The Tampa Bay Buccaneers totally shook up the middle of their defense this offseason, bringing in veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone after the legendary Lavonte David retired. Now, the buzz is all about PFF’s Bradley Locker dropping his much-anticipated rankings of the NFL’s top linebackers, and Anzalone landed at No. 28. If that number makes you scratch your head a bit for a guy brought in to fill such big shoes, think again. For the Bucs, that No. 28 spot is actually a perfect fit for their grand plan.
The Bucs’ Master Plan for Their Revamped Linebacker Room
Anzalone isn’t just filling a spot, he’s taking over the critical weakside “Mo” linebacker role in Todd Bowles’ notoriously complex defense. This wasn’t a move to find the next big name. Tampa Bay desperately needed an experienced presence to stabilize what was essentially a completely revamped room. They needed a dependable veteran who could truly anchor the position, handle tricky coverage responsibilities, and provide that crucial leadership for a group of younger talent. And Anzalone has already stepped up, taking on a mentorship role with second-round rookie Josiah Trotter, who could very well be starting right alongside him. That’s exactly the kind of smart, strategic thinking you love to see early in the season!
Digging into Anzalone’s PFF Performance Breakdown
So, how did Locker land on No. 28? His PFF rankings are no joke, weighing both a player’s recent production and their full body of work, with a serious emphasis on linebackers who can dominate against both the run and the pass. Anzalone’s résumé screams reliability: he’s played at least 680 snaps in every single one of his five seasons with Detroit. Talk about durable! And while his best overall PFF grade during that impressive stretch was a 69.8 way back in 2023, his recent value is still undeniable. The dude ranks 24th among all linebackers in PFF WAR over the past three seasons. That means he’s consistently delivering impact plays, even if the overall grade wasn’t always top-tier.
For Tampa Bay, that No. 28 ranking isn’t a disappointment. It “feels about right” because they weren’t expecting Anzalone to come in and immediately become an NFL elite. They signed him to be a steady, consistent force. If he keeps playing dependable football while Josiah Trotter gets up to speed and develops into a future star, then the Buccaneers will absolutely be in a much stronger position at linebacker in 2026. This isn’t just about one guy’s ranking; it’s about how that reliable veteran leadership shapes an entire defensive unit for the season ahead. We’ll be watching how this new-look LB corps comes together, because the potential is there.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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