Jack Kiser Plays With An Edge And “Would Love” To Be In Tampa Bay

The Bucs need to fill the inside linebacker room with talent. Pewter Report has discussed this in written and video form regularly and will continue to do so until the need is filled – whether through free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft.

Everyone knows the high-end veterans and prospects that are under consideration. Free agency is headlined by Kansas City’s Nick Bolton, Philadelphia’s Zack Baun and Seattle’s Ernest Jones, while Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell and Ole Miss’ Chris Paul Jr. are two of the draft’s top players. Depending on Tampa Bay’s direction, every value option should be on the table.

That’s where Notre Dame inside linebacker Jack Kiser comes in.

Kiser’s stock has only risen since having an impressive Senior Bowl week last month, and he is someone who general manager Jason Licht and the front office could target in the middle rounds.

Jack Kiser Has The Skillset To Fit Into Bucs’ Defense

Jack Kiser spent six years with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, but some of his best work came this past season while captaining the defense to the National Championship game. Kiser played in 16 games, amassing 90 total tackles, five tackles for a loss, and two sacks.

While he did not record an interception in 2024, he had four interceptions and two interceptions during his time with the Fighting Irish and flashed more than enough ability to hold his own in pass coverage. That was displayed throughout the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl practices, where he had two interceptions and read plays before they even happened.

Notre Dame ILB Jack Kiser – Photo by: USA Today

In the middle of what was an impressive week, Kiser spoke to Pewter Report about how he honed his coverage skills against some top talent 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 said. “It’s really about discipline and understanding your leverage and making them only have a one-way go at the end of the day. I’ve been very fortunate.

“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.”

Looking at the fit, there is no question that he would have a role in head coach Todd Bowles’ defense. While SirVocea Dennis profiles as a coverage inside linebacker, his availability has been a concern since entering the league. With the middle of the field being exposed by opposing wide receivers and tight ends alike, having another plus-coverage linebacker would allow Bowles to mix and match players to his defensive gameplan.

Even if Lavonte David returns for a 14th NFL season and J.J. Russell returns on a restricted free agency tender, adding another player or two to the position room would not hurt. It quite possibly could be a top-of-the-market addition, but there is always value to be found, and Kiser is one potential name in that bin.

Jack Kiser Has “Been There And Done That”

Notre Dame ILB Jack Kiser – Photo by: USA Today

This past season was the exclamation point of Jack Kiser’s college career, but he accrued plenty of experience in college football.

Kiser will be 25 years old at the start of the 2025 NFL season, which is one of the biggest knocks on him. A silver lining though is that he is more NFL-ready than other players in his position after playing 69 games across those six seasons.

“I think it goes to show I can play for the long haul, right?” Kiser said. “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.”

Currently, Kiser projects to have a fourth to fifth-round grade. He possesses the instincts, background, and leadership qualities to fit in the Bucs’ locker room and hit the ground running as a rookie.

It remains to be seen if one of his former Fighting Irish teammates will return to Tampa Bay next season, but he would like to come down, enjoy the weather, and reunite with him.

“Would love to be there,” Kiser said. “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.”