The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering training camp with a renewed focus on establishing a long-term core and identity, signaling a pivotal moment for the franchise. With Baker Mayfield leading the charge as the presumed franchise quarterback, the team is eager to maximize the potential of its promising young talents from recent drafts, including Calijah Kancey, Cody Mauch, and Yaya Diaby. The coaching staff will evaluate the performance of rookies and second-year players in critical positions, especially at cornerback and wide receiver, as competition heats up behind established stars Chris Godwin Jr. and Mike Evans.

This training camp is crucial not only for the upcoming season but for defining the Buccaneers' future in an increasingly competitive NFC South, where opportunities abound with rivals like the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons struggling to find consistency. As the Bucs work to rediscover their defensive prowess, particularly at edge rusher and in the secondary, the outcomes of this camp could determine their trajectory and establish a new identity separate from past glories.

Concerns about Calijah Kancey's reliability have surfaced as he enters his third season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, having missed eight games due to calf injuries. Despite these setbacks, Kancey showcased his potential in 2024, leading the Bucs with 7.5 sacks and improving his pressure rate to 11%. With the addition of Haason Reddick to the defensive line, he may see more favorable matchups that could propel him towards a breakout season in 2025.

The Buccaneers' defense has had its share of struggles, particularly against the pass, but Kancey's ability to create pressure was a standout aspect last season. The team's hopes for Kancey to achieve double-digit sacks this year hinge on his health and the impact of Reddick's presence on the field.

Calijah Kancey has made significant strides as an interior defensive lineman for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After an impressive second year in which he recorded 7.5 sacks over 12 games, his pressure rate increased from 9.1% to 10.5%. Notably, his efficiency improved dramatically, with a sack conversion rate that surged to 20.3%. This efficiency is indicative of his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks effectively.

His quick get-off and relentless energy allow him to penetrate through the offensive line, even against double teams. With these metrics, Kancey is poised for further success in the upcoming 2025 season. The question remains: how many sacks can he achieve next year, given this upward trajectory?

Calijah Kancey, a rising star among defensive tackles for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has displayed impressive potential in his first two NFL seasons with over 11 sacks combined. However, his run defense has raised concerns, leading analysts to label this season as crucial for his development. Pro Football Focus has noted that while Kancey has shown promise as a pass-rusher, he needs to improve his performance against the run to fully live up to expectations. This season will be pivotal for Kancey as he aims to solidify his role in the Buccaneers' defense.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by general manager Jason Licht, have established a strong drafting record, securing four consecutive NFC South titles and five playoff appearances. A key player from their recent drafts is defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, who has shown potential with 85 pressures, ranking him among the top 20 defensive tackles. However, his run-defense grade of 28.7 has raised concerns, highlighting his struggles despite his impact in passing situations. His college career had raised questions about his ability to defend against the run due to his size, a point echoed by NFL analyst Lance Zierlein, who compared him to the legendary John Randle. Kancey will need to refine his skills to match expectations and further contribute to Tampa Bay's defensive strength.