The Tampa Bay Buccaneers recently unveiled their 53-man roster for the 2026 season. While small transactions are still being made, the roster is largely set as the season opener approaches.
On paper, it’s one of the strongest rosters the Buccaneers have put together in the last few years, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
After an offseason spent overhauling Todd Bowles’ side of the ball, it’s safe to say he’s excited with his new-look defense, and one position in particular has caught his eye.
Todd Bowles thinks inside linebacker is Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ best position
Bowles appeared on WDAE’s The Drive with Tom Krasniqi following the unveiling of Tampa Bay’s 53-man roster. Bowles was asked which position group is the strongest heading into the season, and his response was a bit shocking.
“Inside linebacker. We have more depth at that spot than we’ve had since I’ve been there, and I think that’s really a plus for us. We got bigger there, we got more athletic with Anzalone… We got a guy with Trotter. Plus we’ve got [SirVocea Dennis] and [Christian] Rozeboom, and Fordham makes the team, and all five of those guys can play.”
The inside linebacker spot has been a major weakness the last few seasons, despite the presence of franchise legend Lavonte David. That’s why it’s so jarring to hear the position suddenly considered by the head coach as the roster’s greatest strength.
One would assume wide receiver, defensive tackle, or outside linebacker to be the obvious answers. Bowles’ choice shows just how high he is on his overhauled linebacker depth.
Tampa Bay is likely to have two new starters this year in Anzalone and the rookie Trotter.
Anzalone should provide an upgrade in coverage, while Trotter is a downhill thumper that is bringing an edge and a level of physicality the Buccaneers have been sorely missing.
Dennis started all 16 games for Tampa Bay last year, so having him in a backup role is an asset. Rozeboom has appeared in 76 games and started 32 through his five-year career. He’s another experienced backup that’s expected to be a key contributor on special teams.
Bowles also mentioned Fordham, but that’s before the undrafted rookie was ruthlessly cut just two days after making the 53-man roster to make room for waiver claim Kevin Knowles.
Still, on paper, this is certainly the deepest the inside linebacker spot has been in years for the Buccaneers. Of course, how it looks on paper means nothing until they go out on the field and prove it when it matters most.
A dominant linebacker group would go a long way in helping spark a defensive turnaround as Tampa Bay looks to go from one of the league’s worst units in 2025 to one of the league’s best this season.
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