Sack Summit Enlightened YaYa Diaby
June 30th, 2025
Yaya Diaby is a beastly mountain of an edge rusher with every skill one would want in a pass rusher. It’s the production that’s been lacking.
Diaby’s pass-rush game fell off last season, his first as a full-time starter. At 26 years old, it’s now time for the 2023 third-round draft pick to have a season fitting of his skills.
The Bucs are excited about what Diaby will deliver this year, and Diaby is a little extra jacked up himself after attending the famous Sack Summit led by Von Miller, Maxx Crosby and Cameron Jordan last week.
Sack Summit is a lot like Tight End University without Taylor Swift — a load of NFL players learning every trick of the trade from veteran pass rushers.
“Such an amazing experience,” Diaby told SiriusXM NFL Radio today. “Going to that Sack Summit helped out a lot.”
Diaby twice noted learning from Crosby, and he offered a nod to Jordan and Miller, too.
Summit leaders broke down technique “from head to toe” — hands, feet, etc., Diaby said, and noted there were film breakdowns of attendees. He says he found what he plans to bring to the 2025 season.
Diaby believes he learned how to be better incoporating his eyes and hands.
“You know, I’ve seen like with Von and Maxx Crosby, they implemented that a lot just using their eyes and seeing the hands of the offensive linemen and being patient,” Diaby said. “I would say for me, sometimes, in my rushes, I wasn’t patient to be able to see things. This year I feel like I’ll take that [knowledge] going into the upcoming season.”
Diaby added that he improved last season but was not good at finishing. He also said fewer immobile starting quarterbacks means technique is more critical than ever for edge rushers.
June 30th, 2025 at 4:27 pm
From working as an airport luggage attendant, to coming to the Bucs, I really love Yaya’s freakish skillset and I appreciate hearing his eagerness to learn and focus. Could you imagine if he became the “Chris Godwin” to Hassan Redick’s, “Mike Evans”? Holy smokes, Batman!
June 30th, 2025 at 5:02 pm
Even though the Bucs Pass defense was putrid last year it is hard not to feel like better things are coming this year. We have Reddick and the new secondary guys in addition to the maturity of everybody else. This D should be a lot better and if we can get off the field on 3rd downs this year watch out! This Bucs team is loaded this year like No other. Go Bucs!!
June 30th, 2025 at 5:03 pm
Diaby … ‘He also said fewer immobile starting quarterbacks means technique is more critical than ever for edge rushers.’
That’s a great point that’s easily overlooked. New QBs like Jayden Daniels (148 rushes … 891 yards), Lamar Jackson (139 rushes … 915 yards), jalen Hurts (150 rushes … 630 yards), and Kyler Murray (78 rushes … 572 yards) require some ‘special attention’ from edge rushers. Let them break contain and they can easily be off to the races.
June 30th, 2025 at 5:32 pm
He did get 4.5 sacks last year, hope he can get 9 this year. The guy has potential hopefully Reddick can help him.
June 30th, 2025 at 5:51 pm
This IS Ya Ya’s year! He’s gonna Blow Up!
I’ve got him marked down for a minimum of 10 sacks and 6 to 8 take downs behind the one of scrimmage.. It’s Monster Time!
And you might as well throw in 8 for Kancy and 10 behind the line of scrimmage…
The line WILL BE far better this year Regardless of the addition of Reddick or not. However, I can see Reddick with at least 8 sacks this year.
In fact I see “almost” All improving. And the Only way to feel any better about that is if Jason adds one more mega beast for the rotation of the D line.
We’re loaded for Gorillas and close to loaded for Bear!
I do believe that the defense “overall” will be far better with our new additions in the secondary. Our luck can’t possibly be as bad as last year.
Takes us to the Promised Land Determined Todd Bowles with out chickening out or taking your foot off the gas. Because I’m certainly not going to take my foot off your gas until you do.. Get your 11th and 12th wins THIS YEAR! And then Make some Real Noise in the playoffs!
I would Rather be Bragging about you Todd. GIVE ME A REASON! I’m NOT too good to EAT CROW! And in fact, I’ll eat the appetizer and the desert of Crow HAPPILY… Hurt Me Man! Show me and others that I’m wrong…. and that THAT S IS YOUR YEAR!
Leave No Doubt! Release the Dogs of War Todd Bowles! Teach these men how to play and make No Apologies to them if they aren’t taking you seriously! They BETTER BE Communicating! And if they aren’t communicating with each other, STOP BEING A NICE GUY!
But as far as the talent……. WE’VE GOT IT! NFC south should barely be a challenge for us as it is BUT…….
I believe we’ll finally might get a shot at being proud fans again this year with a No Doubt about it, Seal Clubbing of Any who are in front of us and the Lombardi ..
SUPER BOWL OR BUST!
June 30th, 2025 at 6:05 pm
F Cam Jordan.
June 30th, 2025 at 6:17 pm
Still not sold on Reddick. If you quit on your last employer/ team, while being paid, it speaks volumes about character. Jason Licht doesn’t make many mistakes but I am afraid Reddick will be one of them. Yaya needs to watch Myles Garrett video to see how it’s done. Todd Bowles needs to watch that Myles Garrett is never dropped into zone coverage.
