The Tampa Bay Buccaneers found a gem in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft when they nabbed Louisville outside linebacker Yaya Diaby at pick number 82 overall. They believed they were adding a proven run-stopper who could set the edge and who might have some untapped pass-rush potential. What they got was a three-down defender who was instantly one of their best pass-rushers as a rookie, leading the team with 7.5 sacks and finishing fifth in the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year balloting.
The Buccaneers were hoping that Diaby would make the sort of significant progress often seem from good young players between their rookie season and the next campaign, and they got it. Though Diaby's sack total fell to 4.5, everything else in his numbers spoke of a clear leap forward. He improved his quarterback pressure percentage on pass-rush snaps form 9.1% in 2023 to 13.3% in 2024 and had 57 pressures after collecting 26 as a rookie. Diaby also improved his average time to pressure from 2.87 seconds to 2.65 seconds.
That was good news. Here's the even better news: Diaby clearly believes he has made much more progress during the 2025 offseason than he did the year before. He's seeing the results early in training camp, as he has been a notable presence in the offensive backfield during the first four practices.
"Camp so far has been good," said Diaby with his trademark wide grin. "It's great to come out here with the guys again and [we're] trying to get to that one goal, which is the Super Bowl and I think that's super fun. The offseason [has] been super amazing. [It's] probably been [one of] the better offseason I've ever had."
Part of that has been the continued sculpting of his body, which wasn't exactly in bad shape before. Diaby said he lost 10 pounds to get down to 260 while adding more muscle mass.
"I feel good," he said. "I'm moving quicker, my flexibility is way better. Been doing a lot of Pilates this offseason, and that's helping me out. I feel great, man."
He also dived deep into his tape from the last two seasons to see where he could improve his game from a technique standpoint.
"It's just learning myself even more. From first year to second year I felt like I picked up on certain things, but from second year going into third year I feel like I picked up way more and done more to prepare myself for this upcoming season. It's film and working with different guys and taking care of my body the right way."
View photos of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practicing during 2025 Training Camp on Friday, July 25th, 2025 at AdventHealth Training Center.
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest at 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest at 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest at 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest at 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest at 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest at 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Team Reporter Casey Phillips during Gus Swazye Look-Alike contest at 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Outside Linebacker David Walker #51, Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 and Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Guard Cody Mauch #69 and Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 and Guard Cody Mauch #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 and Tackle Charlie Heck #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Guard Cody Mauch #69, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Center Graham Barton #62 and Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67, Guard Cody Mauch #69, Center Graham Barton #62, Guard Ben Bredeson #68 and Tackle Charlie Heck #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Safety Christian Izien #29 and Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' gloves and helmet during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #9 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Cornerback Roman Parodie #46 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Safety JJ Roberts #36 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Rakim Jarrett #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Fans during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 and Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 and Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 and Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #9, Running Back Rachaad White #1 and Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 and Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Wide Receiver Chris Godwin Jr. #14 and Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Running Back Josh Williams #37 and Quarterback Kyle Trask #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Safeties Coach Nick Rapone, Safety Tykee Smith #23 and Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneersduring 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signs autographs after 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signs autographs after 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Wide Receiver Garrett Greene #85 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signs autographs after 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Quarterback Connor Bazelak #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signs autographs after 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 25, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signs autographs after 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
One of the Buccaneers' team goals during the offseason was to beef up its pass rush from the edges, which included signing proven sack-master Haason Reddick in free agency and stealing Central Arkansas edge David Walker in the fourth round of the draft. But another step forward for Diaby would help immensely in that pursuit, as well.
"He's been professional dating back to the spring," said Head Coach Todd Bowles. "Everything he's done has been with intention. I like the way he's getting off the ball right now – he's really using his hands a lot more and a lot better. If he keeps that up, he should have a hell of a year."
In his attempts to hone his pass-rush game, Diaby also sought the advice of some experts in the field. He attended the annual Sack Summit in Las Vegas that draws some of the best pass-rushers in the league together, as well as some of the league's most promising young players. This year it was hosted by the Raiders' Maxx Crosby the Saints' Cameron Jordan and the Commanders Von Miller, a trio that has combined for 310.5 career regular-season sacks.
"Last year, I had…tight ends on me a lot, chipping. It's just recognizing what I see and how to beat those things. I went to the Vegas [event], talking with Maxx Crosby and Von Miller – those are guys who get chipped a lot, and they broke down what they did to help themselves out, and that's what I'm going to do taking it forward."
Diaby's intense dedication to improving his game makes it clear that he is not lacking in motivation as he tries to make 2025 his best NFL season yet. But if he needed any more, he got it from the dean of the Buccaneers' defense, linebacker Lavonte David.
"Lavonte has been talking about it the whole time – he even tells me all the time, he [says], 'I hate bringing up the year we won the Super Bowl, but that year it took the defense, the defensive line to really set the tone.' That's the mindset going into this year, we have to get it done up front."
