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Buccaneers could take All-American LB in Round 1 of NFL Draft

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could look to draft one of the best linebackers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jeremy Brener|
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker (LB28) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker (LB28) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a lot of change coming up at the linebacker position this offseason.

The team needs a linebacker early in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Bleacher Report writer Alex Ballentine links them to Georgia star Jalon Walker.

READ MORE: Buccaneers announce huge decision on Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden

Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker (11) celebrates after sacking TCU quarterback Chandler Morris (2)
Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker (11) celebrates after sacking TCU quarterback Chandler Morris (2) during the second half of the NCAA College Football National Championship game between TCU and Georgia on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. News Joshua L Jones | Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

Walker could start right away for Bucs

"Jalon Walker is a first-round talent, but it isn’t always easy to find the team that should use a first-round pick on an off-ball linebacker," Ballentine writes.

"In the case of Walker, that team is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is a unique prospect who played both on the edge and as an off-ball linebacker. Ultimately, he's built more like an inside 'backer who happens to be an excellent blitzer. That’s right up Todd Bowles' alley. The Bucs head coach runs one of the most dynamic defenses in the league and will have no problem weaponizing Walker's skill set. The Bucs are also at a natural turning point for the position with Lavonte David and K.J. Britt both slated to become free agents."

Walker will likely be chosen in the first round of the draft on April 24 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

READ MORE: Buccaneers meet with Lavonte David's agent, other NFL teams showing interest

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 season.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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