The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can no longer ignore what held them back. Defensive breakdowns exposed a clear weakness, and the urgency to fix it is growing stronger with each passing day. The spotlight is now firmly on the heart of their defense.
As the 2026 NFL Draft draws closer, projections are beginning to reveal a clear direction. Tampa Bay is expected to pursue an explosive linebacker, someone who can bring physicality and much-needed stability to a unit searching for answers.
Buccaneers Could Target Texas Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. in the 2026 NFL Draft
Actually, the Bucs don’t need more linebackers. They need the right kind of linebacker, and right now, that’s exactly what they’re missing. That is why in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Buccaneers might be eyeing Anthony Hill Jr., who has played for the Longhorns in his college career. But why do they need an LB?
Tampa Bay’s defense struggles in the intermediate middle of the field. That’s where modern NFL offenses attack relentlessly, using tight ends, crossing routes, and running backs in space. If your linebackers are even a step slow in recognition or movement, it turns into easy completions and extended drives. The Bucs simply haven’t had a consistent answer there.
Then comes the run defense.
It is not just about size or effort; it is about instincts and gap discipline. A high-level linebacker diagnoses plays instantly and fills lanes before blockers reach the second level. Tampa Bay’s current group too often reacts late, creating rushing lanes and putting extra pressure on the defensive line.
Another major issue is versatility. Today’s defenses demand three-down linebackers who never leave the field. You need someone who can blitz, cover, spy mobile quarterbacks, and still be a reliable tackler.
Hill’s production reflects a complete and disruptive linebacker. Over his college career, he has recorded 249 total tackles, including 136 solo stops, along with 31.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks.
That level of backfield production is uncommon for an off-ball linebacker and shows his ability to attack plays rather than simply react to them. Per PFSN’s CFB LB Impact Metrics, Hill did well in the 2025 college football season with an 85.1 impact score.
He made an immediate impression as a freshman in 2023, posting 67 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. Instead of easing into the role, Hill played with the awareness and physicality of a veteran. His breakout came in 2024, when he totaled 113 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks, establishing himself as one of the most productive linebackers in college football.
Even in a shortened 2025 season, Hill remained efficient with 69 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions. The increase in interceptions points to growth in coverage. Overall, his stats show a versatile, three-down defender capable of impacting every phase of the game.
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The Bucs’ current options feel situational rather than complete. That limits what the defensive coordinator can call, especially against elite offenses.
There is a leadership factor in their LB room, too. That is why this becomes critical. This is not about adding depth. It is about finding a true centerpiece who can elevate the entire defense rather than just fill a spot.
