What could the Bucs starting defense look like in 2026?

Bleacher Report recently projected the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ’ starting defense for 2026, and the biggest takeaway is how much younger and faster this unit could look compared to recent seasons. The changes start up front with the Bucs ' first-round draft selection in 2026, Rueben Bain Jr. , who is expected to play a major role immediately.

Tampa Bay spent the offseason searching for more pass-rush production after finishing with just 37 sacks in 2025, and Bain enters Todd Bowles’ defense with pressure expectations attached to him from Day 1. The linebacker room may be where the transition feels largest compared to the other side of the ball. Tampa Bay appears ready to hand significant responsibility to rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter immediately, with Bleacher Report projecting him to play in rotation next to newly acquired Alex Anzalone in the starting lineup.

That marks a major shift for a defense that relied heavily on veteran linebacker leadership for years. A camp battle between Dennis and Trotter would be great for that defense and push both players to improve. Anzalone brings experience and communication ability, but Trotter, possibly stepping into a starting role this early, shows how aggressively Tampa Bay wants to reshape the second level of their defense.

The secondary also looks younger, especially in the slot, where rookie competition could quickly reshape the rotation. Overall, the projected defense looks more explosive on paper, but it is also far less proven than previous versions of Bowles’ units. This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: The Bucs defense is going to look a little different in 2026