Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker SirVocea Dennis has been turning heads throughout offseason mini-camps and training camp.
Count PFF among those who’s heads have been turned by Dennis. In their “10 Day 3 rookies to watch this preseason” article, PFF names Dennis to the list with the following analysis.
“Tampa Bay was likely drawn to Dennis as a prospect after what he did at Pittsburgh as an attacking linebacker. He earned a 92.2 run-defense grade in 2022 while adding 30 total pressures with a 10.1% pass-rush win rate as a blitzer. And now he’s flashing coverage ability just a few weeks into training camp. According to Pewter Report, Dennis has four interceptions already in training camp practices, which is the most of any player on the team.
With Lavonte David and Devin White on the roster for 2023, Dennis likely won’t be starting this season. But his training camp play is indicating he’ll get plenty of work as a rotational linebacker throughout the season. White is in a contract conflict and David is getting up there in age, so what Dennis does this year could spell a starting role soon.”
Trevor Sikkema praises Dennis’ coverage skills citing his four interceptions during training camp. PFF isn’t alone in this analysis of Dennis. Recently ESPN named him a standout player during mini-camp.
“A rookie fifth-round pick known more for his pass-rushing ability than his coverage skills at Pitt, Dennis had two pick-sixes in offseason practices — one in rookie camp, then one off Kyle Trask in minicamp. He’s battling with K.J. Britt for the third inside linebacker job behind Devin White and Lavonte David. For a defense that has struggled to get interceptions, it certainly got my attention.”
Look for Dennis to play significant time during the preseason as he battles KJ Britt for the third linebacker spot.