June 30th, 2025 at 6:59 pm
I’m looking forward to seeing Year 3 Yaya. The kid has all the ingredients to be a good NFL player, but it’s really encouraging to see him taking his free time and dedicating it to honing his craft to be great. Stay healthy, anchor the edge, and turn the heat up when it’s time to defend the pass. It’d be cool to hear if he reaches out to a guy like Barrett. If there’s one example of what sound technique can do for a career/checkbook, it’s him.
June 30th, 2025 at 7:03 pm
TJ Watt is unhappy with his contract situation. He has one year left on a 4 year deal. Trade a wide receiver (Egbuka?) and 2026 draft picks for Watt. He is a difference maker and cements Bucs chances for NFC crown. Need to do this now for Lavonte David and Mike Evans who are nearing the end of their careers.
June 30th, 2025 at 7:21 pm
Gipper, hope you’re wrong about Reddick. Would sure help if he has a solid year. Sounds weird but Myles Garrett drops back in coverage 15 or 20 times a year. I just looked it up because I know I’ve been seeing that more recently. Defensive coordinator’s say it confuses offensive linemen as blitzers or other defensive linemen blow by confused offensive linemen. Garrett said last year he did it and the confused offensive tackle let the off ball linebacker rush unimpeded into the QB and a forced fumble. Bowles is on the cutting edge of NFL defensive schemes. We just needed to get a few new knives and sharpen the rest of them.
June 30th, 2025 at 7:45 pm
Kenton Smith,
That Garrett stat is a surprise but I am sure you are accurate. Whatever the Browns are doing it isn’t working. Browns have a lot of improving to do after a 3-14 record in 2024. They have the distinction of tossing away Baker Mayfield in favor of predator, Deshaun Watson, at the cost of 3 #1 draft picks and $240Mill guaranteed for 5 years. Worst deal in the history of professional sports.
June 30th, 2025 at 7:51 pm
Don’t be so hard on Reddick. He’s also giving up a lot of secrets to the young guys. How many guys openly tell you that it’s not their job to teach young guys. Reddick is doing a great service for these guys.
June 30th, 2025 at 7:56 pm
Gipper, if we should get TJ Watt and Bowles drops him into coverage I would join you in your protest against that.
June 30th, 2025 at 8:00 pm
Gipper, I just looked it up. It said TJ Watt dropped into coverage 37 percent of the time in his rookie year. Then it said someone would be fired if that continued. Finished by saying he drops into coverage 5-10 percent of the time since that rookie year.
June 30th, 2025 at 8:02 pm
I would expect YaYa to improve this year because of the addition of HR. More pressure coming from more places.
June 30th, 2025 at 8:25 pm
Get your Ya-Ya Out. I got a good feeling he’s gonna have a great year.
June 30th, 2025 at 8:57 pm
Off topic:
@Joe……Conor Orr is on with Albert Breer begging for you to give him a shot at retribution…..and a Sports Illustrated exclusive…..
He really was groveling….
June 30th, 2025 at 8:58 pm
****not retribution….I meant to say redemption****
June 30th, 2025 at 9:00 pm
Too bad he’ll rarely get to use those pass rushing skills since he’ll be dropping into empty pass coverage zones and chasing after the guy who caught the ball for a first down.
June 30th, 2025 at 9:11 pm
@Gipper,
You are officially out of your mind. Suggesting trading Egbuka and a pick for TJ Watt is probably the most epically ridiculous thing I’ll probably hear all week. Seriously dude, there’s something wrong with a brain that would concoct that scenario. Also, with all the moves they’ve made to bolster the pass rush this offseason, the desperation of trading a potentially cornerstone offensive player for the next 10 years to chase a pass rusher is unnecessary. We’ve got 3 young players they’re expecting to become solid, if not top tier, pass rushers after Reddick. There’s so many reasons your suggestion makes no sense. I’m literally stunned at some of the idi0tic nonsense I read here.
June 30th, 2025 at 9:51 pm
Parcells is right.
Bowles knows what he’s doing.
It’s just that his defensive players don’t.
June 30th, 2025 at 10:57 pm
FilthyAnimal Says:
June 30th, 2025 at 9:11 pm
@Gipper,
Agree with FilthyAnimal…. You don’t get rid of a 1st round receiver until you know he is a bust. EE will be around for a long time in this league.
I do think McMillen will be expendable, maybe not this year but next year. To small of a frame and does make some bone head moves, but he is a rookie so that can be expected. Time will tell.
July 1st, 2025 at 1:12 am
Stop playing so much loose trash zone defense, bring defenders up to the line, and Darby will be a double digit sack guy. Hard to get sacks when corners are playing so soft that the QB always has a good option if they get pressure.
July 1st, 2025 at 2:41 am
FilthyAnimal and BakerFan,
Bucs primary need this off-season was a dominant pass rusher and they drafted the second best receiver at Ohio State. This notwithstanding the fact that they resigned CG14 for $22Mill for 3 years and posses HOF to be ME13, and emerging star receiver McMillan, and some very competent receiving tight end. TJ Watt is a recent NFL defensive player of the year and instantly makes Todd Bowles defense better than average. Let’s pass on this trade and maybe Baker can throw footballs with both hands to keep all these receivers happy? You guys buy the Egbuka hype. I am sure he is competent but to not go after a disgruntled top flight defender like Watt would be foolish if you have immediate SB ambitions.