Kyle Louis
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Pitt linebacker Kyle Louis at 2026 NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to think long and hard about their future at inside linebacker with Lavonte David‘s lengthy career likely coming to an end soon — either in the coming months or after 1 more season in 2026.
The answer may have presented itself at the NFL scouting combine in the form of Pitt linebacker Kyle Louis, who saw his draft stock go next level after he reeled off a 4.53-second 40-yard dash to go with a 39.5-inch vertical leap and broad jump of 10 feet, 9 inches.
“After a standout Senior Bowl week, the 6-foot, 220-pound Louis continued his strong predraft process with impressive numbers in the vertical (39½ inches) and broad (10-foot-9) jumps and a 4.53 40,” ESPN’s Matt Miller wrote on Sunday. “The hybrid linebacker/safety prospect is a top 100 selection on my board, and teams I’ve spoken with mention his immediate impact as a weakside linebacker. He’d be ideal for a team like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”
Playmaking Machine for Pitt Last 2 Seasons
Louis is an East Orange, New Jersey, native who became a playmaking machine the last 2 seasons for Pitt, including All-American honors in 2024 and All-ACC honors both years.
In 2024, Louis had 101 tackles, 14 TFL, 7.0 sacks, 4 interceptions and 1 forced fumble in 13 games, including a 59-yard interception return for a touchdown against Syracuse. In 2025, Louis had 81 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 forced fumble in 11 games.
Louis is currently being projected as a 3rd round pick.
“Undersized linebacker/box safety who had more production and made fewer mental mistakes in 2024,” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote. “Louis has the speed, athleticism and recognition to quickly find the football. Whether in lurker mode from zone or clinging to the route in man, he’s very decisive in coverage and has the ball skills to flip the field … Teams need to have a plan for how to use him, but versatile sub-package defenders with speed and cover talent are valuable in the league.”
Bucs Spent 1st Round Pick on Pitt Star in ’23
The Buccaneers are looking for any sort of infusion of energy and talent on defense after going 8-9 in 2025 and missing the playoffs for the 1st time since 2019.
Much of their success in 2026 could hinge on the play of another former Pitt star in defensive lineman and 2023 1st round pick (No. 19 overall) Calijah Kancey.
Kancey, the 2022 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, has missed 22 games due to injuries through his first 3 seasons. He could very well be down to his last chance with the Buccaneers in 2026, and the easiest path to that should be turning down the fifth year option on his contract — something Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti pointed out after Tampa Bay’s season ended after the Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints to eliminate the Buccaneers in Week 18.
“The No. 19 overall pick out of Pitt, Kancey was looking to build off of a breakout campaign in 2024 (8 sacks, 1 forced fumble), but was limited to just 2 2025 games due to a torn pec,” Ginnitti wrote on January 5. “The Bucs will need to decide on a projected $14.25M 5th-year option for Kancey by May 1st.”