Uncertainty at outside linebacker ahead of training camp has become an annual tradition for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It has been four years since a Bucs edge rusher recorded double-digit sacks, and none of the outside linebackers currently on the roster recorded more than five last year. The Bucs are counting on the continued development of their young players and a key free agent to bolster the pass rush back to the levels it has not reached since their last Super Bowl run.
The only big addition the Bucs made this offseason was signing edge Haason Reddick to a one-year deal.
Reddick had been a perennial double-digit sack collector until last year, when a contract dispute with the Jets led to a truncated season in which he recorded just one sack. The hope is that Reddick will regain form in a situation free of contract drama. While he skipped most of the offseason programming to train on his own, there is no expectation that Reddick will be a malcontent in training camp, though his veteran status is likely to result in plenty of rest days.
Entering his third season, Yaya Diaby is the long-term hope for the Bucs at edge rusher. While he only recorded 4.5 sacks last year, he was among the league’s best in total pressures (70) and pass rush win percentage (18.1%) per PFF. His main goal heading into 2025 is to learn how to finish his pass rushes with the quarterback on the ground.
Second-year linebacker Chris Braswell is hoping for a breakout of his own. With Joe Tryon-Shoyinka now in Cleveland and Reddick likely playing a pass rush specialist role, Braswell should see the field more than last season.
The main newcomer is fourth-round pick David Walker. While he is making a big jump from Central Arkansas to the NFL, Walker was an absolute wrecking ball in college, recording 31 sacks and 63 tackles for a loss over three seasons. Walker lacks ideal length, but he plays with power and tenacity. His draft status all but ensures he will see plenty of action in training camp and the preseason.
Veteran Anthony Nelson returns as reliable depth, though he is the last safe outside linebacker spot on the roster.
If the Bucs carry six outside linebackers as they did to start the season last year, it will be a climactic battle between Jose Ramirez and Markees Watts. Both are undersized pass rush specialists who have seen limited NFL action over the last two seasons.
Watts looked unstoppable in the preseason two years ago, but injuries robbed him of much action last year. Ramirez improved last preseason but made little impact in the little regular season action he got. Whoever wins the battle, his fight still isn’t over, as talent at other parts of the roster could make the sixth outside linebacker too much of a luxury.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers 2025 training camp preview: Outside Linebacker
Reporting by Jason Kanno, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
