Go Get Sonny Styles
February 6th, 2026
Manna from heaven for Bucs.
The Bucs may need three new inside linebackers for 2026.
It’s unclear if Bucs icon Lavonte David will return next year or retire. But the way David has talked since the Bucs’ season ended and the goodbye (farewell?) speech he gave teammates after the win over the Stinking Panthers last month make it seem like he’s done.
Joe doesn’t care how Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht does it; trade for two or three, draft two or three; sign two or three. However it adds up. Get three linebackers.
(Joe is done with SirVocea Dennis as an NFL starting inside linebacker. His first two years he was injury-prone. Last year he was lack-of-talent prone. Move on.)
Over at the PFF tribe, Ryan Smith thinks if the Bucs are serious about fixing their inside linebacker issues, then the answer is Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.
… Tampa Bay’s linebacker unit finished the year [with awful inside linebacker play], so the issues at the position go well beyond David. Possessing a rare combination of size, speed and physicality, Styles would provide an immediate boost to the unit. He is one of the best pure tacklers in this year’s draft, missing just two of his attempts in 2025.
An Ohio State linebacker missing two tackles all season!? That brings a tear to Joe’s eye. Who’s slicing onions?
The Bucs were borderline woeful in tackling too often last year. Way too often the Bucs defense proved Antonio Cromartie isn’t the only guy who doesn’t wrap up.
Styles is a machine and Joe would love him on the Bucs roster. Joe just doesn’t know how Styles gets past Dallas at No. 12 unless someone sends Jerry Jones a video of Styles using a bong mask.
Sonny Styles run defense. Block destruction, lateral movement, instincts, and elite tackling form pic.twitter.com/kzQ322fsBW
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 5, 2026
February 6th, 2026 at 9:03 am
I agree with my whole heart. Draft him or draft Cassius Howell and a LB in the 2nd
February 6th, 2026 at 9:08 am
NEED this guy, and getting Crosby would negate that. I keep reading that Dallas is gonna snag him at 13 or whatever. I’d like Jacob Rodriguez too
February 6th, 2026 at 9:11 am
My top wish pick for the Bucs is this guy. might have to trade up though. Cowgirls go before us and they need a LB since they traded away the best they ever had last year.
February 6th, 2026 at 9:13 am
If we are actually trading up for an off ball backer it had better be because he’s a stud in coverage. We are mostly ok against the run..I don’t follow college ball, but apparently he’s a converted safety and great in coverage. Would be more interested in highlights of that
February 6th, 2026 at 9:20 am
IDK LOL…
unfortunately, we’re not a ILB away from being SB contenders…I wouldnt trust bowles with a 1st round defensive pick to save his life let alone his job lol….
does tryon and DW45 ring a bell…
rotate Bullock and Jackson with LVD….Let Dennis play 3rd down only until he shows he can handle more…
i dont see how drafting a defensive player in the 1st round will help keep baker healthy and improve the run game…
draft OG 1st round so we dont have to depend on michael jordan, haggrad or Mauch, who will be less than 100% in 2026…
GO BUCS!!!!
February 6th, 2026 at 9:21 am
Remember that last MEANINGLESS win …..
February 6th, 2026 at 9:27 am
was watching mel kiper last night….for some reason, folks believe ruben bain will fall outside of the top 10 due to arm length lol…that is absolutely laughable lol….
imo, ruben bain is the best player in the draft…he should be the #1 pick imo…
he’s the only defensive player we should draft and we’ll have to trade up for him…
with bowles running the show, i have zero faith he or his new staff can develop any defensive player that isnt already a stud
GO BUCS!!!!
February 6th, 2026 at 9:28 am
Not sure if you caught it yesterday, but Mike MacDonald mentioned that working on the fundamentals of tackling is a huge reason why his Seahawks defense is so good.
“We drill the fundamentals of tackling and finishing every day,” Macdonald said. “We do it as a team, we do it in our warmup before games. It’s part of our DNA and the guys take a lot of pride in it.”
Why can’t the Bucs do this? If they are, why can’t they do it more?
February 6th, 2026 at 9:32 am
The film is kind of weak. Lots of shoulder tackling. Doesn’t seem that fast either. I’ll pass.
February 6th, 2026 at 9:42 am
I’m gonna get blasted I’m sure BUT here we go. From these highlights we already had a guy that tackled like this and folks were complaining about his style of tackling. This guy is already wearing a shoulder harness so get a close look at the medical there’s probably a surgery coming soon. BTW I’m not sure but the other guy I’m speaking of I believe led his team in tackles this year already knows our defense and has hopefully matured. Go kick the tires on Devin White and also get 1or 2 guys that are good in coverage.
