For most of the first five years that Todd Bowles and his staff have run the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense, they've had a type when it came to the interior line. They liked 'em big.
Bowles and company inherited the mountainous Vita Vea, the 10th-overall pick in the 2018 draft, in his second season and also already had long-time vet Will Gholston in the mix. They later added such players as Ndamukong Suh, Steve McLendon and Rakeem Nunez-Roches, all power players. They drafted Logan Hall, a doppelganger for Gholston with the 33rd pick of the 2022 draft. All big men. The run defense was at times impenetrable and Vea and Suh added something of a pass rush element in the middle, but there wasn't always consistent pressure up the middle.
In 2023, the Buccaneers decided to broaden their scope a little bit. With the 19th pick in that year's draft, they selected Calijah Kancey, who had been hugely productive at Pitt and boasted an extremely quick first step and a well-developed arsenal of pass rush moves. Kancey probably would have come off the board before the Bucs pick if he wasn't also considered undersized at 6-0 and 280 pounds and lacking the ideal wingspan for his position.
"If you look at us in the past we've been more of a power team," said Kacy Rodgers, the Bucs' defensive run game coordinator and defensive line coach. "We had really big guys. Now we've got a big guy with a super-fast guy right next to him. We're a pressure defense anyway, so it's good to have a guy like that on the inside now. It's kind of a good problem to have."
In theory, the 350-pound Vea would overwhelm one or more blockers with his power, helping to create more gaps for Kancey to sprint through on his way to the quarterback. Or, alternately, Kancey's ability to to get into those gaps so quickly would drag blockers away from Vea and give him a path to the passer.
"It's kind of apples and oranges," said Rodgers. "You've got a big, powerful guy and then you've got a small, quick guy, so they definitely offset each other. The more and more they play together and get used to playing with each other, it's going to be a very interesting combination."
View photos of Tampa Bay Buccaneers players practicing at 2024 Training Camp on Thursday, July 25th, 2024 at AdventHealth Training Center.
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Wide Receiver Tanner Knue #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Glove during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Shaun Peterson Jr. #49 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0, Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33, and Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers water bottle during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 and Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Shaun Peterson Jr. #49 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 and Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 and Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - General Manager Jason Licht during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Punter Jake Camarda #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Long Snapper Evan Deckers #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cleats during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 and Cornerback Tyrek Funderburk #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Linebacker Kalen DeLoach #46 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. #48 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneersduring 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Running Back Ramon Jefferson #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 and Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 and Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 and Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Cornerback Tavierre Thomas #37 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Linebacker Vi Jones #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2024 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In their first year together, Vea recorded 5.5 sacks, eight quarterback hits and 29 quarterback pressures, the lattermost stat courtesy of NFL Next Gen Stats. Meanwhile, Kancey had 4.0 sacks, 12 QB hits and 33 QB pressures. As a proof of concept, it was a good start, but both players had limitations of sorts. Vea was playing at a higher weight than he had in his best seasons, giving him less stamina than desired. Kancey suffered a calf injury very early in his first training camp and missed the whole preseason. He returned for the opener and had a hit on Minnesota's Kirk Cousins on his very first NFL snap but then reaggravated his injury and missed three more games. It admittedly took him a while to shake off the rust when he returned.
Hopefully, those limitations won't return in 2024. Vea took it upon himself to drop some weight and get back to his earlier-career profile during the offseason. The idea is to stay on the field more, particularly on third downs, and to be more effective later in those contests.
"It's just better for him and his career, for his stamina, the more plays he can play," said Rodgers. The thing is, we think we've got a really good player and we want to get the max out of him."
Will that get Vea back to the form that made him a Pro Bowl selection in 2021?
"That's what we're pushing for," said Rodgers.
As for Kancey, he's had a year to get acclimated to the NFL and hopefully this summer will get in a full training camp and be in peak form as the regular season begins. He's always been a hardworking student of the game, working tirelessly to perfect his moves and to study his opponents' tendencies. Kancey led all NFL rookies in 2023 with 12 tackles for loss despite his missed time, and along the way showed that he could hold up against powerful NFL blockers. He could be poised for the proverbial Year Two Leap.
"I think he's got a bright future," said Rodgers. "He's just got to keep working and perfect his craft. He's not going to surprise anybody now. He's had a year to study and work on his game, so he's got to keep improving."
Vea and Kancey may have contrasting styles but they share the same goal. In their second year together, they hope to make the middle of the Bucs' defensive front a nightmare for opposing teams.
