NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Caleb Bacon, LB, PSU

Caleb Bacon’s Penn State journey highlights a run-stopping linebacker whose trajectory from Iowa State walk-on to team captain illustrates leadership and toughness. He earned a 2023 run‑defense grade of 91.3 from PFF and recorded 41 defensive stops on 346 snaps, before a season-ending injury in 2024. He returned in 2025, starting every game and posting career‑best tackle totals, signaling potential for a larger role in 2026. Currently listed as a backup middle linebacker, Bacon is expected to attract NFL evaluators who will gauge his consistency, leadership, and run‑defense impact as they project his 2027 draft stock. The piece originally appeared on Bucs Wire.