February 6th, 2026 at 9:43 am
Joe, unless some negative rumor/news, everybody knows he will go before # 15….And you don’t move on the draft in order to get a LB, so I would say Styles to TB is science fiction
February 6th, 2026 at 9:44 am
SB~LV. That last win was meaningless after the Falcons beat the Saints the next day. But it was a meaningful win the day we won it and it was against a team playing pretty good football, needing to win to guarantee themselves a spot in the playoffs.
February 6th, 2026 at 9:44 am
Pipe dream.
Commandos will grab him earlier than 12 to replace Wagner
February 6th, 2026 at 9:44 am
If it takes a couple of years to learn the defense, why bother wasting a first round pick.
Sign some 26-27 year old free agent linebackers from solid defensive teams.
Draft a DE and let him play.
February 6th, 2026 at 9:46 am
SB~LV 🏈 Says:
February 6th, 2026 at 9:21 am
Remember that last MEANINGLESS win …..
——
Not so meaningless when you consider players are earning their checks and bonuses in that game. If only NfL football was like Madden………..
February 6th, 2026 at 9:48 am
Definitely a great tackler. The highlight reel was all running plays. Would have liked to see him in coverage.
February 6th, 2026 at 9:50 am
Devin White is a stud
He just became bored and checked out two years before
The rest of the team checked out
February 6th, 2026 at 9:53 am
Yes we need 2 LB’s desperately!!. Maybe one draft one and get a really good on in in free agency. Even more inportant they need to cover. Second, yes, yes , and yes, why can’t we tackle!!. It has been an going issue for a few years. We need to addres that seriously. Maybe we can get the idea from the Seahawks how that needs to be addressed. I like everyday and a mantra daily
February 6th, 2026 at 10:03 am
Remember that meaningless win at the end of the season?
February 6th, 2026 at 10:04 am
I like Styles, but a few other ILBs in this draft, who may not be worth our 1st round pick but still come with comparable value.
Styles & Reese are the clear top 2 at the position, partly for the size and athleticism you get to go with a level of play that’s getting them all this attention.
However, I wouldn’t be shocked if we
a.) missed out on either player falling to us
b.) ended up passing in favor of someone like Cashius Howell.
That’s where the positional value vs. positional need comes into play. The two could make selection make more sense, or further conflict our draft team when it’s their time to choose. If it came down to our pick at 15th, no trade, and we’re looking at a board with Styles & Howell still available I think it’s 50-50 who’d we take there.
Guy’s like Anthony Hill, Kyle Louis, Nikhai Hill-Green & Shad Banks(could get him day AND still get Hill/Louis/Hill-Green day 2) outside of the 1st round would also be good options if we were presented with the above opportunity and went with Howell.
What I am noticing about the ILB position, is that there are at least a handful of prospects who’ve either playe off-ball/edge, but moonlit doing the other.
Guys like Harold Perkins from LSU doesn’t project well as a pro edge rusher right away, but does his athleticims & IQ warrant drafting him to play off ball?
Trey Moore out of Texas is a tweener in the same way. along Mitch Melton from UVA, & the Khot kid from Vandy.
A gem of a player I’ve been keeping my eye on is Christian Thomas out of UofMaine. 6’3, 220-230lbs, makes being quick look fast, and he was lights out getting downhill.
He & guys like Shad Banks, would be awesome double dip candidates imo. Give me some premium talent day 1/2 and then get me who’s probably a bit raw, but come with some desirable athletic tools.
February 6th, 2026 at 10:04 am
News flash we never wrap up, and we don’t party @ the football.
One reason I fell in love with the Bucs back in the day they got to the football, it would seem like there was 13 players instead of 11👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾get to the football.
Big Fan of Jacob Rodriguez, not @ 15. But grab him.
February 6th, 2026 at 10:08 am
Completely disagree with Joe on this. Bucs should trade back and pick up draft capital for a much better 2027 draft. Give next year’s regime more ammo to get whom they want in the draft.
February 6th, 2026 at 10:16 am
If I’m the Cowboys, I would probably take a pass on re-signing Pickens. Then take a WR at #12 on a rookie contract instead, for the next 5-years. I haven’t looked at the first mock draft or top prospects list. But, I don’t think they could go wrong with the Lemon kid at USC, or Tyson out of Arizona State. If they are both gone, then I’d go with the top EDGE, or Caleb Downs if he’s still there, as BPA. I would really hate NOT re-signing Pikens, but the price will be driven astronomically HIGH, and they have too many other more important needs. Dak makes these WR’s look a lot better than what they really are anyway. There will be capable WR’s in the 2nd-Round for them. At first, as was ‘all-in’ on re-signing Pickens. Now, I’m not so sure.
