The Bucs have a long line of impact players coming by way of being an undrafted free agency. Over the last decade the team has the likes of offensive tackle Demar Dotson, tight end Cam Brate and wide receiver Adam Humphries play significant roles in Tampa Bay. Humphries was a reliable third-down target for former quarterback Jameis Winston. Dotson manned the starting right tackle spot for an entire decade. Brate went on to be fourth all-time on the Bucs’ career receiving touchdowns list with 33 and helped Tampa Bay win Super Bowl LV.

Lately, Tampa Bay has once again found contributors with undrafted free agent defensive back Christian Izien becoming the starting at nickel cornerback last year, and undrafted free agent outside linebacker Markees Watts, who has set his foundation with a big game against the Titans last year. The Bucs front office continuously seems to find players that help make the team better through undrafted free agents, and they may have just found another for the 2024 season.

Former Florida State inside linebacker Kalen DeLoach has been one of the most talked about players during the offseason practices. He seems to make at least one play at each turn, but it’s not just local reporters talking about DeLoach. He’s generating some national attention as well.

Bucs ILB Kalen DeLoach Getting National Attention 

Bucs ILB Kalen DeLoach – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

In an article on Pro Football Network, Tony Catalina made a list of 10 “diamond in the rough” undrafted free agents to make the 53-man roster of their respective NFL teams out of training camp. Among the players on that list included DeLoach. This is what Catalina said about the Florida State star, with a reference from Ian Cummings, who also writes for PFN.

Historically speaking, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have always had quality linebackers. While there are still remnants of that there, Kalen DeLoach has a chance to step in and make a name for himself as things change a bit in Tampa Bay.

With Devin White now in Philadelphia, there is room for some youth to step up and take a role. DeLoach could be that guy, and according to (Ian) Cummings, it’s not unreasonable to think it is possible in Year 1.

“DeLoach was an incredibly productive linebacker at the college level, but his lack of size could make it difficult for him to remain at that position in the NFL. His short-area quickness and hip fluidity may limit his upside, but he flashed the coverage skills to succeed as a safety at the next level.”

Whether it is a sub-package LB or even a move back to safety, his productivity and athletic ability may buy him a spot on the roster.

Bucs ILB Kalen DeLoach and Commanders QB Jayden Daniels – Photo by: USA Today

But that’s not all the national publicly that DeLoach has achieved. On Bleacher Report, Ryan Fowler gave every team one player that would be most likely to make the roster. His choice for the Bucs was DeLoach. Here were Fowler’s remarks about the linebacker.

Adding even more support for DeLoach, Justin Melo from The Draft Network wrote an entire article on why DeLoach has the best chance to make Tampa Bay’s roster.

How Kalen DeLoach Fits Into Bucs’ Linebacker Room

It’s evident that many football analysts like Kalen DeLoach for his athletic skillset and ability to play several roles. It’s a big reason why he stood out in Tampa Bay’s rookie mini-camp and OTAs. Yet there isn’t much physicality to be had with no pads on during the offseason, so DeLoach has made his presence felt in pass defense by knocking down some footballs. He also showed off his speed as a blitzer, getting to the quarterback for what would have been registered as a sack in a game on one particular play.

Bucs ILB SirVocea Dennis – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Where some of the national pundits are getting it wrong is thinking that DeLoach is just going to be a replacement for Devin White, who signed with the Eagles. The reality is that White was already replaced by K.J. Britt towards the end of last season, and Britt will take the reins as the stater next to Lavonte David.

Britt is heading into his fourth season with Tampa Bay, which is also a contract year. He’s as detailed a player as one can find in this league, so DeLoach isn’t taking Britt’s starting role this season.

With David and Britt starting and SirVocea Dennis going into year two, those Bucs are set to be on the roster. The question becomes whether the Bucs decide to keep four or five inside linebackers.

Off the jump, DeLoach’s toughest competition is going to be J.J. Russell, who is going into his third year in the NFL – all with Tampa Bay – and got some sporadic playing time last season. Russell has been in this spot before competing for the last position on the depth chart. It would be very surprising if whoever isn’t on the 53-man roster doesn’t at least get an invite to the practice squad.

All of this will be determined when the pads come on in training camp. At least for the moment, DeLoach is on the radar of many to add even more talent to the Bucs roster.

Scott Reynolds Says The Bucs Got A Steal In Kalen DeLoach

Watch Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds discuss the Bucs’ addition of inside linebacker Kalen DeLoach on a Pewter Pulse video from May.