> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.bayareaexaminer.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 3 potential breakout players for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2025 - URL: https://www.bayareaexaminer.com/3-potential-breakout-players-for-98d/ - Published: 2025-09-03T13:01:14.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-21T15:46:42.000Z - Description: For the Buccaneers to take the next step, these guys need to step up - Author: Collin Sherwin - Tags: #Migrated-1792597384348, #Import 2026-10-21 15:44 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won the NFC South four years in a row, including all three seasons under head coach Todd Bowles. They have increased their win total in each of Bowles’ first three years. Now, they look to take the step from perennial playoff team to Super Bowl hopeful in 2025. For the Bucs to be legitimate contenders, a lot has to go right. Tampa Bay will need big years from stars such as Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Vita Vea and Antoine Winfield Jr., among others. Another key factor will be players taking the next step individually. In other words: breakout players. A good example came in 2024 with cornerback Zyon McCollum. After making nine starts in 2023 with nine pass breakups, 68 tackles and no interceptions, McCollum started all 17 games in 2024\. He posted 17 pass breakups, 82 tackles and four interceptions, becoming a steady presence in an injury-riddled secondary. On offense, lineman Luke Goedeke turned right tackle from a question mark into a strength, finishing with a 73.7 Pro Football Focus grade. So, who could make impactful jumps for the Buccaneers in 2025? Whether it’s going from backup to starter or starter to Pro Bowler, there are several candidates. One thing to note: no 2025 draftees are included on this list. In my opinion, rookies don’t break out — they burst onto the scene. Players with high rookie expectations, such as Emeka Egbuka and Jacob Parrish, won’t be mentioned here. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/77/a9/77a9bb8f-d0f1-45b5-8fed-5feacd465ef5/content/images/2026/10/4ee7d345-a883-4cd1-af8f-a03865d4a205_5672x3781-jpeg.jpg) Vanessa Wenzl | Bay Area Examiner Here are three breakout candidates for Tampa Bay in 2025: **1\. Calijah Kancey, defensive tackle** The 2023 first-round pick hopes to stay healthy early in the season for the first time in his career. Kancey missed four games in 2023 after a Week 1 calf strain, then missed the first five games of 2024 with the same injury. Heading into Week 1, he is fully healthy and ready to take a leap for the Bucs’ defense. Despite missing time, Kancey still led the team with 7.5 sacks in 2024, including 6.5 over the final nine games. The Buccaneers ranked 19th in the NFL with a 6.6% sack rate. According to PFF, Kancey recorded 39 quarterback pressures, 20th among defensive linemen. Tampa Bay also allowed 245.3 passing yards per game, ranking 30th in the league. Secondary injuries contributed to the struggles, but so did the lack of pressure. A healthy Kancey, paired with new addition Haason Reddick, will be critical in generating more pressure. Kancey also showed growth against the run in Year 2\. He could be poised for a Pro Bowl-caliber season in 2025. **2\. Graham Barton, center** The 2024 first-round pick started 16 games at center last season after playing just five career games at the position in college at Duke. As a rookie, the Bucs immediately asked him to switch full-time and he allowed just one sack all season. Tampa Bay’s rushing attack improved dramatically, jumping from 88.8 yards per game in 2023 to 149.2 in 2024\. Barton played a role in that growth and flashed dominance in the run game, posting blocking grades above 80 against Denver and Baltimore. But he also struggled at times, recording run-blocking grades below 50 in five games, including a season-worst 37.5 in Week 5 against Atlanta. With a year of experience, Barton could take the next step as a run blocker while remaining a steady pass protector. The Bucs will need him to elevate his game early in 2025 with star tackle Tristan Wirfs expected to miss time with a knee injury. **3\. Sirvocea Dennis, linebacker** Dennis played only four games last season before a shoulder injury ended his year, leaving a hole in the middle of the defense. With him, the Bucs held high-powered offenses such as Detroit and Washington to 16 and 20 points, respectively. Without him, opponents attacked Tampa Bay across the middle. Dennis earned a 74.3 coverage grade in 2024, while replacement linebacker K.J. Britt finished with a 41.1\. The Bucs let Britt walk in free agency and didn’t add depth beyond undrafted rookie John Bullock. That decision shows their faith in Dennis, who will pair with veteran Lavonte David to anchor a thin linebacker group. If Dennis can stay healthy — he has played just 17 games in two seasons — he could become one of the most valuable pieces on a Buccaneers defense looking to bounce back in 2025.