The 2023 NFL Draft is in the books and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected some very productive players. The Buccaneers are learning to live without Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady, and they supplemented their roster with prospects that will play a large role in the team’s future. Tampa Bay went heavy on defense to support head coach, Todd Bowles’s scheme. Look for the Bucs to get their first, three picks playing time in year one.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Picks by Round:
- First Round: Calijah Kancey, DT
- Second Round: Cody Mauch, OT
- Third Round: YaYa Diaby, EDGE
- Fifth Round: SirVocea Dennis, LB
- Fifth Round: Payne Durham, TE
- Sixth Round: Josh Hayes, CB
- Sixth Round: Trey Palmer, WR
- Sixth Round: Jose Ramirez, EDGE/OLB
Grade: 6.5/10
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 NFL Draft Review: Defensive, Futuristic, Predictable
The Best Player: Calijah Kancey
Calijah Kancey was one of the best selections of the entire 2023 draft and has the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowl type player. He possesses tremendous strength, mobility, and awareness from the defensive tackle position. Kancey is often compared to Aaron Donald in terms of his college roots at Pittsburgh, and his play style that mimics the Rams, All-Pro.
Calijah Kancey is a DT prospect in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 9.59 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 67 out of 1623 DT from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/l47JwJCLK7 pic.twitter.com/DyusOiTL21
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 23, 2023
Kancey will be thrust into a starting role on opening day, and even though he’ll have a steep learning curve, he has the opportunity to quickly thrive under Bowles.
Most Likely to Turn Heads in Training Camp: YaYa Diaby
YaYa Diaby has good size, strength, and lateral speed from the EDGE position. The former Louisville Cardinal will have to show early on that he can shed blocks effectively and push the pocket consistently. Diaby’s powerful hands and football IQ will serve him well as he transitions to the speed of the NFL. The potential is evident when you see him on tape and if Diaby can become more creative as a rusher, the sky’s the limit.
The Head-Scratcher: SirVocea Dennis
SirVocea Dennis was taken with Tampa Bay’s first pick in round five at 153 overall. Dennis was the teammate of Kancey at Pittsburgh, and this may have factored into his selection. Although Dennis sees the field well and has great instincts, he lacks the speed to adequately cover plays at the second level. In training camp, Dennis will be a third-string or special teams player to begin his career. The Bucs are loaded at linebacker, and he isn’t passing Joe Tryron-Shoyinka, Devin White, Lavonte David, or Shaq Barrett this season.
The Rest
When considering the remaining selections from Tampa Bay, offensive lineman Cody Mauch has the best chance at playing in his rookie season. Mauch possesses the proper demeanor, agility, and strength to succeed as an OT for the Bucs. He will be called on early to help protect Tampa Bay’s new signal-caller, Baker Mayfield. Payne Durham, Josh Hayes, Trey Palmer, and Jose Ramirez will likely be backups, special teams, or practice squad players as the Bucs look to rebuild for the future.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
