The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2025 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as defensive previews from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2025 Football Preview.
While offenses dominate NFL discussion, the other side of the ball plays a large role
With the 2025 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and preview how it might perform this season.
2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense
The Bucs allowed 4.2 yards per carry on running back runs in 2024 (13th), but for the most part, they shut opposing running games down. They faced the second fewest rushing attempts from opposing running backs, allowed the fourth fewest yards to the position, the fourth fewest rushing touchdowns, and had the fifth best success rate against RB runs.
The core of the defensive line returns and is set to once again be led by Vita Vea. Vea logged 9 run stuffs in 2024, 34th among qualified defensive linemen, and contributed 7 sacks on an 11.1% pressure rate. 2023 first-round pick Calijah Kancey unfortunately missed time again in his second season, but he led the team with 7.5 sacks and had 8 run stuffs of his own.
The Bucs got after the quarterback in 2024, finishing fifth in pressure rate (37.3%) and sixth with 46 sacks. Joe Tryon–Shoyinka’s time in Tampa is over, but the Bucs added Haason Reddick in free agency.
Reddick is coming off something of a lost season that began with a holdout, and he finished with just 1 sack across 10 games with the Jets. He logged 11 sacks for the Eagles back in 2023, however, and had a monstrous 15.9% pressure rate for Philly in 2022.
Yaya Diaby is the primary returner on the edge. He only recorded 4.5 sacks in 2024, but his 15.3% pressure rate ranked ninth among qualified pass rushers, suggesting he got a little unlucky with that sack total.
Stalwart Lavonte David is back for at least one more season after signing a one-year deal. Despite turning 35 in January, David finished 17th among qualified linebackers with 14 run stuffs. K.J. Britt left in free agency, opening up questions behind David on the depth chart.
SirVocea Dennis led the rest of the returners in snaps, and he played just 104 in four games before a shoulder injury ended his season. Anthony Walker was added in free agency after a one-year stop in Miami.
Tampa finished midpack in yards per attempt allowed (7.1), but they faced the second-most attempts in the league and forced just 7 interceptions (26th).
The Bucs’ top snap earners from last season are back, though Tykee Smith is expected to transition to safety full time in his second season.
Zyon McCollum played the most snaps among the returners. He has not been outstanding through three seasons. Jamel Dean was a little better, but he again missed time. Dean has never played a full season in the NFL.
Tampa spent some early draft capital at corner this year, selecting Benjamin Morrison in the second round and Jacob Parrish in the third.
Antoine Winfield was limited to nine games due to two separate injuries last season, but he was able to return for the playoffs. Tampa also brought back Kaevon Merriweather, giving them good depth here with Winfield, Smith, and Christian Izien.
This analysis continues in the 2025 Football Preview
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Warren Sharp's book shares insights into the players, coaches, teams, and philosophies with one goal: to prepare you for the 2025 NFL season with the smartest information delivered in the fastest, most direct way possible for optimal reviewing and retention.
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