Linebcaker Dynamic
A new era begins for the middle of the Bucs' defense with the retirement of Lavonte David. Although his impact cannot be replicated, the club turns the page to the future. Former Detroit Lion Alex Anzalone will take over David's role as the Bucs' "Mo" or weakside linebacker role. Both veteran acquisition Christian Rozeboom and fourth-year player SirVocea Dennis will compete for the "Mike" or middle linebacker role in Todd Bowles' defense.
"Alex is in position to be the Mo right now and we will see," said Bowles. "Rozeboom can play the Mike, Voss can play the Mike but all three have to learn both spots anyways. Right now, I see Alex as my Mo."
Anzalone's hip fluidity in space and acceleration to cover backs down the field or tight ends down the seam will elevate the "Mo" role, which is traditionally more pass-oriented. Rozeboom started 16 games for the Panthers last year and is known for his ability to stop the run. The former undrafted rookie out of South Dakota State will add depth to the Bucs' room and the club will also likely look to the draft and its deep inside linebacker class to add value at the position.
Age Not a Deterrent in Draft
Whether size, age or arm length, there are several knocks placed on players throughout the pre-draft process. The "undersized" parameter became invariably linked to both Calijah Kancey and Lavonte David during the draft process in their respective classes. In 2026, college football's evolving landscape has impacted the draft. With redshirt campaigns, the transfer portal, NIL deals and eligibility extensions granted during the pandemic, older prospects are entering the draft. It is no longer taboo for a 25-year-old to be a first-round prospect, like Miami's Akheem Mesidor. Hundreds of players occupy draft boards but for Tampa Bay, Bowles made it clear that age would not be a deterrent.
"When I was 24 and 25, I did not feel old at all. I was doing back flips over fences and jumping off buildings. I understand what you are saying in football terms but to me it is not old, it is experience. Whether you are 20, 21, 22 or 25, if you are a good football player, then you are a good football player. A lot of these guys can play and if you take care of your body, you can play for a long time. We are so stuck on age, whether it is the 30 mark, 31-mark or the 25-mark that we get stuck saying, 'He can't play anymore when he is at the top of his peak and he becomes an exception.' I think that is all falsehood and narrative. Football is football and if you are good enough to play, you are going to play."
One-Two Punch
The Bucs signed Kenneth Gainwell to add to the running back room with Bucky Irving. Irving, a missed-tackle machine who runs with elite lateral jump-cuts and panoramic vision, sets the tone in Tampa Bay's ground attack. He suffered foot and shoulder injuries in Week Four against Philadelphia during the 2025 season, with the shoulder ailment keeping him off the field for a significant portion of the campaign. Irving accumulated 588 yards last season and will look to ignite the rushing attack this upcoming season. Gainwell is a slasher with great change-of-direction skills and he stays square to bounce off tackles. He has crisp footwork and adds another weapon to the Bucs' backfield.
"Bucky is No.1 and Kenneth is 1B. I think it will be a great one-two punch. Bucky will be the starter for sure."
Leadership Growth
Calijah Kancey was placed on injured reserve on September 17 last season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in the Bucs' Week Two win over the Houston Texans. Kancey missed most of the season and posted 97 total snaps. Tampa Bay had a small sample size of the Vea-Kancey pairing to begin the year but Kancey will enter 2026 with a clean bill of health. The explosive three-technique combines sensational first-step quickness with stellar contact balance. His forward-charging onslaught easily beats leaning interior blockers. While sidelined, Kancey took on an increased leadership role, which was detailed by Bowles.
"Just the way he practices and the way he works and the way he cares about the game, he does not care that he is one of the younger guys, he will say something that needs to be said and when he came back towards the end of the year, he kind of carried us through that last week of practice into the Carolina game and you could see the leadership qualities growing."
