The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made it clear this offseason that improving the defense was a priority.
General manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles invested heavily on that side of the ball, adding linebacker Alex Anzalone in free agency while drafting edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and linebacker Josiah Trotter with their first two selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With training camp approaching, the Buccaneers have several intriguing candidates to lead the defense in key statistical categories.
Here are predictions for Tampa Bay’s leaders in sacks and tackles during the 2026 season.
Sack Leader: Rueben Bain Jr.
This prediction may seem aggressive considering Bain has yet to play an NFL snap.
Then again, the Buccaneers didn’t draft him 15th overall to be a rotational player.
Bain arrives in Tampa Bay after establishing himself as one of college football’s most productive pass rushers. His ability to generate pressure was one of the primary reasons many analysts viewed him as a top-10 talent entering the draft.
The opportunity is certainly there.
Tampa Bay needed more consistent production from its pass rush last season, and Bain should immediately become part of Todd Bowles’ plans. His combination of power, explosiveness, and relentless effort gives him a chance to make an impact from Day 1.
Veterans Yaya Diaby and Al-Quadin Muhammad should also factor heavily into the pass-rush rotation. However, Bain’s upside is difficult to ignore.
- Prediction: 10.5 sacks
Runner-Up: Yaya Diaby
If anyone challenges Bain for the team lead, Diaby appears to be the most likely candidate.
The former Louisville standout has steadily developed into one of Tampa Bay’s most important defensive players. His motor, athleticism, and ability to disrupt plays have made him a valuable piece of the defense.
Diaby should benefit from the attention Bain commands from opposing offensive lines.
That could create more one-on-one opportunities throughout the season.
- Prediction: 8.5 sacks
Tackle Leader: Alex Anzalone
The retirement of Lavonte David leaves a massive void in the middle of Tampa Bay’s defense.
The Buccaneers signed Anzalone to help fill that leadership role, and he enters the season as the favorite to lead the team in tackles.
Anzalone has built a reputation as a reliable, high-volume tackler throughout his career. He diagnoses plays quickly, flows well to the football, and rarely leaves the field.
Those traits typically translate into impressive tackle numbers.
His experience should also help stabilize a linebacker room featuring several younger players competing for larger roles.
- Prediction: 132 tackles
Runner-Up: Josiah Trotter
Don’t be surprised if Trotter makes this prediction look conservative.
The rookie linebacker arrives with a reputation for finding the football. At Missouri, he consistently piled up tackles while serving as the leader of the Tigers’ defense.
If Trotter wins the starting Mike linebacker job alongside Anzalone, he could quickly become one of Tampa Bay’s most productive defenders.
The question isn’t whether he can make tackles.
The question is how quickly he earns a full-time role.
- Prediction: 118 tackles
Honorable Mentions
Several other Buccaneers could make a run at these categories.
SirVocea Dennis remains a candidate to see significant snaps at linebacker and could emerge as a tackle machine if he earns a starting role.
A’Shawn Robinson should remain a disruptive force along the defensive line, particularly against the run.
Meanwhile, Antoine Winfield Jr. always has a chance to finish among the team’s leaders in tackles thanks to his versatility and willingness to play near the line of scrimmage.
Final Predictions
- Team Sack Leader: Rueben Bain Jr. (10.5)
- Second in Sacks: Yaya Diaby (8.5)
- Team Tackle Leader: Alex Anzalone (132)
- Second in Tackles: Josiah Trotter (118)
The Buccaneers have built a defense that blends proven veterans with promising young talent. If Bain and Trotter develop as quickly as the organization hopes, Tampa Bay’s defensive makeover could pay immediate dividends in 2026.
And if these predictions come true, the Buccaneers may find themselves with two rookie defenders making a major impact much sooner than expected.
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