Tampa Bay Buccaneers Former 1st Round Pick Looking 'Unblockable' In Training Camp

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Calijah Kancey in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, they envisioned a game-changing force in the middle of their defensive line. Fast forward to the 2025 training camp, and Kancey is proving why that investment might pay massive dividends. Described as “unblockable” by those watching Bucs’ camp closely, Kancey’s rapid development and potential breakout season provide hope for a Buccaneers defense that has struggled to generate consistent pressure from the front four in recent years.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Calijah Kancey’s NFL Career

Calijah Kancey’s professional career has shown flashes of brilliance despite battling injuries that hindered his first two seasons. Across 26 games, Kancey logged 11.5 sacks, an impressive 21 tackles for loss, and a total of 39 quarterback pressures. His ability to penetrate the offensive line and disrupt plays in the backfield has not gone unnoticed. What’s more, Kancey achieved 7.5 sacks in 2024, leading the Buccaneers’ defense in that category.

However, consistency has been an issue, largely due to his availability. Calf injuries have kept Kancey out of eight starts and caused him to leave other games prematurely. Staying healthy remains the first step in his leap from “impactful” to “dominant.” According to Bucs head coach Todd Bowles, keeping Kancey on the field is paramount, with the coaching staff carefully monitoring his workload during camp to reduce injury risk.

While Kancey’s production as a pass rusher has been promising, his run defense has been an area needing refinement. Per Pro Football Focus, Kancey earned a run defense grade of 36.2 in 2024, ranking 199th out of 219 qualified defensive linemen. His missed tackle rate also rose from 3.7% in 2023 to 6.7% in 2024, suggesting that improving technique and consistency could take his game to another level.

Training Camp Buzz: “Unblockable” on the Field

Training camp is where futures are shaped, and Kancey isn’t just taking part; he’s taking over. Reports have described him as “unblockable” during drills, with analysts like Pete Prisco of CBS Sports hinting at a possible All-Pro season for the third-year defensive tackle. Veteran teammates such as Vita Vea have taken notice of Kancey’s progression, with Vea praising his work ethic and stating, “I expect big things from him.”

What makes Kancey particularly dangerous is his blend of speed and agility at the point of attack. At 6’0” and 280 pounds, his smaller frame for an interior lineman might initially seem like a disadvantage, but he leverages it into a quick first step that routinely leaves offensive linemen off-balance. Kancey’s dedication to refining his technique is also paying dividends. “I know [with] me being an undersized guy, I can’t afford to lack technique,” Kancey admitted. This self-awareness is making him a more effective—and dangerous—presence on the line.

The coaching staff is equally optimistic. Defensive line coach Charlie Strong appreciates the energy and effort Kancey brings every day, noting how those traits align with the defensive scheme they hope to deploy this season. Combining veteran experience with youthful explosiveness, Tampa Bay might finally have a complete defensive line capable of dictating games.

What Kancey’s Rise Means for the Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made no secret of their desire to improve their pass rush without relying on heavy blitzing. Last season, the lack of consistent pressure forced Bowles to take risks with his secondary, leaving them exposed against quality quarterbacks. If Kancey continues to dominate in the trenches, the ripple effects on the Bucs’ defense could be massive.

Enhancing the Defensive Line

Kancey’s emergence allows the Buccaneers to deploy more creative looks on the defensive line. His ability to generate pressure from the interior opens opportunities for edge rushers to thrive. Additionally, his partnership with Vita Vea provides a formidable one-two punch that can collapse pockets and force quarterbacks into hurried decisions.

The addition of rookie Elijah Roberts further bolsters the unit, offering even more depth and versatility. With a cohesive and productive front four, Tampa Bay could finally challenge opposing offensive lines effectively, giving its defense the edge needed to stay competitive in the NFC South.

Supporting the Secondary

A better pass rush benefits everyone, including the secondary. Last season, the Buccaneers’ cornerbacks and safeties often had to hold coverage for extended periods, leading to breakdowns against top-tier offenses. If Kancey and the defensive line can disrupt plays early, the secondary will have a much more manageable task.

Furthermore, a dominant interior disruptor like Kancey can wreak havoc on third-and-long situations, where offenses are forced to take risks. By winning on early downs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can control the pace of games and dictate terms defensively, a hallmark of Bowles’ philosophy.

Momentum in a Pivotal Season

For a team that finds itself at a crossroads following the Tom Brady era, Kancey’s rise represents hope for the next chapter of Buccaneers football. Tampa Bay’s aspirations for a playoff berth depend heavily on the defense not only holding its own but also becoming a consistent game-changing unit.

Calijah Kancey’s breakout potential aligns with this timeline, and his growth could spark a cultural shift emphasizing relentless effort and disciplined execution. For teammates and fans alike, watching Kancey dominate in training camp is a reminder of what’s possible when potential meets preparation.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism, challenges remain. Kancey’s health is a critical factor, and his ability to improve against the run will be closely scrutinized. NFL offenses will undoubtedly test his durability and technique in ways training camp cannot replicate.

Additionally, while training camp success is promising, translating that dominance to regular-season competition is the ultimate test. Can Kancey consistently disrupt elite offensive lines? Can he play a full season without setbacks? These questions will define not only Kancey’s individual success but also the Buccaneers’ defensive trajectory.

Final Thoughts

Calijah Kancey’s buzzworthy training camp performance isn’t just encouraging—it’s potentially game-changing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His ability to stay healthy and elevate his game this season could transform a Tampa Bay defense eager to reclaim its dominance. From starting as a promising rookie to potentially becoming a centerpiece of the Bucs’ front-four resurgence, Kancey’s rise is a storyline to watch closely.

If his training camp performances are a sign of things to come, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might just have their breakout star—and a brighter defensive future to look forward to.