As we shift our focus to the defensive prospects from the Senior Bowl, several things have become more clear as we look ahead to April's draft. This year's draft class is loaded with talent in the front-seven, particularly at linebacker and edge rusher. Teams in need of help at those positions are licking their chops at the prospect of adding one of these potential impact rookies to their roster. Turns out, the Buccaneers may very well be in that group. With Lavonte David's future still undecided and the team eager to generate more sacks, linebacker and edge rusher are popular picks for Tampa Bay in the early rounds. With this in mind, let's take a look at some defensive prospects who improved their draft stock following the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl.
LB Kyle Louis - Pittsburgh
Kyle Louis put on a show at the Senior Bowl. The New-Jersey-native recorded 201 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks over the past two seasons at Pittsburgh. Louis makes life difficult for quarterbacks throwing over the middle. In zone, he utilizes his extreme athleticism to fly to the football in the air, clamping down receivers in the process. He is just as unrelenting in man coverage, erasing running backs and tight ends trying to win their routes. Per PFF, Louis led the FBS in quarterback pressures, tackles for loss/no gains and boasts a top-10 coverage grade since 2024. The All-American measured in at 5-foot-11, 224 pounds at the Senior Bowl, leading to concerns in his ability to be an effective run stuffer. Regardless, Louis looks to be an impactful linebacker/box safety who will thrive in defensive packages that utilize his strengths. His draft stock jumped from a Day Three to a popular Day Two prediction.
S Bud Clark - TCU
TCU's Bud Clark was able to make a significant splash in front of scouts in Mobile last week. Clark has been a physical presence in the secondary for the Horned Frogs the past six seasons, making his mark on the gridiron. He finishes his college career with 214 tackles, 15 interceptions and two touchdowns while earning multiple Big 12 honors.The three-time team captain stands 6-foot-2 with a long, imposing frame that suffocates space. He also thrives against the run, never taking a play off. Clark thrives on creating turnovers, though he can occasionally trigger too early out of his zone and leave gaps in coverage. He displayed his developed discipline at the Senior Bowl, boosting his draft stock and presenting himself as a potential top-five safety in the class.
DE Nadame Tucker - Western Michigan
Nadame Tucker began his playing career at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas before transferring to Houston in 2022. While at Houston, he appeared in just 13 games in three years, only playing 22 snaps in 2024. Tucker decided to spend his redshirt senior season up in Kalamazoo with Western Michigan where he fully blossomed into a star. In 2025, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound defensive end led the FBS with 21 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks, while also forcing four fumbles. Some could discount his gaudy numbers because he didn't put up numbers in a Power 4 conference. Despite this, Tucker proved he can hang with nearly anyone. He was borderline unblockable at the Senior Bowl, recording two sacks including a fourth-quarter strip sack. Tucker's production in college, compounded with his performance in Mobile, pushes him into serious consideration in the fourth round.
