The Buccaneers are blessed with a wealth of talented players, many of whom are receiving national recognition and accolades during this wonderful time of year known as “ranking season.” Pro Football Focus has led the way in ranking the top players in each position group heading into the 2024 NFL season. So far, several Buccaneers players have made it onto the list. Baker Mayfield, Ratchad White, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke, Lavonte David Jamel Dean and Antoine Winfield Jr.
Add Buccaneers nose tackle Vita Vea to the list.
The Buccaneers DT is one of the best players.
PFF has Vea ranked No. 21 among its top interior defensive linemen, with author Sam Monson saying: “Bear arguably has the best highlight reel of any defensive tackle in the NFL. Winning is incredible. At 350 pounds, he has the power to overpower 300-pound offensive linemen and the explosiveness to take advantage of it. He just hasn’t been able to make that impact as consistently as he would like.
Buccaneers NT Vita Via and Eagles C Jason Kelce – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
“Last season, he recorded 39 total quarterback pressures and 30 defensive stops for a PFF composite grade of 80.0. Those are all good numbers, but none of them match the physical edge he sometimes displays.”
Interestingly, Monson noted that Baer’s weight has helped him improve his game, but many around the AdventHealth Training Center have said Baer has been working on losing weight this year, and general manager Jason Licht recently said: Pewter Report Podcast Bear is currently weighing in at close to 300 pounds. It remains to be seen how this will affect Bear’s impact on the field. If Bear slims down, it could be a positive for the Buccaneers. Bear could stay in better condition and increase his playing time per game or season. Bear may gain an element of speed and agility that he hasn’t had the opportunity to display before.
But, as Monson points out, if Bear gets slimmer, he’ll be less athletic and likely win fewer games with his trademark “walk the center/guard up to the quarterback’s knees and he can’t do anything” rush.
Former first-round picks excluded
Buccaneers DT Kariya Kansi and Panthers QB Bryce Young – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
Another name ranked low on the list is 2023 first-round draft pick Kalijah Kansey, who had a promising rookie season. 4 bags Despite missing three games early in the season, he still pressured the quarterback 34 times but was excluded from Monson’s rankings.
Two of Kunsey’s 2023 draft classmates made the list: the Eagles’ Jalen Carter and the Rams’ Coby Turner. Kunsey likely didn’t merit consideration due to his poor PFF grades, but that was mostly a by-product of how run defense is evaluated. As an analyst, I wholeheartedly disagree with classifying Kunsey as one of the worst run-defensive interior linemen in the NFL last year.
The Buccaneers could be better positioned on the list in 2025.
If Bear’s physical transformation translates into increased playing time and improved overall conditioning, he could have the best year of his career in 2024. Plus, with the possibility that Kansey’s game could improve dramatically as he gains more NFL experience, it’s not impossible that both could end up on this list in June 2025. As these two improve, it would also improve the Buccaneers’ pass rush, helping take their defense to a new level next year.
