Brianna Dix: Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey
There are several names that would have made sense to focus on for this prompt, but I am going to go with defensive lineman Calijah Kancey. With a year under his belt in the NFL, I believe he will reach new heights in 2024. Kancey, the Bucs’ first round draft pick in 2023 out of Pittsburgh, produced a stellar rookie campaign in Todd Bowles’ complex defense.
He finished the year with 10 tackles for loss, which tied for second among rookies with Texans’ Will Anderson Jr. Kancey also had the fourth-highest stuff rate among defensive tackles (minimum 150 snaps) per Next Gen Stats, routinely imposing his will in the trenches. Kancey logged 577 snaps for the Bucs in 2023 as a starter, predominately lining up as Tampa Bay’s three-technique. He posted 4.0 sacks and quickly asserted himself as a disruptive force. Kancey created a dynamic duo with nose tackle Vita Vea and the tandem could be one of the most formidable come fall. One of Kancey’s perceived weaknesses coming out of the college ranks was his undersized frame. On numerous scouting reports, the question raised was, ‘Can he hold up at the point of attack?’ Well, he proved the answer is a resounding yes.
During his first season, Kancey showed up in critical moments with timely momentum-shifting plays to galvanize the defense. Against the Lions in the Divisional Round, Kancey helped spearhead the attack. He made multiple splash 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 subsequent three-and-out, and a third-down sack on the Lions’ last drive of the half. With a rare first-step, high motor, elite contact balance and top closing speed, Kancey terrorized the backfield last season. Now, Kancey has a year of film to review in order to enhance his craft for the 2024 season. Repetition fosters growth and Kancey will build off last year’s debut performance. I look for him to take a significant leap in Year Two. Scott, who do you select?
Scott Smith: Cornerback Zyon McCollum
I’m going to go with a young defender, as well. I’ll admit that a part of this is wishful thinking, because the Buccaneers need McCollum to have his best season yet.
It’s obvious that Todd Bowles and the Bucs’ coaching staff believes in the third-year corner, whom the team selected in the fifth round in the 2022 draft. That was clear when they agreed to trade one…
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