Elijah Simmons, Strongest To Ever Play Alongside Vita Vea
October 3rd, 2025
Bucs newcomer defensive tackle Elijah Simmons.
Stronger than Ndamukong Suh? Apparently so.
Joe’s referring to Elijah Simmons, the defensive tackle the Bucs plucked off the Cardinals practice squad when Calijah Kancey was lost for the regular season a couple of weeks ago.
Undrafted this year out of the University of Tennessee, Simmons played like a wrecking ball of fire against the Eagles. After the game, Todd Bowles told the Buccaneers Radio Network Simmons is the strongest guy he’s seen next to Vita Vea.
Today, Joe asked Bowles for clarification. Was Bowles talking about his decades-long history in the NFL, or just his seven years coaching the Bucs defense?
Bowles said he was talking about his time in Tampa, but he was firm and didn’t back off the stunning claim about Simmons. Keep in mind Vea played alongside future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
Listed at 6-1, 335 pounds, Simmons told Joe this week that the Bucs made him an offer after the draft but he took the Cardinals’ deal instead.
He went through the offseason training program with Arizona and drew the praise of 39-year-old Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (who is having a monster start with three sacks and 14 tackles this season).
The Bucs came calling after Kancey went down and Simmons said the moment was “life-changing” for himself and his family. Rostered players earn a lot more money practice squad guys, and it was a chance for the rookie to prove himself. He got snaps against the Jets and was ferocious against the Eagles as the Bucs shut down Saquon Barkley.
“Physicality is something I always pride myself in … just be that guy,” Simmons said.
What a coup it would be for the Bucs’ front office if Simmons can contribute all year.
October 3rd, 2025 at 10:57 pm
He played well
I was pleasantly surprised
October 3rd, 2025 at 11:03 pm
The Jeff Demps of DL…
October 3rd, 2025 at 11:06 pm
As mentioned earlier, great to see us bringing in guys from outside our normal camp bubble. Never understood why we’ve haven’t done more of that through the years. Curious if we’ve changed our Pro scouts in the last year or two.
October 3rd, 2025 at 11:15 pm
Very interesting that Asst Pro Scouting Directors Donovan Cotton & Sean Conley, as well as Pro Scout Shannon Hogue, are all in their 2nd year after recent promotions. Def seems like they’ve brought some new ideas and a fresh approach with them. Great to see.
October 3rd, 2025 at 11:36 pm
I didn’t get to watch the Eagles game so I didn’t even get a look at him. I didn’t notice him vrs. Jets. 6’1″ 335…he must look like a wall with legs. I guess he may be quick, but I doubt he could catch Joe Flacco from behind. 5.37 40. He should come in handy, though.
October 4th, 2025 at 1:00 am
Yeah, HE’s a BULL. I remember him very well in college and was always impressed every time I saw him play!
October 4th, 2025 at 1:54 am
Watch the Eagles second half. The two Elijahs combined were the best I’ve seen next to Vita since Suh. Small sample size obviously. Now teams have their film, hope it continues.
October 4th, 2025 at 4:50 am
Stronger than Suh? Todd your hyperbole is a blast.
October 4th, 2025 at 5:04 am
Both of the Elijah’s, Roberts and Simmons, look like they might come through big. Just what we needed.
October 4th, 2025 at 6:32 am
How did he not make the 53 man roster for AZ? Also, how do we continue to allow other teams to sign Calais Campbell every year. When Suh retired we should have just started paying Campbell the 6 mil per year or whatever that we paid Suh. He continues to play at a high level every year.
October 4th, 2025 at 6:41 am
If he can stay healthy the whole season he’s actually better than Kancey. Best ability is availability.
October 4th, 2025 at 6:48 am
Good for the young guy,
And nice pick-up by the Bucs.
October 4th, 2025 at 7:16 am
Hodad,
100% on availability. I am normally on the glass half-full side of things around here, but CK is becoming the DL version of Jamel Dean. Upper level talent that is reliably unavailable.
October 4th, 2025 at 7:16 am
Maybe they should consider moving Kancey to DE instead & get him to drop like 10 lbs. Reddick only signed for a year.
October 4th, 2025 at 7:24 am
No article yet on Sebastian Castro who the Bucs plucked off the Steelers practice squad onto our active roster yesterday? Steelers fans are very disappointed to loose this very promising “ violent” db who starred at Iowa. What’s the scoop?
October 4th, 2025 at 7:33 am
Suh!
October 4th, 2025 at 8:34 am
Two Thumbs: I did not realize Castro was signed to the active roster. Guessing he will at least get some ST reps, hope he can help there. Very physical player from what I have read.
Kind of a big deal if Simmons can help to offset the loss of Kancey.
October 4th, 2025 at 8:36 am
Bucs do a fantastic job of scouting. The last four years nobody has done better.
October 4th, 2025 at 8:45 am
Elijah Simmons could be ‘the beast’ to complement Vea that many of us were clamoring for prior to our last draft. Strange that he didn’t actually get drafted by someone.
If Simmons works out (continually getting more def snaps), then Tony’s suggestion (‘moving Kancey to DE’) could be a real player for the future. At least worth a try to see if that helps him stay healthier (better availability) and hopefully still put up decent pass rush stats.
Particularly impressed BTW with how well Elijah Roberts seems to be playing. His def snaps steadily increased for the first 3 games (9 to 13 to 39) then slid a little in the Eagles game (to 26) with Logan Hall & Elijah Simmons each getting more. Roberts has picked up 3 pressures to include a half sack in those 4 games; not setting the world on fire, but still helpful.
October 4th, 2025 at 8:48 am
Simmons and Roberts have made some plays, maybe DL coach Charlie Strong is doing a good job with these guys??
October 4th, 2025 at 8:52 am
Next man up! It never hurts if the next man is strong!!
October 4th, 2025 at 9:07 am
Hey JimBob, nice giving Charlie Strong some props. Roberts is playing well and Simmons has been a quick study.
October 4th, 2025 at 9:15 am
Watched one of those Youtube vids of film breakdown when both Elijah’s were in against the Eagles. The film shows Simmons IS very big and strong – he was collapsing the pocket against Eagles O-line. Both guys look very promising!
October 4th, 2025 at 9:21 am
Very good news. Now, hopefully he can avoid the Bucs Flu as in injuries. I’m sure Big VV is helping him out with mentoring. Go Bucs!! 4-1!!
October 4th, 2025 at 11:43 am
I have always felt bowles and the bucs should have had a jumbo size 3 man front as well as a versatile fast front..kancey and logan hall. 3 man fronts should have platoon play if possible. It is a lot for 3 guys to play 90% of the snaps all game. And you need some big 3 man set play at times (run downs) .
October 4th, 2025 at 12:19 pm
Good to see this. Will make the team even better next season when Calijah is back.
October 4th, 2025 at 1:11 pm
This guy came in and put up a top 10 grade. Small sample size, but he was a monster against the run. As a matter of fact both Elijahs have the highest IDL grades on the team according to the controversial graders.
October 4th, 2025 at 2:33 pm
DR, stick Kancey out on the end and if David Walker is healthy WOW! Then take Reddick and sign him as a middle linebacker.
October 4th, 2025 at 3:47 pm
@Kenton Smith
That’s what I said. Maybe consider moving Kancey there instead.