The Bucs have to fill the within linebacker room with expertise. Pewter Report has mentioned this in written and video type often and can proceed to take action till the necessity is crammed – whether or not via free company or the 2025 NFL Draft.
Everybody is aware of the high-end veterans and prospects which might 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 high gamers. Relying on Tampa Bay’s route, each worth choice must 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 formidable Senior Bowl week final month, and he’s somebody who common 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 finest work got here this previous season whereas captaining the protection to the Nationwide Championship sport. Kiser performed in 16 video games, amassing 90 complete tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, and two sacks.
Whereas he didn’t document an interception in 2024, he had 4 interceptions and two interceptions throughout his time with the Combating Irish and flashed greater than sufficient skill 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 As we speak
In the course of what was a formidable week, Kiser spoke to Pewter Report about how he honed his protection expertise in opposition to some high expertise at Notre Dame.
“I mean, back at Notre Dame we’ve done one-on-ones and we learned from the best in terms of the technique and how you’re actually supposed to do it,” Kiser mentioned. “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.
“Back at Notre Dame, I was going against [running backs] Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, and those are really good guys. I’ve been prepared and tested all throughout the season and now get the opportunity to step out here against the best. I’m ready for that opportunity and seizing the moment.”
Trying on the match, there isn’t any 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 sector 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 harm. It fairly presumably might be a top-of-the-market addition, however there’s at all times worth to be discovered, and Kiser is one potential title in that bin.
Jack Kiser Has “Been There And Done That”
Notre Dame ILB Jack Kiser – Picture by: USA As we speak
This previous season was the exclamation level of Jack Kiser’s faculty profession, however he accrued loads of expertise in faculty soccer.
Kiser will likely be 25 years previous initially of the 2025 NFL season, which is likely one of the greatest knocks on him. A silver lining although is that he’s extra NFL-ready than different gamers in his place after enjoying 69 video games throughout these six seasons.
“I think it goes to show I can play for the long haul, right?” Kiser mentioned. “I can go through a 20-week season and mentally and physically be prepared and ready to go. That’s the first one. But then also, I do have the experience. I can recognize stuff. I’ve been there and done that. I’ve seen things and it gives you a little bit more perspective, but also the understanding of how football works in general. Maybe that gives me an edge over a younger dude for sure.”
At the moment, Kiser initiatives 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 considered 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 love to be there,” Kiser mentioned. “Great weather, but also, you look at the guys in the locker room. I know [center] Robert Hainsey’s down there, he was a former Notre Dame guy, an incredible dude. To be able to go down there and be with him — that would be amazing.”
