Bucs' DL Cracks Top 10 of Impressive Offseason List
Tevita Tuli'aki'ono Tuipulotu Mosese Va'hae Fehoko Faletau Vea, more commonly known as Vita Vea, has been an anchor on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive line since the team drafted him in the first round with the No. 12 overall pick in 2018.
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The former Washington Huskies defensive tackle was a key piece of the Bucs' 2020 Super Bowl championship run and continues to be an important part of the incredible run of four straight division titles and five consecutive postseason appearances.
Vea has boasted two Pro Bowl nods in 2021 and 2024, with the most recent season setting career marks.
That's part of the reason Vea has appeared at No. 9 on ESPN's list of the top 10 defensive tackles in the NFL.
The list was compiled by Jeremy Fowler's interviews of executives, coaches and scouts in the league.
"Vea slimmed down last offseason, and the result was a career-high 7.0 sacks along with his usual run-stopping ways," Fowler wrote. "But the stats don't tell the story with Vea, whose raw strength is undeniable. 'He's the kind of guy where if you don't have him [on your team] for a while, playing defense is a lot tougher,' a veteran NFL assistant coach said. 'A true difference-maker.'
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"Vea's 10 tackles for loss also marked a career high. Head coach Todd Bowles is unafraid to drop the 347-pound Vea into coverage, where he makes open-field plays."
Last season, during Vea's career year, he posted 42 total tackles with 27 solo and 10 for loss with seven sacks and one pass defended while earning his second career Pro Bowl nod.
Related: Buccaneers' Offensive Line Gains High Ranking Ahead of 2025
Related: Buccaneers Could Lose Coach in Unwelcome Trend
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
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