February 6th, 2026 at 10:16 am
We could’ve has Schwesinger last draft, but no. But i agree on styles….but if he isnt there, draft Vega Loane and get a lb 2nd, maybe cj allen makes it to us or we can get Deontae Lawson in the 3rd (similar to Styles).
February 6th, 2026 at 10:19 am
Dude tackles high, every clip there shows him grabbing shoulder pads. Maybe it’s just this handful of clips but I’m getting D White vibes. We need someone who plays with better pass level and fills a hole with authority.
February 6th, 2026 at 10:21 am
Why write about something that you are not going to get, who is 2nd in line?
February 6th, 2026 at 10:33 am
Also, if I’m the Cowboys… I would sign RWhite, on top of my above strategy! I think that would position them very nicely. Especially, with having ‘TWO’ 2027-FIRSTS, in that LOADED ASS Class.
February 6th, 2026 at 10:35 am
sorry folks – howell & styles are gone by the 12th pick. so what does jl do? same as he did last year. he’ll take the best VALUE PICK. not the best player at a position that needs attention. enter sadiq. the team needs defense, but leave up to licht with that silly grin to make a useless pick. the he can make his defensive picks from pepperdine, st mary’s, and the sisters of the poor univ.
February 6th, 2026 at 10:37 am
The guards name is Olaivavega Ioane. No “L” involved.
February 6th, 2026 at 10:42 am
We need help at DT as much as ILB, and OLB. Thanks ROH GM Licht.
February 6th, 2026 at 10:43 am
Fantasy Island….I guess it’s fun to dream. He won’t be there @ 15. The organization actually has some cap space finally so sign some free agents and take the best available player in the draft.
February 6th, 2026 at 10:45 am
I just think RWhite would be THE perfect fit there. Dak gets himself a much needed extra blocker, and a dangerous WEAPON coming outta the backfield. He was soooo misused in Tampa Bay last season, as they were SO stubbornly insistent on feeding Bucky the ball… The “Hot-Hand,” ya know LoL.
February 6th, 2026 at 10:47 am
@ Hodad Says: “We need help at DT as much as ILB, and OLB. Thanks ROH GM Licht.”
Yep. Ya damn right! It should’ve already been taken care of LAST DRAFT, with BIG BADDDDD Deone FREAKING Walker. A blown opportunity. 💯
February 6th, 2026 at 10:52 am
If he gets drafted before us,
There are no other MLB’s expected to get drafted in Round 1.
I think it would be wise to trade back. Get some more picks.
And draft 2 MLBs in rounds 1-4.
Draft two guys who can develop together.
We could realistically draft 2 of the top 4 MLBs in this draft class if we are smart about it.
February 6th, 2026 at 11:00 am
If they’re trading up for anyone it should b Bailey – trade down or take Howl or Mesidoor or even R Mason Thomas
lots of ILB later –
February 6th, 2026 at 11:04 am
So they draft Styles. Big hooey! He’ll get buried in TB’s defensive wonderland and flame out in 2-3 years. I would try and trade up for Bain and then watch TB try to convert him to a LB. He might be too good for Bowles to ruin him.
February 6th, 2026 at 11:08 am
We could say the same thing for multiple defensive positions; DB, EDGE, DT.
We have whiffed on so many positions, it’s crazy! BUT, you have to start somewhere. LVD’s replacement is a good place to start.
February 6th, 2026 at 11:15 am
Had to grab a spit cup halfway through those highlights just to catch all the drool. A perfect fit.
February 6th, 2026 at 11:29 am
I believe Texas Tech Jacob Rodriguez is the best ILB in this draft
The Bucs could probably get him in late 1st round, or early 2nd round
A move down in 1st or a move up in 2nd
The knock on him is his size 6’1 235 lbs
The exact same size as LVD and Derrick Brooks
He may be a little slower, but he have good coverage skills
And he’s an excellent tackle with good ball skills
High football IQ, good fundamentals
February 6th, 2026 at 11:35 am
Jim Schwartz just put in his resignation letter to the Browns! Let’s get him! How would that work with 2 yrs left on his contract though?
February 6th, 2026 at 11:36 am
We just need a LB in the style of Styles, but without the hefty price tag of a high draft pick.
Just had an idea, and don’t laugh, but what IF we got Styles and we also got Dev White back? (After he clears waivers from a psychiatrist, LOL). My point is it’d be a wish-list to have 2 players on the Bucs LB core with those talents. Wow.
OK, back to the real world…
Go Bucs ! ! !
