Yaya Diaby has experienced both extremes during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The veteran edge rusher has watched the defense produce strong stretches and frustrating performances. After what he has seen during training camp, Diaby believes this group can reach another level.
Yaya Diaby Sets High Expectations for Tampa Bay
Diaby believes the Buccaneers have the talent to become a top-10 defense this season. However, he knows staying healthy will be critical to making that projection a reality.
“By the end of this season, we can make a really good jump again, top ten in defense, once everybody stays healthy,” Diaby said via PewterReport.com.
That is a significant expectation for a defense that underwent several changes this offseason. Tampa Bay added veterans while also investing heavily in young defensive talent.
The Buccaneers also drafted edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. with the No. 15 overall pick. His addition gives Tampa Bay another disruptive presence alongside Diaby.
Diaby Thinks This Could Be Tampa Bay’s Best Defense
Diaby was asked whether this could be the best defense he has seen during his time with Tampa Bay.
His response left little room for interpretation.
“Everybody is hungry; it is like a little bit of everything,” Diaby said.
That hunger could become one of the defense’s biggest strengths. Tampa Bay now has experienced veterans mixed with several young players eager to establish themselves.
Alex Anzalone gives the linebacking corps another proven veteran presence. Josiah Trotter also enters his rookie season after Tampa Bay selected him in the second round.
Health Could Determine the Defense’s Ceiling
Diaby’s prediction comes with one major condition: The Buccaneers must stay healthy.
Tampa Bay dealt with significant injuries across the defense and roster last season. Keeping key contributors available could dramatically improve the unit’s consistency.
Diaby did not specify whether he meant top 10 in points, yards, turnovers or another metric. That leaves some flexibility around his prediction.
Still, the message from Diaby is clear.
He believes Tampa Bay has the talent, depth and mentality to become one of the NFL’s better defenses. If the Buccaneers can keep their core players healthy, his top-10 prediction may not be unrealistic.
For more from JR click here!
Follow, Like and Subscribe to Bucs Report
BucsReport.com
For more on this and everything Buccaneers check back here hourly at BucsReport.com.
