Round One (19): Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
Calijah Kancey led the Buccaneers with 7.5 sacks in 2024, even more impressive considering the three-technique missed the first five weeks of the season. Kancey posted 6.5 sacks over the final nine games of the 2024 slate. He helped set the tone with his elite first-step, overwhelming slower offensive linemen on twists/stunts. With twitchy feet and a high-motor, Kancey helped set the tone alongside Vita Vea.
Kancey utilizes a tactical approach at the line of scrimmage, testing linemen with a variety of moves in his toolbox, then varying his technique to bait guards. He nabbed 11 tackles for loss and 17 quarterback hits in 2024, both improvements from his rookie campaign. The explosive defensive tackle was labeled a potential "sub-package defender" due to his small frame for NFL defensive tackle standards during the pre-draft process, but Kancey played an integral role in bottling up rushers at the line of scrimmage before they could get a head of steam at the second-level. Kancey has the athleticism to drop in coverage (Todd Bowles' wrinkle) and the speed to move laterally from the B-gap to the opposite A-gap.
Round Two (48): Cody Mauch, North Dakota State
Cody Mauch became one of Tampa Bay's most improved players in 2024. He allowed two sacks on 1,131 offensive snaps played this past season and became a force in both the run and pass game. Several of Bucky Irving's counter-gap runs came as a result of Mauch's prowess as a puller, clearing the path for No.7. Mauch added on weight to elevate his ability to hold with power at the point of attack. The game slowed down for Mauch in 2024, and he was adept at setting up combo blocks with Luke Goedeke. Mauch's developed hand placement, anchor and quickness out of his stance led to ascension in Year Two.
Round Three (82): Yaya Diaby, Louisville
Yaya Diaby led the unit in pressures in 2024 with 57 and in snaps played with 785. He generated 13 run stuffs (loss or no gain) in 2024 and was just one of eight edge rushers to record 50-plus pressures and 10-plus run stuffs (Myles Garrett, Jared Verse, Jonathan Greenard, Brian Burns, Greg Rousseau, Will Anderson, Maxx Crosby). Diaby found ways to harness his power and advance his pass-rush toolkit to flatten the pocket. He was named the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week for Week 18. In that matchup, Tampa Bay's division-clinching win over the New Orleans Saints, Diaby tallied five tackles (four for loss), 1.0 sack and four quarterback hits. He became one of just four players in 2024 with four-or-more tackles for loss and four-plus quarterback hits in a single game, joining Aidan Hutchinson (Week 2), Trey Hendrickson (Week 9) and Nick Bosa (Week 17). Diaby has become Tampa Bay's most-feared pass rusher with elite short-area burst and punch-and-pull technique.
Round Five (153): SirVocea Dennis, Pittsburgh
SirVocea Dennis contributed 104 snaps in 2024, before a shoulder injury derailed his campaign. The Bucs placed Dennis on injured reserve in October after he aggravated his shoulder in the team's Week Four clash with the Philadelphia Eagles. Dennis was initially expected to miss a few weeks, but the ailment required surgery, sidelining him for the duration of the year. He played in Tampa Bay's first four games in 2024, splitting snaps with K.J. Britt opposite Lavonte David. Due to his coverage ability, Dennis primarily came onto the field on third down passing situations to solidify the defense over the middle of the field. He posted 20 tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack in his small sample size. With quick reaction time and understanding of blocking schemes, Dennis will bolster Todd Bowles' defense in 2025.
Round Five (171): Payne Durham, Purdue
Payne Durham stepped up in Cade Otton's absence in 2024 and moved the chains in critical moments. He hauled in several top-shelf grabs that riled up the fanbase but primarily made contributions in the run game with perimeter blocks. Durham played 430 snaps (37.65%) and approached blocks with balance and command. He created a friendly target for Baker Mayfield in zone, snagging throws outside of his frame. Durham plays with a fiery disposition, finishes blocks in the run game and showcases his anchor and movement in pass protection.
Round Six (181): Josh Hayes, Kansas State
When Jamel Dean was injured midway through the 2024 campaign, undrafted rookie Tyrek Funderburk started Weeks 7-8 opposite Zyon McCollum before Josh Hayes took over the starting duties in the following two contests, in addition to the regular season finale and the Wild Card matchup. Hayes contributed 265 snaps in 2024 and possesses the speed (4.44-second 40-yard dash) to stay with vertical threats. He is a hard-hitter and stepped in when needed in the lineup.
Round Six (191): Trey Palmer, Nebraska
Trey Palmer contributed 305 snaps (26.71%) in the receiver rotation behind Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan and Sterling Shepard in 2024. Palmer has top-end speed and a second-gear to chase deep shots downfield. Palmer showcases physicality versus press, leaping ability in high-point situations and the ability to alter pace mid-route to burn past coverage.
Round Six (196): Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan
Jose Ramirez played 30 snaps for the Buccaneers in 2024, mostly appearing on the inactive list. Ramirez notably infiltrated the Jaguars' offensive line in Preseason Week Two, accumulating three sacks. He produced a hat trick of knockdowns and took advantage with quickness inside the pocket. Ramirez plays with great pursuit to the ball and provides depth to the edge rotation with upfield charge.
