C. J. Allen Has Juice, Too
March 23rd, 2026
Georgia LB C.J. Allen.
Joe has written about really, really liking how the Bucs signed Alex Anzalone and A’Shawn Robinson because this defense — which quit on Bucs coach Todd Bowles last year, let’s call it like we saw it — badly needed juice and energy added to what was such a soft unit.
And if the Bucs deem Georgia inside linebacker C.J. Allen worthy next month, that would be drafting another dude with ‘tude to the defense, as Jordan Edwards of Sports Information Solutions points out.
Allen projects to be a starting-level middle linebacker and can play in both an odd or even-front defense. While he is a better run defender, he can be a three-down contributor at the next level due to his instincts and intelligence on the field. He can be a stout run defender and a reliable coverage player, while also adding value as a blitzer too. His leadership and competitive nature can be a contagious element to add to a defense at the next level.
Allen is rated by Sports Information Solutions as the No. 21 overall prospect and a “low-risk” pick. So that’s right around the Bucs’ wheelhouse since they pick at No. 15.
Joe would not be against picking Allen at all. The Bucs need two more inside linebackers, whether Lavonte David returns or not. SirVocea Dennis should not be allowed to start another game unless the Bucs have a terrible rash of injuries.
Not sure how you can go wrong with a Kirby Smart defender.
March 23rd, 2026 at 12:05 am
He’s the secret weapon. The dream ticket. Yes. He has enough juice and smarts to play all 11 positions on defense at once as a rookie and overcome the worst coaching in the NFL in the process. Draft him. He’s the fixer.
March 23rd, 2026 at 12:15 am
He’s should be a day one starter for whoever draft him
I believe Jason Licht will draft him or Texas Anthony Hill Jr
Georgia players are already NFL ready
March 23rd, 2026 at 12:45 am
Anthony Hill Jr, eh? Yes, he’s a lock. A sure thing. The magic elixir that erases all the bad coaching, bad scheming, bad game planning, incompetent practice regimens, assignment busts, game management mangling, tuned out locker room. He’s like the Fantastic Four all in on super hero. Trade up for him.
March 23rd, 2026 at 2:56 am
Give me a break- Suh and JPP were legendary players already, barely heard of the linebacker only because of his long hair not his play and never even heard of the other guy
March 23rd, 2026 at 6:07 am
3.28.Evans Says:
March 23rd, 2026 at 12:45 am
Anthony Hill Jr, eh? Yes, he’s a lock. A sure thing. The magic elixir that erases all the bad coaching, bad scheming, bad game planning, incompetent practice regimens, assignment busts, game management mangling, tuned out locker room. He’s like the Fantastic Four all in on super hero. Trade up for him
Typical response, bunch of sarcastic bullshi*
March 23rd, 2026 at 6:59 am
3.28 : 3 years 28 user names!
March 23rd, 2026 at 7:37 am
“Allen is rated by Sports Information Solutions as the No. 21 overall prospect and a “low-risk” pick. So that’s right around the Bucs’ wheelhouse since they pick at No. 15.”
Eh, I’d give pause before making this pick at 15 and would want to know whom else is still on the board. I like Allen, maybe a little more if it were a trade back in the 1st or up in the 2nd type of deal. Not taking anything from Allen, he’s a really good, reliable prospect, but no reaching day 1/2.
Targeting an ILB in this draft for us is like pick your poison
March 23rd, 2026 at 7:53 am
At the #15 pick, I am convinced we should go DL.
We can get what we need for an ILB or CB in rounds 2 or 3.
We don’t need to spend it on a TE, or a ‘back up” guard (stupid)
We won’t get an elite 1st year EDGE at 15.
VV is in a contract year, god forbid we plan ahead, its NOT JL’s style
Todd likes to have pressure in the middle.
So if there is a VV there, or anyone close, take that big nasty DL at 15
March 23rd, 2026 at 8:12 am
They tier out they’re best players in a list and if 1 of them is there at 15 they pick him unless they get a great trade offer. Most of these mocks are crap anyways, 1 or 2 teams always seem to go sideways so a solid player or 2 drops. It’s all gonna depend on who is drafted in front of us, obvious I know, but all the speculation is nonsense but good fun. Last year was about the only draft I can remember that the talking heads had right early on. Sweshinger was thought of as a middle 2 pick falling to the Bucs was the first guy taken in the 2nd round. You always draft BPA. ALWAYS, unless the need and pick align. When they talk about drafting QB’s the common thought is if the guy you like is there pick him, don’t wait for him to drop into a “slot”. The same is true for ALL players, if he’s that high on your board you’re picking him, screw what anyone else thinks the “value” part of it is.
March 23rd, 2026 at 8:21 am
Cleanhouse Says:
March 23rd, 2026 at 2:56 am
Give me a break- Suh and JPP were legendary players already, barely heard of the linebacker only because of his long hair not his play and never even heard of the other guy
Well, then I guess you don’t watch Bucs games. At least not the one one last season against Detroit. The linebacker with long hair that you’ve never heard of? He gave us fits in that game. Probably a prime reason Licht targeted him in FA.