February 6th, 2026 at 11:39 am
LakelandBuc, I believe Jacob Rodriguez is just a football player. And that’s exactly what this defense needs is a good football player. He has the best leadership instincts of maybe any defensive player in the draft. He plays with more fire than our entire defense has. He’d be perfect. I don’t care about his measurables, Watch the Film. And look at his background. Perfect fit for Lichts “I am that man”.
February 6th, 2026 at 11:41 am
@ bucnjim Says: “The organization actually has some cap space finally so sign some free agents.”
The had PLENTY enough “cap space” last season. They just decided to use most of it on Godwin AND Reddick. To the tune of about $35-MILLION completely WASTED. Just thrown away. Like, taking a match to it!!!!
February 6th, 2026 at 11:46 am
And we can get Rodriguez. He’s moving up draft boards, not down. If we miss on this guy we oughta be ashamed of ourselves.
February 6th, 2026 at 11:50 am
@ Bucsfanman Says: “We could say the same thing for multiple defensive positions; DB, EDGE, DT. We have whiffed on so many positions, it’s crazy! BUT, you have to start somewhere. LVD’s replacement is a good place to start.”
And, Lickt and Bowles continues to hold onto them for dear LIFE, no matter what. Neither one of them have even the first clue about evaluating and developing TALENT. Successful FO’s move off of guys QUICK, and then immediately begin looking for ways to plug the hole(s). Whether that be through Free Agency, or Trade. The Bucs just stand pat and try selling all of us on HOW GREAT the guy’s going o be next season. When, our own ‘eyes’ obviously tells us otherwise. Neither one of them (Lickt and Bowles) know what the hell they are doing.
February 6th, 2026 at 11:52 am
Likely Bowles will screw this guy up too. He’ll go from being a college superstar to a bust real quick.
February 6th, 2026 at 11:59 am
Jason is going to surprise the world with his genius,
Red Murdock from Buffalo is the perfect Licht Loser pick for the first round.
Put $$$$ on it
February 6th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Agree Joe that Bucs need THREE ILBs (I’d keep SVD as our backup 4th). IF LVD re-signs, he’ll only be part-time & I wouldn’t count him as 1 of our 4 ILB mainstays’ because of that.
Personally I hope that Dallas does draft Styles because I’d rather have his teammate Arvell Reese (6’4″ & 238 lbs). He’s not as fast (4.68 secs) but is projected to go in the Top-10 in the draft. Reese coincidentally had 6.5 sacks last season to Styles 0.5 sacks.
The strange thing is that there looks to be a LOT of quality ILB prospects in this upcoming draft. Walter Footfall has 13 rated (Reese #1 & Styles #2) and ALL OF THEM are big (smallest is 230 lbs; biggest 248 lbs). The only 2 rated as Rnd 1 prospects are Reese & Styles, so there should be some quality ILBs available in Rnds 2-3. One guy who’s intriguing is Keyshaun Elliott from Arizona State (6’2″ & 235 lbs with 4.67 speed). This past year he had 98 tackles & 7 sacks. In 2024 he had 111 tackles & 2.5 sacks, plus 6 PDs. Walter classifies him as ‘a dangerous blitzer’. He could probably be had in Rnd 3.
February 6th, 2026 at 12:05 pm
Jacob Rodriguez will walk onto the field and take over our defense as a rookie. His history screams difference maker. I would no way take a chance that he makes it to us in the second round. Absolutely ought to make him our first pick. And he could be our backup QB. 3rd ranked QB coming out of high school. He’s a great football player through and through and he’d fit like a glove on our team. His wife is a Blackhawk chopper pilot in the military. Holy cow, we need an upgrade at middle linebacker and we pass on him. Come on Bucs. Come on Jason. Make the call. If Todd isn’t on board with it tell him to kick rocks. Seriously.
February 6th, 2026 at 12:07 pm
I would think Jerry Jones would be more interested in an edge rushers myself. Mock drafts are useless at this time of year, but I’ve seen Styles pegged anywhere from top 5 to middle of second round. Somewhere in the middle of the first round seems most likely to me. I don’t know much about what other prospects might be available just yet. Lots of time before late April yet.
February 6th, 2026 at 12:50 pm
The Bucs have to be all over this!!!
#No-Excuses!!!
Browns DC Jim Schwartz Resigns
February 6th, 2026 at 12:52 pm
If Styles falls that would be terrific. However given the fact he’s shown he can also rush the passer when given the opportunity I don’t see how he gets out of the top 10.
If that’s the case I’d prefer to get one of these edge rushers and get Rodriguez in the second (if he makes it that far) rather than try to trade up. We need middle round picks for the defense.
I know, Bowles has no clue how to use edge rushers but I’m assuming he’s gone by kickoff in September of ‘27.