Today is the day that veterans report to training camp for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With rookies reporting yesterday, now it’s time for everyone else to arrive before tomorrow’s first practice. The offseason is now officially over!
The Bucs enter training camp with high expectations. They are the favorite to win the NFC South and have the potential to make a deep playoff run. The ceiling is sky high this season.
That will mean that some players take a step forward. The next wave of stars has to step up with the losses of Mike Evans and Lavonte David. The shoes have to be filled with that level of play.
This means that some guys will need to make that All Pro jump. To play as and be recognized as one of the best in the NFL at their position.
Here are my three Buccaneers who could make their first All Pro team in 2026.
Honorable mention – Keionte Scott
This article is focused on the proven veterans who we know can play at an All Pro level. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Scott. The 4th round rookie is expected to be the Bucs starting nickel and I believe that he will thrive at the highest level.
Scott is known for his splash plays behind the line of scrimmage (which is exactly how Todd Bowles is known for using his nickel). He also has rare speed and physicality for the position. Don’t be shocked if Scott hits the ground running and is an All Pro in his first year.
3) Calijah Kancey
The level of talent and skill for Kancey is very high. In terms of pocket penetrators from the interior defensive line, he’s one of the very best in the NFL. He absolutely belongs in conversions with guys like Tennessee Titans star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and Baltimore Ravens star defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike.
The only thing that has held this fourth year pro back have been injuries. He missed three games as a rookie and then five games in 2024 before missing fourteen games last season. Kancey has been excellent when on the field, but he’s only been on the field about half the time.
Kancey’s career high in sacks is 7.5 in 2024. If he can play the whole season, or at least most of the season, then I expect him to lead the Bucs in sacks this year with 10+. That would put him in All Pro conversations.
2) Luke Goedeke
Goedeke has been one of the best right tackles in the NFL for a few years now. He’s always been a goonish run defender who can get to his spots and set the tone with his physicality. He might be the Buccaneers best run blocker on the team.
Last year we saw him take another step forward in his pass protection (which was already good). Goedeke allowed no sacks in 2025 in the 11 games that he played. Overall, he looked like the best lineman on the team last year, which is very impressive when you play with multiple time All Pro offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs.
The one thing really preventing Goedeke from All Pro talks was the logjam at right tackle with Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell owning those two All Pro spots. However, with Sewell moving to the left side and Johnson recently turning 36, those spots could be up for grabs this year.
1) Vita Vea
There have been few, if any, nose tackles as impressive as Vea. He is a force of nature in the middle of the defense and is still playing at high level. On top of that, he’s already a household name which will only help his All Pro odds.
Vea is known for his run defense. He has anchored a top 5 run defense in yards allowed in six of his eight seasons. So if the run defense is as good as I expect it to be this year, the Vea will get a lot of recognition for that.
Vea is also a good pass rusher. This year he is expected to have as much help on the defensive line as he’s had in years. This will give him more one on one opportunities and chances to get sacks, which will also gain him attention in All Pro talks.
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