The Buccaneers have had a number of impact players who joined the team as undrafted free agents. Offensive tackle Demar Dotson, tight end Cam Brate and wide receiver Adam Humphries played key roles for Tampa Bay over the past decade. Humphries was a reliable third-down target for former quarterback Jameis Winston. Dotson was the starting right tackle for the entire decade. Brate is fourth all-time on the Buccaneers’ touchdown receiving list with 33 and helped Tampa Bay win Super Bowl 55.
Recently, Tampa Bay has found contributors again, with undrafted free agent defensive back Christian Izien becoming the starting nickel cornerback last year and undrafted free agent outside linebacker Marquise Watts laying the foundation with a big performance last year against the Titans. The Buccaneers front office seems to continually find players to strengthen their team through undrafted free agents, and they may have found another player heading into the 2024 season.
Former Florida State inside linebacker Cullen DeLoach has been one of the most talked about players during offseason practice. He seems to play at least one game every time, but it’s not just local reporters who are talking about DeLoach. He’s also garnering attention nationwide.
Buccaneers ILB Cullen DeLoach draws national attention
Buccaneers ILB Karen DeLoach – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
In the article Pro Football Network, Tony Catalina compiled a list of 10 undrafted free agent “rough gems” who will be on each NFL team’s 53-man roster after training camp, and DeLoach was among the players on that list, which is what Catalina, with the help of fellow PFN writer Ian Cummings, said about the Florida State star.
Historically, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have always had some good linebackers, and remnants of that are still there, but as things change a bit in Tampa Bay, Cullen DeLoach has a chance to join the team and make a name for himself.
The addition of Devin White to Philadelphia opens up room for a youngster to step up and play a role. DeLoach could be that guy, and according to (Ian) Cummings, it’s not unreasonable to think he could do that in Year 1.
“DeLoach was an incredibly good linebacker at the collegiate level, but his undersized frame may make it difficult for him to stick at the position in the NFL. His short-yardage quickness and hip fluidity may limit his potential, but he has shown the coverage skills to be successful as a safety at the next level.”
Whether that’s as a LB in a sub-package or back to safety, his production and athleticism could earn him a spot on the roster.
![Have the Buccaneers found their next UDFA impact player? Buccaneers 2LB Cullen DeLoch](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DeLoach-Kalen-Jayden-Daniels-FSU-LSU-sack-300x201.jpg)
Buccaneers ILB Cullen DeLoach and Commanders QB Jayden Daniels – Photo courtesy of USA Today
But that’s not the only impact DeLoach has had on the nation. Bleacher Report, Ryan Fowler named one player for each team who he thought was most likely to make the roster. Fowler’s pick for the Buccaneers was DeLoach. Fowler had this to say about the linebacker:
In today’s NFL, versatility is still important.
Cullen DeLoach could be classified as a middling player, which makes his initial projections murky, but the former Florida State star has the instincts and coverage ability to play multiple roles under Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles.
Tampa Bay made a big splash after acquiring cornerback/safety Christian Izien after the draft last spring, and DeLoach will give Tampa Bay another versatile skill set that can work at a variety of depths this fall.
Further endorsing DeLoach, Justin Melo of the Draft Network wrote an article on why DeLoach has the best chance. He made the Tampa Bay roster.
How Karen DeLoach fits into the Buccaneers’ linebacker corps
It’s clear that many football analysts value Cullen DeLoach’s athleticism and ability to play multiple roles, which is a big reason why he stood out at Tampa Bay’s rookie minicamp. and OTAs. But without pads during the offseason, DeLoach’s physical presence was limited, as he made his presence felt by taking down the ball in pass defense and also showed off his speed as a blitzer, closing in on the quarterback on one play that would have been recorded as a sack in a game.
![Have the Buccaneers found their next UDFA impact player? Buccaneers IILB Silvosia Dennis](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Dennis-SirVocea-Bucs-Jaguars-point-300x200.jpg)
Buccaneers ILB Servosia Dennis – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
Some national pundits believe DeLoach will simply replace Devin White, who signed with the Eagles, but that’s incorrect: White was actually replaced late last season by KJ Britt, who will take over as starter behind Lavonte David.
Britt is in his fourth season with Tampa Bay and in a contract year, and DeLoach will not be taking over Britt’s starting role this season because he is the best player in the league.
David and Britt started, Servosia Dennis These Buccaneers are set to remain on the roster going into Year 2. The question is whether the Buccaneers will keep four or five inside linebackers.
First, DeLoach’s toughest competition will be JJ Russell, who is in his third year in the NFL, playing for Tampa Bay and sporadically last season. Russell was in this position before he was competing for the bottom of the depth charts. It would be a huge surprise if any of the players not on the 53-man roster don’t at least get invited to the practice squad.
All of this will be determined when the pads are put on in training camp. For now, at least, DeLoach has caught the eye of many as a player who would add more talent to the Buccaneers’ roster.
Scott Reynolds says Buccaneers have acquired Cullen DeLoch
Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds talks about the addition of Bucs inside linebacker Cullen DeLoch. Pewter Pulse Video Starting in May.