Devin Culp's Speed Prowess and Confidence Boost
Throughout training camp, second-year tight end Devin Culp has impressed with several highlight-worthy catches downfield. Culp has the speed to stretch the field vertically and the size to generate mismatches versus linebackers. If defenses roll a safety, that opens up opportunities for the Buccaneers' other offensive weapons to exploit. He accumulated 41 snaps last season and although he was inactive for 13 games in 2024, he has grown exponentially, and his newfound confidence is showing up on the grass. Culp has flashed with contested catches downfield during camp and wins down the seam with elite athleticism.
"He is probably the most athletic one and the fastest one for sure and I think that did a lot to his confidence and our confidence in him going forward," said Head Coach Todd Bowles. "Obviously, you would still like to see him block and pick up the scheme and do certain things as far as motioning and blocking defensive ends and that type of thing but as a receiver, he came on last year and that did a lot for his confidence, and I think that will help him going into this year."
Unblockable Vita Vea
Vita Vea, one of the most dominating nose tackles in the game, is a massive force in the interior for Tampa Bay's defensive line. Vea posted 7.0 sacks in 2024 and generated 47 pressures, the 7th-most among defensive tackles and his most in a single season in his career. Since Vea became a full-time starter in 2019, Tampa Bay's defense ranks first in rush defense (93.8 rush yards per game), first in opponent rush average (4.0), third in fewest opponent rushing touchdowns (68), second in fewest opponent yards before contact per rush (1.19) and second in sacks. Vea knocks offensive tackles back at the point of attack and has a nearly unstoppable bull rush. His quickness off the ball is overwhelming and he makes splitting double teams look routine. When asked about his powerful teammate going against second-year center Graham Barton in one-on-one pass rush drills, Logan Hall laughed and likened Vea to the one of the most famously huge and powerful touchstones in popular culture.
"I mean this is no knock on Graham but Vita is just different," said Hall. "You cannot stop him if he doesn't want you to. Two-on-on, one-on-one, if he puts his hat down and he just goes, it is like trying to stop the Titanic. No knock on Graham, Graham is a hell of a player, but Vita is just Vita."
Two-Point Period
The Buccaneers' final period of practice on Saturday was a set of four two-point attempts, and the defense won three of them. During that portion, Jamel Dean, Jacob Parrish and Benjamin Morrison all had pass break-ups in the end zone. The offense won the fourth rep as Rachaad White caught a pass from Connor Bazelak. The defensive unit set the tone during the final period, building confidence within the unit.
"From the beginning of camp, we just want to be competitive, because at the end of the day if we can compete against each other and play well and have it be back and forth, we know once we go out on that [game day] field it should be a no-brainer: us against the world," said inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis."