March 23rd, 2026 at 8:38 am
“ or sure how you can go wrong with a Kirby Smart defender.” Check the police records of Georgia players, that would be a good start. Some schools just recruit the lowest of the low in society, mongrels if you will. SEC SEC. It just means more!
March 23rd, 2026 at 8:52 am
Low society mongrels is a bit of a broad brush. CJ Allen has a perfectly clean record. He has also been calling defensive plays and leading the one of the top defenses in college football. Barring injury, dude will be a 10 year starter with ProBowl potential for whomever drafts him.
March 23rd, 2026 at 8:54 am
I would prefer Rodriguez who had the best production in all of college football.
March 23rd, 2026 at 8:58 am
He COULD be terrific BUT – he had a meniscus tear against Texas in November and then rushed back to play in 13 days against Georgia Tech.
Since then he has had swellling problems that intergered with the Combine and his Pro Day last week. So he would have to be closely evaluated and there is now an element of doubt with him.
Too bad – he will probably be there when we pick – but do you really want to take the chance when others will be available?
March 23rd, 2026 at 9:08 am
I watched the tape sorry I don’t see it i tried to force myself to see it Rodgriuez has a very nice tape
March 23rd, 2026 at 9:31 am
I have no faith in Licht, to draft the correct player in this coming draft.
March 23rd, 2026 at 9:34 am
trade down and select OG with our first pick
GO BUCS!!!!!
March 23rd, 2026 at 9:47 am
If the Bucs truly want to get bigger, then Allen isn’t the answer. Hopefully, they draft an actual NFL sized LB. With Licht, it’ll have to be an eval based on RAS score alone.
March 23rd, 2026 at 10:20 am
I agree the defense was trash last year Joe but calling like you see it they didn’t quit. Let me ask you. Why would they quit when during the 2nd half of the eagles game the held that offense to negative yards. When a defense knows it’s can do that I doubt the quit. It’s not like they did that to the worst offense in the league. The eagles had some injuries but still a very good and physical offense. Deff don’t think the defense just quit. They deff sucked lol
March 23rd, 2026 at 10:20 am
Sonny Styles will be gone by the time we pick. If Rodriguez is there at #15, dont wait until the second. Just take him.
I watched three of his games last year – he is the real deal. He won’t last until the socond – Denver is looking for an ILB and will grab him.
Plug him in and he will play right away and be productive. Rather see us pick up a good penetrating DT to help collapse the pocket in the second.
We need people that can play right away.
March 23rd, 2026 at 11:36 am
No telling if a team will throw a monkeywrench in the draft order like last year. You had Atlanta stepping up taking a QB with a bum knee, plus Shedeur Sanders falling to 5th round.
Is there really a sure thing. If so the Bucs really need about 4 of them in this draft.
March 23rd, 2026 at 12:11 pm
There will be a corner or OL at 15 that isn’t a reach. ILB, DL, and edge all somewhat of a reach there. Trade back is best option if we insist on all defense in early rounds.
March 23rd, 2026 at 12:41 pm
Can we please get Kirby Smart, as well?
March 23rd, 2026 at 12:51 pm
I now live in Georgia and watch UGA. I like him but no way at 15, too many other ILBs. Hill and Jrod can do a lot and are healthy. Allem’s knee is not right.
If we must go D in.rd1, give me Messidor and whatever it takes to get Jrod. Probably early rd2.
Give me Delp in rd5, very underused and rated at UGA.
March 23rd, 2026 at 2:55 pm
MOST UNDERSTATED REVIEW OF CJ Allen
… until ranked #21 … can’t disagree with that.
A “healthy” CJ is a stud. I think he’s better than Styles. Doesn’t have the same tangibles but he makes more plays.
His stock could plummet if he’s not healthy by the draft.
March 23rd, 2026 at 3:46 pm
He hasn’t ran a 40. Not at the combine or his pro day. He is damaged goods- knee. Even at peak health he is too stiff. Flip his hips fluidly? Never has never will. Compete at the catch point? Never has never will. Good player but not on Anthony Hill Jr.’s level plus he is hurt and being sneaky about it.
Anthony Hill Jr plays the game on another level mentally relative to every single other LB in this class and physically he has few peers. The choice hasn’t been close since the the start of my draft process. Sure, I know Jacob Rodriguez can kill two birds with one stone, oxgen needs JRod to survive just like Bowles career, he is our savior and only logical use of the Bucs’ #15 and is only possible cause of the death of Chuck Norris becuase he is that bad of a mofo, and so on and so forth but HIll Jr. is the only ILB in this class truly beyond his peers.
If the Bucs must bring on a guy named Curtis Allen let it be the home run hitting RB from Virginia Union who ran for 2,386 yds and 30 TDs on 297 carries in 2025 vs HBCU competion as a UDFA. 6’2″ 215 lbs with incredible vision and ability to blaze through multiple levels of the defenses he faced instantly. UDFA only- there are too many other good defensive pieces to waste a draft pick on a RB.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:27 am
The way Bowles takes the young talent Licht drafts and teaches them to regress is a one of a kind skill, should be revered. Very few rookies in the NFL play better after their rookie year. It’s really not up to the coaches, They do everything they can, it’s all on the players.