The Bucs must fill the within linebacker room with expertise. Pewter Report has mentioned this in written and video kind usually and can proceed to take action till the necessity is stuffed – whether or not by way of free company or the 2025 NFL Draft.
Everybody is aware of the high-end veterans and prospects which can be into account. Free company is headlined by Kansas Metropolis’s Nick Bolton, Philadelphia’s Zack Baun and Seattle’s Ernest Jones, whereas Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell and Ole Miss’ Chris Paul Jr. are two of the draft’s prime gamers. Relying on Tampa Bay’s path, each worth choice needs to be on the desk.
That’s the place Notre Dame inside linebacker Jack Kiser is available in.
Kiser’s inventory has solely risen since having a powerful Senior Bowl week final month, and he’s somebody who basic supervisor Jason Licht and the entrance workplace may goal within the center rounds.
Jack Kiser Has The Skillset To Match Into Bucs’ Protection
Jack Kiser spent six years with the Notre Dame Combating Irish, however a few of his greatest work got here this previous season whereas captaining the protection to the Nationwide Championship recreation. Kiser performed in 16 video games, amassing 90 complete tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, and two sacks.
Whereas he didn’t file an interception in 2024, he had 4 interceptions and two interceptions throughout his time with the Combating Irish and flashed greater than sufficient capability to carry his personal in move protection. That was displayed all through the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl practices, the place he had two interceptions and browse performs earlier than they even occurred.
Notre Dame ILB Jack Kiser – Picture by: USA Immediately
In the course of what was a powerful week, Kiser spoke to Pewter Report about how he honed his protection expertise towards some prime expertise at Notre Dame.
“I imply, again at Notre Dame we’ve executed one-on-ones and we realized from the perfect when it comes to the approach and the way you’re truly purported to do it,” Kiser stated. “It’s actually about self-discipline and understanding your leverage and making them solely have a one-way go on the finish of the day. I’ve been very lucky.
“Again at Notre Dame, I used to be going towards [running backs] Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Worth, and people are actually good guys. I’ve been ready and examined all all through the season and now get the chance to step out right here towards the perfect. I’m prepared for that chance and seizing the second.”
Trying on the match, there is no such thing as a query that he would have a job in head coach Todd Bowles’ protection. Whereas SirVocea Dennis profiles as a protection inside linebacker, his availability has been a priority since getting into the league. With the center of the sphere being uncovered by opposing vast receivers and tight ends alike, having one other plus-coverage linebacker would permit Bowles to combine and match gamers to his defensive gameplan.
Even when Lavonte David returns for a 14th NFL season and J.J. Russell returns on a restricted free company tender, including one other participant or two to the place room wouldn’t damage. It fairly probably could possibly be a top-of-the-market addition, however there’s all the time worth to be discovered, and Kiser is one potential identify in that bin.
Jack Kiser Has “Been There And Performed That”
Notre Dame ILB Jack Kiser – Picture by: USA Immediately
This previous season was the exclamation level of Jack Kiser’s faculty profession, however he accrued loads of expertise in faculty soccer.
Kiser shall be 25 years previous firstly of the 2025 NFL season, which is without doubt one of the largest knocks on him. A silver lining although is that he’s extra NFL-ready than different gamers in his place after taking part in 69 video games throughout these six seasons.
“I believe it goes to indicate I can play for the lengthy haul, proper?” Kiser stated. “I can undergo a 20-week season and mentally and bodily be ready and able to go. That’s the primary one. However then additionally, I do have the expertise. I can acknowledge stuff. I’ve been there and executed that. I’ve seen issues and it provides you somewhat bit extra perspective, but additionally the understanding of how soccer works generally. Possibly that offers me an edge over a youthful dude for positive.”
At present, Kiser tasks to have a fourth to fifth-round grade. He possesses the instincts, background, and management qualities to slot in the Bucs’ locker room and hit the bottom working as a rookie.
It stays to be seen if certainly one of his former Combating Irish teammates will return to Tampa Bay subsequent season, however he wish to come down, benefit from the climate, and reunite with him.
“Would like to be there,” Kiser stated. “Nice climate, but additionally, you have a look at the fellows within the locker room. I do know [center] Robert Hainsey’s down there, he was a former Notre Dame man, an unbelievable dude. To have the ability to go down there and be with him — that may be wonderful.”
