Calijah Kancey’s season-ending torn pectoral injury left more than just a hole along the Bucs’ defensive line — it ripped away one of the league’s fastest-rising interior pass rushers.

Into that void steps rookie Elijah Roberts.

While no one player will be able to fill Kancey’s shoes, Roberts is in line to get increased playing time and make an impact as a pass rusher up the middle. This week, the 2025 fifth-round pick received a stamp of approval not just from the defensive coaching staff, but from the defensive starters he will be playing alongside.

Bucs Coaches Are High On Elijah Roberts’ Ability To Step Up

There was reason to be excited about Elijah Roberts when the Bucs decided to draft him. Although Roberts was a Day 3 pick, he had Day 1 production over his last two seasons at SMU. The 6-foot-4, 295-pound pass rusher had the most pressures (131) and sacks (17.5 sacks) in the nation between 2023 and 2024, serving as a defensive catalyst for a Mustangs team that snuck into the College Football Playoff.

Bucs DT Elijah Roberts – Photo by: USA Today

While there was debate about his best fit at the next level, Roberts has added weight and will be looking to convert his athleticism into production. Sliding him inside after being a versatile pass rusher in college, his traits are as impressive as they get.

Roberts began to realize his potential with a productive preseason, followed that up with a promising regular-season debut, and went on to get his first sack, splitting it with inside linebacker Lavonte David on Monday night against the Texans.

What does head coach Todd Bowles think of his progress?

“He’s been coming on by the week,” Bowles said. “I’m really happy with his athletic ability. Him understanding the scheme a lot better means he can play a lot faster, and the more confidence he gains the better you see his ability coming out. He’s been doing really well the past few weeks.”

Bucs DT Elijah Roberts – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

With Calijah Kancey going down after playing just 15 snaps in Houston, Roberts’ defensive snap count increased from nine snaps in Week 1 to 13 in Week 2. That equated to about 26.5% of the snaps last week, and one can expect that number to keep climbing with Kancey out of the picture. Veteran defensive tackle Greg Gaines will also factor in, especially on run downs, as the two will likely split time in the trenches until further notice.

Still, seeing him in a bigger role has pass game coordinator George Edwards enthusiastic about what is next.

“We are excited about [him] as he came in and he has just gotten better and better each week,” Edwards said. “We look for him to continue to mature and make the most of the opportunities that he has got as we move forward.”

Bucs’ Defensive Starters Share What They See In Elijah Roberts

It is one thing for Elijah Roberts to get a ringing endorsement from the defensive coaches who will be trusting him to make the most of his time on the field. It is another to get rave reviews from the defensive players he will be lining up alongside.

Talking to Pewter Report on Thursday, defensive tackle Logan Hall shared his thoughts about Roberts being the one to take Calijah Kancey’s spot.

“He’s more than capable,” Hall said. “He’s got some juice in his legs, he’s really smart. I definitely have that trust in him to out there and execute. It’s going to take us all now that Calijah is down. I know that we’re capable of it.”

Bucs DT Elijah Roberts – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Yaya Diaby was disappointed to see Kancey go down, as the two worked out together extensively over the offseason and have been friends since their rookie seasons. When discussing Roberts, Diaby shared that No. 95 is the one he believes that can take over and fill in just fine.

What stands out most is his athleticism and what already appears to be a high floor.

“Like I said, he’s got juice in his legs,” Hall said about Roberts’ best trait. “He’s probably the fastest in the room. He’s just got good instincts, really smart, doesn’t make mistakes. I know he’s going to be really good in the future. Really impressed with what I’ve seen so far.”

Vita Vea serves as the anchor in the middle of the Bucs’ defense. Vea’s role in plugging up run lanes and taking on double teams is well-known, but he was provided the perfect complement to Kancey as he drew favorable matchups and could make the most of his physical traits. Now it is Roberts’ turn to prove himself as a capable player who can add to Tampa Bay’s pass rush.

“Elijah Roberts, he is an explosive guy,” Vea said. “You do not really see that much in rookies that come in like that. Especially, when he was drafted in the mid-rounds, you do not really see too much of that. So, to see a guy like that who can step in for this defense and see how he plays the game throughout camp and beginning of the season so far. To me, he does not seem like a rookie, he seems like he has been here for a couple of years and has just been picking it up.”

The Bucs did not plan for Elijah Roberts to play this much, this soon. But as Calijah Kancey’s injury reshapes Tampa Bay’s defense, Roberts now has the stage to prove he belongs. If he continues to grow, the rookie could become an important player in keeping the pass rush alive and well this season.