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Georgia defensive lineman Christen Miller is moving up several NFL Draft Big Boards including the Buccaneers / via Instagram

Writing The Ship: An Ideal Fit For The Buccaneers Defense

February 26, 2026

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to improve their defense this offseason. There is an obvious need at linebacker and edge rusher that will take top priority in the months to come. However, those aren’t the only needs.

Another big need on defense is at defensive end. Someone to play next to Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey with their hand in the dirt. With Logan Hall likely leaving in free agency, someone will have to fill the void he leaves behind.

The Bucs have options to try and fill this role. An in house option will be second year defensive lineman Elijah Roberts, although he might be better as a rotational pass rusher. Of course the team could always add a veteran on the cheaper end of the pay scale, but that might come with limited upside. The best way to add talent to this group is likely through the draft.

It isn’t an especially great defensive line class this year. There are a few big names who could go in the first round, but even the top end players had down years this past season. However, there is one name that I believe the Bucs will have highlighted in the second round.

He’s an ideal fit for the Buccaneers defense

That player is Georgia defensive tackle Christen Miller. The 6 ‘4 and 305 lbs defensive linemen would be an instant size upgrade over Hall, which is something that Todd Bowles recently stated he was looking for this offseason (to get bigger across the roster). He would be a plus and play starter who would be an immediate upgrade over what they’ve had in recent years.

The first thing that stands out with Miller is his run defense. In college, he was asked to play up and down the defensive line, including nose tackle at times. Regardless where he lined up, he had his power and run defense on display.

Part of this is strength, but part of it is his ability to utilize his length. Miller does a nice job squaring up his opponent and controlling their chest. He comes out of his stance looking to engage his blocker in a battle of hand placement and he wins more than he doesn’t.

In terms of pass rush, Miller is admittedly limited. Any sack production will likely be the result of effort and being in the right place at the right time. However, because he has moved all over the defensive line, he’s someone who is comfortable on stunts and twists.

Despite this, I still love the fit for Miller in Tampa. A length and strength player who projects as a very good run defender. Let Calijah Kancey and Elijah Roberts focus on rushing the passer by having Miller help shut down the run and set up third and long situations.

Miller brings a very transferable skill that every NFL team needs. He improves the run defense and not only fits a need in the starting line up, but actually upgrades over what they had. And to be able to get that player in the second round makes Miller an ideal fit for the Buccaneers.

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