Jan. 24, 2026, 4:12 p.m. ET

With East-West Shrine Bowl practices beginning January 23, 2026, and the game scheduled for Tuesday, 27 Jan 2026, the focus now shifts from college resumes to evaluation. Measurements matter during all-star weeks, not as much as deal-breakers, but as indicators of how players could project into NFL roles and schemes.

For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head coach Todd Bowles has shown consistent tendencies when it comes to defensive body types. He prioritizes role fit, length, and functional strength, especially in the front seven, while remaining flexible in the secondary when traits justify it.

Below is a position-by-position breakdown of Bowles’ preferred size ranges, followed by Shrine Bowl defenders who fall cleanly within those bands, sit on the edge as trait-based exceptions, or present size-based questions.

EDGE (Outside Linebacker)

What Bowles looks for:

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Edge players who can set the edge on early downs, survive inside stunts, and affect passing lanes. Length and mass matter more than pure speed.

CategoryPlayerSchoolHtWtClean FitAnthony LucasUSC6’4⅝”267Clean FitEthan BurkeTexas6’6”269Clean FitMarvin Jones Jr.Oklahoma6’4¼”257Clean FitPatrick PaytonLSU6’4½”251ExceptionMalachi LawrenceUCF6’4”247Size FlagKeyshawn James-NewbyNew Mexico6’1¾”240Interior Defensive Line (IDL)

What Bowles looks for:

Penetration-first interior defenders in the 290–315 pound range, with quickness to win in games and simulated pressures.

CategoryPlayerSchoolHtWtClean FitJames Thompson Jr.Illinois6’5¼”301Clean FitDeMonte CapehartClemson6’4⅝”314Clean FitAaron HallDuke6’3½”296ExceptionTyler OnyedimTexas A&M6’3⅜”290Size FlagDarrell Jackson Jr.Florida State6’5⅛”328Linebacker (Off-Ball)

What Bowles looks for:

Linebackers who can cover space, blitz, and handle traffic, typically between 225–245 pounds, with enough length to disrupt passing lanes.

CategoryPlayerSchoolHtWtClean FitLander BartonUtah6’3⅝”233Clean FitJaden DuggerLouisiana6’4½”240ExceptionEric GentryUSC6’6⅜”221ExceptionHarold Perkins Jr.LSU6’0¼”222Safety

What Bowles looks for:

Safeties capable of run support, slot coverage, and pressure responsibilities, typically in the 200–215 pound range.

CategoryPlayerSchoolHtWtClean FitMiles ScottIllinois5’11⅜”208Clean FitDQ SmithSouth Carolina6’0¼”212ExceptionBishop FitzgeraldUSC5’10⅞”205Size FlagMyles RowserArizona State5’11¾”184Cornerback

What Bowles looks for:

This is his most flexible group. Physicality, processing, and tackling matter more than height alone.

CategoryPlayerSchoolHtWtClean FitAndre FullerToledo6’0½”201Clean FitDomani JacksonAlabama6’0½”192ExceptionMarcus AllenNorth Carolina6’0⅞”179Why this matters during Shrine Bowl week

Measurements don’t determine outcomes, but they frame opportunity. As practices unfold and reps stack up, players who already fit Bowles’ preferred physical profiles will naturally be evaluated through a more favorable lens when paired with strong on-field performance on game film.

With practices now underway and the Shrine Bowl set for Tuesday, this week offers a valuable chance to see which defenders pair NFL-ready frames with NFL-ready play, a combination that consistently finds its way onto Bowles-led defenses.