CJ Allen perfect Bucs replacement for Lavonte David?
Getty
CJ Allen perfect Bucs replacement for Lavonte David?
With a lot of talks for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers surrounding a potential new look linebacker room, there has been more focus on not only what free agency could bring but who could potentially fall to them in the draft. With tons of scenarios that could play out, perhaps the best path forward for the Bucs lies in a Georgia linebacker.
While the Bucs have scouted prospects such as Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, and Kenyon Sadiq, there is a chance that all three of those players could be off the board by the time the Bucs make their first selection at No. 15. Most importantly, they could be making that selection with knowledge of what decision Lavonte David has made in free agency.
Either way, a tempting decision could be to take linebacker CJ Allen, regardless of what Lavonte David’s future holds. Allen is perhaps the most versatile linebacker in the class and can immediately either fill the shoes of David should he retire or depart Tampa Bay, or learn from him as well.
A Ready-Made Leader in the Middle
In fact, Allen already has experience so far as being the leader on the field for Georgia last season. According to draft analyst Brett Kollman, CJ Allen apparently called all the plays for the Georgia defense.
Combined with an explosiveness, and down-to-down intensity not matched by many else in this draft class, Allen could be well positioned to be a foundational piece for the Bucs’ long term future. Because of his unique assets in the middle of the field, Bucs fans may not be missing David for long.
However, the interesting thing about Allen as a prospect is not only is he someone who many believe to be NFL ready, but also someone who is willing to learn. In an interview with reporter Travis May, Allen expressed his desire to play with and learn from a player of David’s caliber. “It would definitely mean a lot, knowing Lavonte David. He’s just the blueprint, especially what he means to that organization. So, man, it would definitely mean a lot learning from him”, Allen said of what that kind of opportunity could present.
Value, Timing, and the Perfect Draft Window
Perhaps the greatest thing of all is that the Bucs could be getting someone heavily undervalued by pundits and media alike. While Mel Kiper Jr. had him as the 15th overall pick for the Bucs, he also has him as only the LB3 in his class, behind the aforementioned Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles.
For the Bucs, it would mean that while they watch Reese and Styles go off the board, there is more assurance of Allen still being there at either 15 or even 31, when they select again. That freedom gives them a lot of time to truly assess Allen and decide for themselves if he can truly lead the team in a new direction after David’s retirement. If so, Allen could be a high risk, high reward player that could immediately alter the franchise.