he want’s to be the 3rd ILB, cool, but he can’t be counted on to be a starter for the entire season.
February 28th, 2026 at 12:45 pm
Trade back, miss out, then who? I’m not a draft guy, fill me in.
February 28th, 2026 at 12:51 pm
We should use the #15 to replace Hall.
I just saw a DT from Clemson run a 4.8 at 315 pounds.
Demonte Capehorn.
Imagine a beast at DE?
Hall just took up space.
He never actually did anything
February 28th, 2026 at 12:52 pm
Tucker is significantly faster than Love.
Simple.
If you’re drafting Love for speed, you’re better off with Tucker since he doesn’t cost a pick. And like I’ve said before, both will reward an O-line for perfect blocking by taking it to the house. Nobody is chasing them down from behind.
February 28th, 2026 at 1:02 pm
Bowzo has his eye on safety Haley VanBore nof Shenandoah college. First female non kicker to play.Perfect for his bend and break defense.
February 28th, 2026 at 1:20 pm
HC Grover my thoughts too. Draft a safety. Trade Winfield for more picks.
You really are an A1 contributor to this site haha
February 28th, 2026 at 1:36 pm
Only if they trade down.
I’d rather get the best DT available or an edge.
Too mamy games where CJ was average.
Way rather trade down and get Rodriguez or trade up in the 2ns and get him.
February 28th, 2026 at 1:58 pm
2nd rd
February 28th, 2026 at 2:05 pm
“Sean Tucker is significantly faster than love.” The most retarded statement I’ve ever seen. So confidently wrong, by a guy that likely never sprinted a day in his life. Further – self report 4.3 times don’t count. Self reported. Lmao absolute joke. Love is a state champion 100 meter runner you clown. A man’s race. And ran a real 4.36 at the combine at 215 pounds like a man. And the difference in football speed on tape is not even comparable. Holy hell, people…I swear
February 28th, 2026 at 2:19 pm
Stpetematt. Tucker is fast. You are right about that. Gofortheface30 is also right. Love is a whole different level of fast. I like Tucker and would like to see him play more. But Love simply is on a different level. Freak level. That being said, these next few years have to be defense. It would be hard to pass on a player like Love, but he’s not going to be available to us anyhow. So let’s figure out how we go about not letting JRod get away from us.
February 28th, 2026 at 2:40 pm
Still watching day 3 of the combine….
Gotta say, I’ve never seen the overall speed of any draft class like this in the past..
This is crazy for a variety of positions out there……
Notes:
– Jeremiah Love looks like a beast!!
– His backup from ND looks smooth as hell as well…
– Keep an eye on RB, Mike Washington Jr!!! Ran 4.33 !!! Very emotional on the sidelines….also had 39” vertical & 10’8” broad jump…very explosive as well..
Onto the QB’s!!!
Saw the Arkansas QB Green just jump 43 1/2”!! Freaken insane!!
February 28th, 2026 at 3:03 pm
Great year to have a need at ILB. We would all love to land Styles. I saw in one place they compared Styles to Devin White. How much better of a spot would we be in if that had gone right.
February 28th, 2026 at 3:04 pm
USFBucs, Styles is much better than White..
Also better character guy….Styles is an athletic machine. White had speed but that’s it.
February 28th, 2026 at 3:06 pm
Dayummmmmm!!
The QB from Arkansas, Taylen Green….
After his QB record breaking vertical jump of 43 1/2”,
Dude just ran 4.37 !!!!!!!!
And he’s 6’6” QUARTERBACK!!!
What the hell!!!!!!
February 28th, 2026 at 3:08 pm
Taylen Green is in the wrong position!!
Convert this QB to Wide Receiver!!!!
He could be Terrell Pryor 2.0
February 28th, 2026 at 3:21 pm
Pick 15 is too early Joe. I’ve got David Bailey available at 15. A very productive (14.5 sacks) Edge guy.
Bailey looks good but he looks like a late rd 1 or early rd2 guy.
February 28th, 2026 at 4:37 pm
No, Bucs need a DT or an edge. If Jason drafts this guy at 15, it will be just another example of how out of touch Licht is. Of course he and Bowles will gaslight the fans yet again if they draft Allen.
February 28th, 2026 at 5:17 pm
This team sucks…thanks for the superbowl Tommy. Back to the old days!
