Buccaneer' Yaya Diaby: Tampa Bay's Most Underrated Defensive Player

USA Today

7 hours ago

While the spotlight on the Buccaneers' defense often revolves around Antoine Winfield Jr., Vita Vea, or Lavonte David, edge rusher Yaya Diaby quietly emerged as one of the most impactful and underappreciated players in 2024.
Diaby didn't lead the team in sacks, finishing with 4.5 and down from 7.5 in his rookie year, but his impact was evident in game-changing pressure numbers. According to Pro Football Focus, he posted an 18.1% pass‑rush win rate, which is good for the top 10 among NFL edge rushers, and generated 70 total pressures over 18 games.
These metrics tell the real story: Diaby was consistently disrupting backfields, collapsing protection schemes, and converting pressure into production. PFF even named him the Buccaneers' most underrated player, noting that while his sack totals didn't explode, his pressure metrics clearly pointed to a breakout year. Diaby's contributions weren't limited to the pass rush. He recorded 13 tackles for loss and 20 quarterback hits, tying for 18th in the NFL in both categories.
Not only was he impacting passing downs, but he was also a consistent disruptor in run defense, too, setting the edge and making plays behind the line.
In the Buccaneers' defensive scheme, which historically relied heavily on blitzing, Diaby's progression allows greater flexibility. Tampa Bay can now generate pressure from its front four more often, easing the reliance on blitz-heavy looks and giving secondary players more recovery time. Despite his consistent effectiveness, Diaby's value hasn't been reflected in highlight reels or mainstream media as a rising star. Yet his presence is vital to a defense that ranked in the NFL's top 10 for total pressures and sacks in 2024.
As the Bucs aim to transition the defense toward a more balanced style and generate pressure without overblitzing, Diaby stands to play an even bigger role. With improved sack totals and continued disruption, he's poised to break through into more national recognition. In a defense packed with star power, Yaya Diaby is the unsung hero. His relentless pressure, behind-the-scenes consistency, and proven growth make him the most underrated defensive player on Tampa's roster in 2025.