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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have promising young players on the defensive side of the ball, and 10-year veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone sees potential in the budding core.
BucsRoundtable reported the Buccaneers had the 15th-most expensive defense heading into next season last Friday. The abundance of young talent on cheap contracts who produce plays a significant role in Tampa Bay's inexpensive defense.
Anzalone highlighted several young players heading into their third or fourth years: defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, safety Tykee Smith and linebacker Yaya Diaby. The trio has developed into the linchpins of coach Todd Bowles' defense.
"There's a lot of young guys stepping up and kind of coming into their own," Anzalone said. "Think of a few of them off the top of my head, like Calijah, Yaya, you know, those guys going into year three, year four, making that jump, Tykee."
Smith is growing into a leadership role, one he has been embracing since 12-time team captain Lavonte David retired. The 25-year-old said he wanted to be a more vocal leader, making sure everybody is on the same page.
He wants to build on his sophomore campaign, recording growth in every statistical category, excluding forced fumbles and interceptions. Smith tallied 100 tackles (61 solo), two sacks, two fumble recoveries and one interception last season.
Diaby is a player that general manager Jason Licht said he wants long-term because of his consistent production. The 27-year-old has played all 51 games for Tampa Bay and tallied 142 tackles (93 solo), 19 sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
He is heading into his fourth season with Tampa Bay and is undergoing contract negotiations for an extension. Licht's desire to keep Diaby and his stable play has made him a valuable part of the Buccaneers' aggressive defense.
Kancey is an explosive playmaker, but he must prove he can stay healthy. He missed 14 games last season due to a torn pectoral muscle, limiting his on-field production.
When the 27-year-old is available, opposing offensive lines have trouble containing his rushing attack. Kancey recorded four sacks in 2023 and 7.5 in 2024; he played 12 or more games in those seasons.
Tampa Bay exercised its fifth-year option before the May 1 deadline. His health played a factor in a delayed decision, but the Buccaneers believe in Kancey's production when available.
Anzalone highlighted rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter's potential once he gets acclimated to Bowles' defensive playbook. Tampa Bay selected the Missouri Tiger in the second round with the 46th pick.
"As soon as he can, you know, pick up the playbook and, you know, just see the different concepts and routes and things you need to do as a linebacker, he'll be even better and ready when the season comes," Anzalone said.
Trotter is a great run-stopper, as PFF logged his run-defense grade as an 89.2. He totaled 84 tackles (43 solo) and two sacks in his final season at Missouri.
Anzalone is excited to see the growth of the young players on defense as they develop into dominant forces.
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BucsRoundtable reported the Buccaneers had the 15th-most expensive defense heading into next season last Friday. The abundance of young talent on cheap contracts who produce plays a significant role in Tampa Bay's inexpensive defense.
Anzalone highlighted several young players heading into their third or fourth years: defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, safety Tykee Smith and linebacker Yaya Diaby. The trio has developed into the linchpins of coach Todd Bowles' defense.
"There's a lot of young guys stepping up and kind of coming into their own," Anzalone said. "Think of a few of them off the top of my head, like Calijah, Yaya, you know, those guys going into year three, year four, making that jump, Tykee."
Smith is growing into a leadership role, one he has been embracing since 12-time team captain Lavonte David retired. The 25-year-old said he wanted to be a more vocal leader, making sure everybody is on the same page.
He wants to build on his sophomore campaign, recording growth in every statistical category, excluding forced fumbles and interceptions. Smith tallied 100 tackles (61 solo), two sacks, two fumble recoveries and one interception last season.
Diaby is a player that general manager Jason Licht said he wants long-term because of his consistent production. The 27-year-old has played all 51 games for Tampa Bay and tallied 142 tackles (93 solo), 19 sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
He is heading into his fourth season with Tampa Bay and is undergoing contract negotiations for an extension. Licht's desire to keep Diaby and his stable play has made him a valuable part of the Buccaneers' aggressive defense.
Kancey is an explosive playmaker, but he must prove he can stay healthy. He missed 14 games last season due to a torn pectoral muscle, limiting his on-field production.
When the 27-year-old is available, opposing offensive lines have trouble containing his rushing attack. Kancey recorded four sacks in 2023 and 7.5 in 2024; he played 12 or more games in those seasons.
Tampa Bay exercised its fifth-year option before the May 1 deadline. His health played a factor in a delayed decision, but the Buccaneers believe in Kancey's production when available.
Anzalone highlighted rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter's potential once he gets acclimated to Bowles' defensive playbook. Tampa Bay selected the Missouri Tiger in the second round with the 46th pick.
"As soon as he can, you know, pick up the playbook and, you know, just see the different concepts and routes and things you need to do as a linebacker, he'll be even better and ready when the season comes," Anzalone said.
Trotter is a great run-stopper, as PFF logged his run-defense grade as an 89.2. He totaled 84 tackles (43 solo) and two sacks in his final season at Missouri.
Anzalone is excited to see the growth of the young players on defense as they develop into dominant forces.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