February 28th, 2026 at 5:23 pm
I don’t know a ton about him, just have I’ve seen in scouting reports – but I don’t like how mixed they are on a guy who could go that high. Some people say he’s an above average athlete, but others say he’s middling. Some say he’s good in coverage, other say he’s not. The fact he skipped the combine workout, to me, is a red flag – although I’m sure he’ll run and stuff at his pro-day. But I know I prefer guys who are confident in their skills, don’t mind going up head-to-head vs the best. When you skip the combine workout, it tells me you’re not going to put up good numbers, and you’re doing additional training just to improve numbers that probably won’t match your tape.
BUT, not at all down on him overall as I just don’t know enough and see too much conflicting info.
February 28th, 2026 at 5:27 pm
For all the Love lovers here. No doubt, dude is fast. Too bad the Tampa Bay Bucs aren’t a track team or we should take him. If he is available at 15, and we take him, he’s our starter and we have already turned our back on Bucky after really one full( healthy) year. I think Bucky is our guy and we use that 15 pick on defense. Also, if the Oregon TE is available ( and the Chiefs don’t take him) and we DO, Licht should be fired on the spot. Ridiculous use of that pick.
February 28th, 2026 at 5:56 pm
Money…I want money. Just give me money.
February 28th, 2026 at 6:18 pm
At 235 he’s too light in the behind. Linemen will eat him up!!
February 28th, 2026 at 6:21 pm
Better LBs available. Playing for a big program helped his stock, he is a tackling machine but doesnt make splash olays or force turnovers and his pass D is atrocious.
February 28th, 2026 at 6:27 pm
Lots of comments about the 40 speed. Dont take players alone on speed or you will be let down. I wouldn’t draft a DT bc he ran a fast 40. He won’t be covering downfield. Rather see better jumping and shuttle showing explosiveness and short area quickness like they are rushing the passer.
Also, CJ Allen in the first is wild. He can’t cover and makes 0 splash plays. He went to a big program.and can tackle, but better less hyped backers in this class.
February 28th, 2026 at 6:28 pm
ATLBuc Says:
February 28th, 2026 at 6:18 pm
At 235 he’s too light in the behind. Linemen will eat him up!!
———-
Huh? 235 is pretty close the perfect weight for an ILB, if anything on the heavier side.
February 28th, 2026 at 6:33 pm
LVD and Dennis will be back in 2026. Nothing is changing there.
It’s likely we don’t even draft an LB. Too many good kickers out there.
2025 was so great they will simply run it back.
They were convinced that the SB was in their grasp. Not even close.
If you have such delusions, it is impossible to change course.
#SuperBowles
February 28th, 2026 at 6:35 pm
Ben Says:
February 28th, 2026 at 6:27 pm
Lots of comments about the 40 speed. Dont take players alone on speed or you will be let down. I wouldn’t draft a DT bc he ran a fast 40. He won’t be covering downfield. Rather see better jumping and shuttle showing explosiveness and short area quickness like they are rushing the passer.
————-
For a guy you’re selecting at #15, they had better put up a good 40 time, because someone you’re taking that time needs to be special, and when you’re talking about an ILB, they have to be able to run. Certainly you need more than just the 40 time, but a good 40 time is a must. If the guy is a 4.7 40 guy like KJ Britt, then that is too slow for the NFL. Not saying he is slow, I don’t know, but when you’re taking a guy in the 1st round, they need to be a special talent, and at ILB in a 3-4, where you’re doing a lot coverage, you need speed.
February 28th, 2026 at 6:42 pm
Trade back into in the 20s take him, and in rd 3. Jacob Rodriguez.. boom you fixed the MLB issue. If David comes back another year perfect he can teach both. Sign a Pass rusher and draft one in rd 2 front 7 fixed.
February 28th, 2026 at 6:47 pm
Most don’t understand that the difference in a 4.3 and a 4.6 is a blink of the eye. We should not draft track stars, but football players. How many ILBs or TEs have to run straight line 40 yards during the course of a play? The only position a 40 time should be considered for is WR and the CBs trying to cover them on go routes.
February 28th, 2026 at 7:57 pm
BigBoiBuc Says:
February 28th, 2026 at 6:47 pm
Most don’t understand that the difference in a 4.3 and a 4.6 is a blink of the eye. We should not draft track stars, but football players. How many ILBs or TEs have to run straight line 40 yards during the course of a play? The only position a 40 time should be considered for is WR and the CBs trying to cover them on go routes.
