Bucs Minicamp: Former first round pick fighting for his job is one of multiple guys to watch on defense
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the 2024 offseason looking to make its fifth-straight postseason appearance. The team is also trying to win a third-straight division title. Both feats have never been done in franchise history and all have occurred since Tom Brady came to the Bay Area back in 2020.In order to do all of […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the 2024 offseason looking to make its fifth-straight postseason appearance. The team is also trying to win a third-straight division title. Both feats have never been done in franchise history and all have occurred since Tom Brady came to the Bay Area back in 2020.
In order to do all of that, the Bucs are going to need some guys to step up, as they do each year.
So, which guys need to use mandatory minicamp to get on that path? Let's discuss.
1. Any OLB not named YaYa Diaby
We'll start with Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, here, the 2021 first-rounder who really needs a good year to either stay in Tampa Bay or find a good deal elsewhere, in 2025.
He's battling the likes of Anthony Nelson, Randy Gregory, Chris Braswell, Jose Ramirez, Markeese Watts and others, for the starting job opposite 2023 third-rounder, YaYa Diaby. Granted, the word "starter" doesn't hold as much weight in terms of actual starts, what I'm referring to is the majority of snaps.
Now, that could mean 50% of snaps, it could be an even split between whomever, or it could be as much as a 1% advantage. Either way, JTS has to show that he can consistently get to the quarterback and make plays in 2024. That all starts this week, as he enters his fourth season in Todd Bowles' defense.
2. CB Bryce Hall
Hall has been talked up all offseason to the point where the narrative is the Bucs could have three starting cornerbacks on their roster by the time Week 1 rolls around.
That's obviously a huge advantage in today's NFL and it would be a major development when adding in the Carlton Davis trade back in March. Right now, Hall is probably the favorite to win the job opposite Jamel Dean, but an improved Zyon McCollum will certainly present a challenge. Either way, the Bucs should have solid depth, at worst, when it's all said and done.
“[He is a] very intelligent player, [he] doesn’t make the same mistakes twice," Bowles told reporters Tuesday. "He’s a bookworm and he brings it to the field every day. You’re not going to beat him mentally. Physically, he’s been where he’s supposed to be right now. It’ll be great to see him in pads, but he’s doing an excellent job.”
3. LB Kalen DeLoach
Another name that's been gaining steam this offseason, the rookie undrafted free agent has consistently made plays, per reports.
It’s evident that many football analysts like Kalen DeLoach for his athletic skillset and ability to play several roles. It’s a big reason why he stood out in Tampa Bay’s rookie mini-camp and OTAs. Yet there isn’t much physicality to be had with no pads on during the offseason, so DeLoach has made his presence felt in pass defense by knocking down some footballs. He also showed off his speed as a blitzer, getting to the quarterback for what would have been registered as a sack in a game on one particular play. – Matt Matera, Pewter Report
The Bucs lost Devin White over the offseason, but they still have the legend that is Lavonte David. K.J. Britt is expected to take over for White and he's a solid player. As we know though, this is the game of football and good depth is a must for teams looking to make deep postseason runs.
Therefore, it's easy to see why the DeLoach development is a positive one, outside the obvious reasons. If he makes the 53, he and SirVocea Dennis should round out a good linebacker quartet.
