The NFL just gave Buccaneers DT Vita Vea some extra motivation for the 2024 season

Ranking ten DTs over Tampa Bay Buccaneers DT Vita Vea doesn't seem possible. But that's precisely what happened with him being left out of a top 10 DT ranking made from a survey filled out by NFL executives, scouts, and coaches that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler released. Vita Vea While Vea was left out of the top 10 […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Nov 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Ranking ten DTs over Tampa Bay Buccaneers DT Vita Vea doesn't seem possible. 

But that's precisely what happened with him being left out of a top 10 DT ranking made from a survey filled out by NFL executives, scouts, and coaches that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler released.

Vita Vea

While Vea was left out of the top 10 DT rankings, he was listed as an honorable mention. Here is what the article had to say about him. 

"Dominant run defender and his pocket push — to help whoever is rushing on the outside look good — is what makes him great. Easy for linebackers to play behind him because he constantly draws doubles. He had a down year last year but was still a major problem." — NFL coordinator

– NFL execs, coaches and scouts top 10 DT rankings

Vea was left off the top 10 DTs rankings with the following players making it over him: Chris Jones, Quinnen WIlliams, Dexter Lawrence II, Jeffery Simmons, Justin Madubuike, Christian Wilkins, Derrick Brown, Deforest Buckner, Kenny Clark, and Javon Hargrave. 

Since being drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he has been one of the most ferocious run defenders in the league. And over the last two seasons, I think he's taken significant steps forward as a pass rusher. Some think Vea took a step back last season, but I think people underestimate how much the Buccaneers' regression at edge rusher was the real culprit here. Vea no longer had the benefit of consistent pressure off the edge like he had in previous years and, at times, saw some added attention via double teams. And even with all of that, he still set new career highs with 43 total tackles, 28 solo tackles, and eight tackles for loss, as well as having the second most sacks of his career with 5.5. 

Related Articles