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KJ Britt ran a 4.7
He was too slow to play in the NFL.
February 28th, 2026 at 8:34 pm
I’m sorry but if that video is his highlight reel, he’s not a first rounder.
February 28th, 2026 at 8:42 pm
@ RodMunch … yes Britt did not make it in the nfl . But not solely because he ran a 4.7. He wasn’t a good enough football player. My guess is in the last 3 years, LVD was a 4.7 guy.
February 28th, 2026 at 9:42 pm
BigBoiBuc Says:
February 28th, 2026 at 8:42 pm
@ RodMunch … yes Britt did not make it in the nfl . But not solely because he ran a 4.7. He wasn’t a good enough football player. My guess is in the last 3 years, LVD was a 4.7 guy.
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Britt was actually a good tackler, the problem was he was too slow to get into position to make plays, and guys ran right around him.
The fact you’re comparing him to David – who was still a stud until this past season – says everything about your ability to have any idea what you’re watching, and dumb comments about speed not being important for a ILB.
February 28th, 2026 at 10:03 pm
@Munch ⬆️ my comment was refuting the fact that you said Britt didn’t make it because of his 4.7. I compared him to David from a speed standpoint. That helps prove my point you can still be a 4.7 guy, but if you’re a football player, you’re in the league.
February 28th, 2026 at 10:12 pm
Trade up and get Reese or Styles, trade back for Allen. He’s not a number 15 pick. Plus I think Anthony Hill is better than him. Just my preference.
Would like the team of Licht and Bowels to make a real time decision and take a first rounder that can make an impact for the Bucs.
February 28th, 2026 at 10:28 pm
No worries, Double Todds will have him regressing to 2025 Sir Sucksalot Dennis in no time.
February 28th, 2026 at 11:51 pm
Rather get Him Jr or Rodriguez who tested very well and was a great in college
March 1st, 2026 at 12:25 am
BigBoiBuc – Fair enough, but David did not have speed issues until this last year. He played great in 2023 and 2024. This last year he clearly looked a step slow, either do to time, or because all the issues he was having with his knees.
But speed is incredibly important at ILB when you’re supposed to be covering guys. It doesn’t matter how good are you at everything else, if you’re too slow to make the play, you’re not going to make the play.
At the same time I’m not saying they need to run a 4.4, but I am saying 4.7 is too slow. And yes, you can absolutely tell the difference, by eye, of a guy who is a 4.4 LB and a guy who is a 4.6 LB – and you can tell by eye when a guy goes into the 4.7 range since they stop having the ability to keep up with even middling RBs and TEs, like Britt did.
March 1st, 2026 at 12:27 am
The guy who might have raised his price quite a bit, who I like, is Kyle Louis out of Pitt. Coverage first LB, would be someone you could try sliding into the David slot and hope for the best. The Bucs have had a really good history with undersized LBs who are good in coverage.
March 1st, 2026 at 1:39 am
We all know how Licht likes to drop back a little and get more picks. I think this is possibly a good opportunity for that. We have numerous holes to fill on defense. Yes we need a running back too. I hope he’s willing to find a couple top notch free agents first and pay as needed. Our D line needs serious upgrades. Trade Vita Vea if you can get good value. I don’t think any other D linemen here are worth much.
March 1st, 2026 at 3:21 am
Hill Jr is my first choice but I’m afraid Allen is more to Bowles taste. I wouldn’t take either at 15 though.
March 1st, 2026 at 8:02 am
“Reach” is a term based on rankings created by the media. And yet, outside of the top 8, the media gets it wrong every single year. And yet, fans still follow those rankings.
So I don’t really care about “reaching”, so long as it’s not drastic.
Drafting a guy you want who is unlikely to be there for your next round pick, to me, is not reaching. If that is the guy you want, you take him.
In the end, if its a great player, no one will care that he was taken ten picks ahead of his so-called rank.
Ali Marpet was a great example of this. He was the pick I wanted, but he wasn’t on anyone’s radar. Looking back now, few would remeber where he was ranked without looking it up. That’s the case with most players.
March 1st, 2026 at 9:28 am
I remember that Bonzai, we were early in pushing for Ali…i saw his combine and just had a feeling he’d be great…..feeling the same about IOANE now.