A new chapter begins for the 2023 rookie class and endless possibilities await for their 2024 sophomore campaign. Taking a "second year leap" is the goal for every young player – to take a step forward in the maturation process after obtaining a year of experience at the pro level. Last year around this time, the 2023 rookie class prepared for their first training camp and underwent the transition journey. Defensive lineman Calijah Kancey was vying to prove his worth in Todd Bowles' defense alongside Vita Vea in the starting lineup. Cody Mauch took over the starting role at right guard and Yaya Diaby exceeded expectations, taking the league by storm at outside linebacker. Trey Palmer carved out a role as a deep threat in the receiver rotation behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Now, the 2024 season is fast approaching and Kancey, Mauch, Diaby and Palmer will play a key role in the team's quest for a fourth straight NFC South title. In this year's draft, the Bucs' brass is hoping to have the same level of contribution from the new rookies as the previous unit.
"We are hoping to get some players that can come in and contribute and help us right away, like last year with Calijah [Kancey], and Yaya [Diaby], and Cody [Mauch] and Trey [Palmer]," said General Manager Jason Licht. "We're hoping for that. It doesn't always work out that way – sometimes it takes a little bit longer. I think every year the patience from the fans and from everybody gets a little bit [thinner]. They want players to become All-Pros by their second game and it used to be that it would take two years. We also want the players to contribute right away."
Kancey, the team's first round draft pick in 2023 out of Pittsburgh, fortified the Bucs' defensive line in his debut season. Kancey concluded the year with 10 tackles for loss, which tied for second among rookies with Texans' Will Anderson Jr. He had the fourth-highest stuff rate among defensive tackles (minimum 150 snaps) per Next Gen Stats, routinely wreaking havoc in the backfield. Kancey became a defensive catalyst as the club's starting three-technique. In Bowles' complex system, he was moved around to create advantageous matchups in pressure packages.
Kancey's impact against the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round playoff game became a microcosm of his stellar season and the reason the Buccaneers snagged him with the 19th overall selection. He made several critical plays in the first half to hold Detroit to 10 points, including a third-down pass deflection on the Lions' first possession that led to a three-and-out, and a third-down sack on the Lions' last drive of the half. With twitchy feet, rare first step burst and calculated rush plans, Kancey helped set the tone. In 2024, he has the opportunity to form one of the most formidable interior tandems with Vea. Kancey missed several games due to a calf injury sustained during training camp a year ago. This year, with a full bill of health, Kancey will strive for dominance in the trenches.
"He's super explosive," Licht stated on Kancey. "He's very smart. I think he's ahead of the curve for a rookie. He's going to be even further ahead next year. He's a super competitive guy. Usually, your draft class… your whole class kind of takes after the first pick. Calijah is the perfect example of what you want the rest of the class to fall in line on. He's always in the building, he's always trying to improve, [and] he's always asking questions. He and Yaya [Diaby] were two best buddies running around all the time, and it's fun to see how those two are going to grow together. I think they can both be dominant players."
Mauch, the Bucs' second-round pick in the 2023 draft out of North Dakota State, started all 17 games at right guard. Throughout 2023, he played with a tough disposition at the line of scrimmage. His finishing skills drove defenders off balance and Mauch's drive-blocking skills helped elevate the Bucs' mid and outside zone principles in 2023. Under the direction of Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen, the team's retooled offense will feature a diverse run game and an uptick in pre-snap movement. The offensive line sets the tone and Mauch will play a significant role at right guard.
"I think starting on offensive line as a rookie is one of the hardest things to do as in the NFL," described Bowles. "Cody [Mauch] did it kind of seamlessly, so you don't really talk about him, but he was a rookie, and he was going up against All-Pros every week. He held his own, he's a very smart player, he's a very tough player, he's a very dedicated player with a year in his system, and him getting in the weight room. I look forward to big things from Cody."
Diaby, the Bucs' third-round draft pick (82 overall), started out his 2023 rookie campaign in a rotational role in certain sub-packages for Tampa Bay. Given his production on the field with a smaller sample size of snaps, Diaby earned additional playing time opposite Shaquil Barrett. Drafted for his prowess against the run, Diaby quickly showcased his versatility at the pro level. Bowles maximized his skillset on loops/stunts, harnessing his power and short-area burst. Despite starting only seven games for the Buccaneers this past season, Diaby proved to be one of the most eye-popping young defenders in the NFL from the 2023 Draft class. He tallied his first start in Week 12 against the Colts and racked up 38 tackles, one forced fumble and 7.5 sacks in 2023. Entering Year two, Diaby is focused on improving his pad level and enhancing his pass rush arsenal with a long-arm maneuver and double swipe.
"I look for his game to grow, mentally," noted Bowles of Diaby's game in 2024. "Getting a better grasp of the system, understanding where his help is, understanding what they're trying to do to him and take advantage of that. The game should slow down for him, so he should be able to take advantage of certain things that they try to do to him."
Palmer, a sixth-round pick by Tampa Bay, emerged as the No.3 receiver behind Evans and Godwin. He concluded the year with 385 receiving yards on 39 catches and three touchdowns. The Nebraska product has a lethal second gear to separate. The field stretcher also has an explosive leaping ability to high point the ball. Palmer's athleticism added another dimension to the Bucs' offense in 2023 as he worked over the top. He underwent the necessary and expected learning curve during his rookie campaign but possesses a high ceiling. With the addition of Sterling Shepard in free agency and Jalen McMillan via the 2024 draft, Palmer will compete for the third receiver spot during training camp.
"Obviously, he had a few drops, but Trey is a very tough and talented player," said Bowles. "I think the sky is the limit for him. Route running can always be better as a rookie. I think the NFL season is a shocker. It's a little longer than the college season, longer than they expect. I think the training he'll do this offseason will prepare him for next year. I thought he had a very good rookie year, especially getting him that late. He wasn't afraid of the situation, he's a smart football player, he's a talented football player, and I think he knows how good he can really be."
