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As the Buccaneers finalize their roster and coaching setups under Todd Bowles and Larry Foote, every defensive unit enters camp with a defining question. Answering these will shape Tampa Bay’s performance in a competitive NFC South.
The interior thrives on the presence of Vita Vea, a force against both the run and the pass, and Calijah Kancey, whose quick interior pass rush made a national impact in his sophomore season. However, Kancey has dealt with calf injuries that have forced him to miss multiple games in his first two seasons. With depth from Logan Hall, Greg Gaines, and rookie Elijah Roberts providing rotational support, the question is: Can this interior line stay healthy and consistently disrupt offenses from Week 1 to the (hopefully) postseason peak?
Antoine Winfield Jr. remains the backbone of Tampa Bay’s secondary, excelling in the deep zone, the slot, run support, and turning plays over. He'll have a new running mate in the secondary in Tykee Smith, as the defensive Swiss Army knife makes the transition from corner to safety. Behind the duo is Kaevon Merriweather, JJ Roberts and possibly UDFA Shilo Sanders The core question: Can Winfield Jr. continue to play at an All-Pro level while grooming these young safeties to fill his sizable shoes?
The edge group holds high upside but has inconsistencies. Yaya Diaby, the team's most successful pass rusher in 2024, looks to turn his pressures into sacks with the help of newly acquired Haason Reddick, while Chris Braswell enters his sophomore season with the opportunity for more snaps with Joe Tryon-Shoyinka moving on to Cleveland. Depth includes Anthony Nelson and Rookie David Walker rotating in. The question is: Can the young rushers sustain a high level of play and generate pressure weekly, rather than flashes?
After a breakout 2024, Zyon McCollum is expected to anchor the back end. Jamel Dean, when healthy, adds veteran presence, while Christian Izien and possibly rookie Jacob Parrish play nickel. Behind them, depth pieces like rookie Benjamin Morrison, Kindle Vildor, and Josh Hayes fill out the rotation. The question: Can McCollum cement himself as a top-tier CB1 while emerging depth holds up during the inevitable NFL attrition?
The linebacker unit presents the biggest question mark. Lavonte David still commands respect and production at 14 years in the league. Free-agent addition Anthony Walker Jr. brings experience, and SirVocea Dennis returns full-time after an injury. Backup names include Deion Jones and Antonio Grier Jr., who are mostly special-teams contributors at this point. The primary question: Can the younger linebackers and free-agent additions absorb responsibility and form a reliable corps alongside a Hall of Famer?
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 5 Burning questions on the Bucs defense that need answered before 2025
Continue reading...
Defensive Line: Can Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey sustain dominance and health?
The interior thrives on the presence of Vita Vea, a force against both the run and the pass, and Calijah Kancey, whose quick interior pass rush made a national impact in his sophomore season. However, Kancey has dealt with calf injuries that have forced him to miss multiple games in his first two seasons. With depth from Logan Hall, Greg Gaines, and rookie Elijah Roberts providing rotational support, the question is: Can this interior line stay healthy and consistently disrupt offenses from Week 1 to the (hopefully) postseason peak?
Safety: Can Antoine Winfield Jr. maintain elite play while mentoring youth?
Antoine Winfield Jr. remains the backbone of Tampa Bay’s secondary, excelling in the deep zone, the slot, run support, and turning plays over. He'll have a new running mate in the secondary in Tykee Smith, as the defensive Swiss Army knife makes the transition from corner to safety. Behind the duo is Kaevon Merriweather, JJ Roberts and possibly UDFA Shilo Sanders The core question: Can Winfield Jr. continue to play at an All-Pro level while grooming these young safeties to fill his sizable shoes?
Edge Rushers: Will young talent translate to consistent pressure?
The edge group holds high upside but has inconsistencies. Yaya Diaby, the team's most successful pass rusher in 2024, looks to turn his pressures into sacks with the help of newly acquired Haason Reddick, while Chris Braswell enters his sophomore season with the opportunity for more snaps with Joe Tryon-Shoyinka moving on to Cleveland. Depth includes Anthony Nelson and Rookie David Walker rotating in. The question is: Can the young rushers sustain a high level of play and generate pressure weekly, rather than flashes?
Cornerbacks: Will Zyon McCollum emerge as a true CB1?
After a breakout 2024, Zyon McCollum is expected to anchor the back end. Jamel Dean, when healthy, adds veteran presence, while Christian Izien and possibly rookie Jacob Parrish play nickel. Behind them, depth pieces like rookie Benjamin Morrison, Kindle Vildor, and Josh Hayes fill out the rotation. The question: Can McCollum cement himself as a top-tier CB1 while emerging depth holds up during the inevitable NFL attrition?
Linebackers: Can Tampa stabilize the linebacking core through youth and new signings?
The linebacker unit presents the biggest question mark. Lavonte David still commands respect and production at 14 years in the league. Free-agent addition Anthony Walker Jr. brings experience, and SirVocea Dennis returns full-time after an injury. Backup names include Deion Jones and Antonio Grier Jr., who are mostly special-teams contributors at this point. The primary question: Can the younger linebackers and free-agent additions absorb responsibility and form a reliable corps alongside a Hall of Famer?
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 5 Burning questions on the Bucs defense that need answered before 2025
Continue reading...
