Lavonte David Names Three Breakout Bucs
May 28th, 2025
Little hesitation in the voice of iconic Bucs linebacker Lavonte David.
Mina Kimes of ESPN asked David to name one player on the Tampa Bay defense who is about to have a breakout year.
“Zyon McCollum,” David replied. But he didn’t stop there.
“YaYa Diaby and Calijah Kancey,” David continued. “For those [guys], they know it’s time to like turn it up a notch, you know, and you’ve already seen glimpses of it. I think those guys are going to take it to a whole another level just the way they work and how willing they are to learn, how willing they are to be great. When you see that out of young players at early stages, it’s incredible.”
So there you have it.
Joe secretly hoped David was going to name edge rusher Haason Reddick. Joe fantasized that perhaps David had insight into the Bucs’ big-money free agent after a conversation or training sessions with him, or both.
Joe also thought David might have named Tykee Smith if he was going to name more than one player, and maybe even surprise fans by naming Logan Hall, given how much Bucs types think Hall is on the rise.
But it was Diaby, Kancey and McCollum who got the nod from the king of the Bucs defense. No real surprise. If two of those three have a true “breakout” year, the Bucs defense should be in stellar shape.
May 28th, 2025 at 8:26 pm
All 3 should be really good this year honestly.
May 28th, 2025 at 8:29 pm
I was hoping Lavonte would give some substance to Licht’s prediction, who said Chris Braswell was going to surprise many, ie…have a breakout year.
May 28th, 2025 at 8:39 pm
Hmm… I’m starting to think Braswell will never be who we thought he could be.
Yes it’s early, but the lack of Ronde’s recognition of him sort of tells a story, to me, about him. The light bulb may come on at a later date, but my final expectations of him have definitely dropped. Who knows, maybe he’s not very smart or lacks the effort to truly refine his skills. Again, I know it’s early.
May 28th, 2025 at 8:49 pm
Great picture of Diaby and Kancey together. One looks like a DT and the other looks like a DE. And they both look like a Michael Penix Atlanta Falcons opening night nightmare.
May 28th, 2025 at 8:55 pm
Had the same hope ABF
May 28th, 2025 at 9:01 pm
So hoping Braswell.
In Lavonte we trust.
May 28th, 2025 at 9:10 pm
As good as Kancey has been, I have expected more out of him. That has probably been due to the missed games from injury. Here’s to the third try being the charm.
May 28th, 2025 at 9:18 pm
If the Bucs have the season we all hope they have (div.round of playoffs at minimum), casuals are definitely gonna learn a new name or 2. I suspect Kancey will be at the top of that list.
People would already know him if he was able to get his hands on Daniels a couple times instead of grasping at air/towel. Kancey being in the backfield that fast is impressive in its own right though.
May 28th, 2025 at 9:42 pm
Mark my words: Haason Reddick may not even play a game for the Bucs, and if he does, he won’t be a starter all season.
May 28th, 2025 at 9:47 pm
Smells like Swiss Cheese to me.
May 28th, 2025 at 9:56 pm
Love those names…..
and hopefully Braswell, SVD, either of the Walkers, Tykee, and 1 or both of our new rookie corners 🙂
May 28th, 2025 at 9:58 pm
No Hurtvocea Dennis?🤔
May 28th, 2025 at 9:59 pm
Is that you again bro – lol
May 28th, 2025 at 10:21 pm
It could be Braswell. Lots of edges make a big jump in year 2, and if Joe’s man crush Reddick bails on us, it could be 43s time to shine
May 28th, 2025 at 10:28 pm
GoneGator is really Jason Licht in disguise.
Just here to squash all dissenting view points.
🔥 TB
May 28th, 2025 at 10:42 pm
A breakout player is one who hasn’t already produced at an elite level and is ready to take that jump. Reddick has already produced elite numbers, so even a 15 sack season from him this year wouldn’t be a “breakout.”
So there’s that.
May 28th, 2025 at 11:51 pm
He picked players that are still on rookie contracts, but have been around for 3+ years. We all love when some rookies or 2nd year players immediately pop, but the reality is most players take it to another level in year 3 or 4.
May 29th, 2025 at 12:13 am
Wishing he would have named Todd Bowles.
May 29th, 2025 at 1:14 am
I just watched the interview, it’s a must watch. 54 is the man and Mina is a great interviewer and she knows football.
May 29th, 2025 at 2:59 am
Ok I will take LVDs words way more seriously than most anyone. The talking heads are a waste of effort to even consider… short of Kirwan and Miller. Bowles still thinks Diva is his best player LOL. Jason will tell us things with some degree of honesty, but usually stops short of seriously hyping a guy. Usually.
Hope LVD is nuts on. That would be awesome!
Go Bucs!
May 29th, 2025 at 6:39 am
braswell is the key. no excuse for 2nd rd pick from an alabama program to not improve. if reddick is gome after this year, and he doesn’t pan out, back to square 1 on edge rushers.
May 29th, 2025 at 7:20 am
Wouldn’t be surprised if Barton is one, too!
May 29th, 2025 at 7:36 am
If Lavonte is right, Bucs are about to make a deep run. If we can generate a consistent pass rush with 4, it’s game over. And if If was a fifth, we’d all be drunk.
May 29th, 2025 at 7:36 am
I doubt David has ever MET Reddick at this point
May 29th, 2025 at 8:15 am
Bonz what makes you say that about reddick ? I don’t think you get 14 mil just to watch from the sidelines all season
May 29th, 2025 at 8:21 am
Question…
How do NFL guaranteed contracts work?
If Reddick pulls another Reddick and doesn’t show up, the Bucs aren’t liable for his “guaranteed” contract, right?
May 29th, 2025 at 8:34 am
I bet Yaya is gonna come back even stronger!
He doesn’t want shoulder issues anymore.
May 29th, 2025 at 8:54 am
Ok Joe I can imagine an English Bulldog slobbering with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. That’s you Joe about these edge guys at the palace. Hahaha!!!
May 29th, 2025 at 11:31 am
Breakout to Watch: DEVIN CULP
Why? He showed out late in the year. Averaged 17 ypc!!! With 3-4 stud WR getting the attention, Culp will be wide open.
Rookie to Watch: BENJAMIN MORRISON
Why? BMor has to defend Evans, Godwin, JMac practice. Sundays will be easy. Once Dean goes down, BMor will show us the Bucs future.
May 29th, 2025 at 6:46 pm
I’m hoping the breakout player turns out to be a healthy SVD. The jokers we had replacing him last year were worthless.
May 29th, 2025 at 6:50 pm
Todd, I think Reddick will show up and do his utmost to earn one last obscene contract
May 29th, 2025 at 7:01 pm
@SlyPirate
I have a feeling that Parrish will be more impactful. As a rookie at least.