With 2023 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to get an idea of how 2023 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
These insights are an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 500+ page book “2023 Football Preview” which is now available for download.
In the book, you can find a comprehensive breakdown of the rookie class for all 32 NFL teams by draft guru Ryan McCrystal.
Who are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookies?
- Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt | Round 1, Pick 19
- Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State | Round 2, Pick 48
- YaYa Diaby, EDGE, Louisville | Round 3, Pick 82
- SirVocea Dennis, LB, Pitt | Round 5, Pick 153
- Payne Durham, TE, Purdue | Round 5, Pick 171
- Josh Hayes, DB, Kansas State | Round 6, Pick 181
- Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska | Round 6, Pick 191
- Jose Ramirez, EDGE, Eastern Michigan | Round 6, Pick 196
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft Class Grade:
The Buccaneers received an A- rookie class draft grade from PFF, a B from ESPN, and a C from NFL Network.
Which Buccaneers Rookies Will Make An Impact?
The Bucs landed the most disruptive interior defender from this class in Calijah Kancey (first round). Tampa primarily runs a 2-4-5 defensive scheme (62% of snaps), which means Kancey will spend most of his time on the interior line 一 although the Bucs do incorporate the 3-4 front (27% of snaps).
William Gholston lined up at the 4-tech spot or further inside on 89% of his snaps last year, and Kancey should play a similar role this season. When lined up in those roles last year at Pitt, Kancey led all Power Five linemen with a 14.0% pressure rate. To better put that into perspective, that’s a higher rate than first-round picks Myles Murphy, Will McDonald IV, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah generated on the edge.
Kancey will be joined by YaYa Diaby (third round), another undersized interior pass rusher. Diaby is smaller than Kancey (263 pounds) but has long arms (34 inches) and is probably better suited to play end in three-man fronts. It is possible Tampa could pair Diaby and Kancey, using Kancey on the interior and subbing in Diaby when they shift to the 3-4 look.
Cody Mauch (second round) played left tackle at North Dakota State but will shift inside in Tampa. He’ll compete for a starting job right out of the gate, but the Bucs have incredible depth at the position, so nothing is guaranteed. Expect Mauch to be starting at one of the guard spots by 2024 at the latest.
SirVocea Dennis (fifth round) provides depth behind Lavonte David and Devin White, both of whom become free agents after the year. If things go well as a rookie, Dennis could be competing for one of those jobs in 2024.
Dennis was especially effective on blitzes at Pitt, generating a 19.9% pressure rate on 11.3 blitzes per game. Tampa blitzed at a relatively high rate last year, so that was likely a factor in their interest in Dennis.
Payne Durham (fifth round) is the third tight end drafted by the Bucs over the last two years. He’ll compete with Cade Otton for a role in the passing game. If he doesn’t beat out Otton, however, he’ll be the third tight end since Ko Keift is well ahead of Durham as a blocker.
Josh Hayes (sixth round) is a developmental prospect who tested well at his Pro Day but has never generated much production. Based on route-adjusted numbers, Hayes allowed a catch rate 0.3% above expected with a ball-hawk rate 10% below expected last year as the slot corner at Kansas State.
Hayes spent the previous year at Virginia and three seasons at North Dakota State before that. His struggles adjusting to the FBS level raise doubts about his ability to transition to the NFL.
Trey Palmer (sixth round) is a former four-star recruit with elite speed who struggled to carve out a role at LSU before finally seeing some action last year at Nebraska. Palmer made the most of his opportunity in a dysfunctional offense at Nebraska and definitely has the raw tools to develop into a more productive pro than college player.
Jose Ramirez (sixth round) is an ideal Day 3 pick as someone who didn’t test particularly well but has an impressive track record at the college level. Ramirez ranked second in the MAC with a 14.8% pressure rate last season. Ramirez’s lack of strength hindered his performance at times, but he’ll benefit from the Bucs’ tendency to line up edge rushers in a two-point stance.
The Bucs had a weird offseason, seemingly trying to compete while clearly no longer having the roster to do so. That said, they appeared to lean more into the rebuilding process with this draft, focusing on adding value even if it didn’t match immediate needs.
This class could produce two immediate starters, and almost the entire class has enough developmental upside to potentially compete for jobs at some point within the next two years.
