Position Group: Defensive Line
Players: Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, Logan Hall, Elijah Roberts, Greg Gaines, Elijah Simmons
2025 Evaluation: Nose tackle Vita Vea led the way with 763 snaps in 2025 and helped spur the team's fifth-ranked run defense. Vea imposed his will at the point of attack, overwhelming lighter guards into submission. He quickly shed blockers and pairs powerful hands with an effective bull rush. Vea accumulated 4.5 sacks in 2025, while three-technique Calijah Kancey was placed on injured reserve on September 17 after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in the Bucs' Week Two win over the Texans. Kancey missed most of the season and nabbed 97 total snaps, thrusting rookie Elijah Roberts into significant action. Roberts totaled 507 snaps, as the Bucs' fifth-round pick helped bolster the front line. The SMU product has a varied rush plan and a finesse-to-power transition. He showcased his leverage and strength against the run and spatial awareness when attacking gaps.
Logan Hall had the next-highest snap count after Vea with 610. He posted a pass defensed, a forced fumble and 1.5 sacks in 2025. Hall has a proficient forward charge and explosion off the ball. He utilizes effective counters to disengage from blocks and helped set the tone along the defensive line. Greg Gaines played 369 snaps, adding bulk against the run and in short-yardage/red zone situations with a low center of gravity and capability of combatting double teams and combo blocks.
2026 Outlook: Greg Gaines and Logan Hall are set to become free agents in March and the Bucs' brass will have some decisions to make regarding the position room with one full-time starter set to hit the open market. Tampa Bay will likely add depth this offseason to solidify the line for 2026.
