• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Raiders Rival: NT Vita Vea

Player Profile: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive Tackle, Vita Vea

February 20, 2019
Brady Tkachuk The Ottawa Senators Next Captain?

Brady Tkachuk The Ottawa Senators Next Captain?

February 25, 2021
AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

February 25, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II

2021 Draft Profile: CB Patrick Surtain II

February 24, 2021
49ers’ GM John Lynch: “No Doubt” Garoppolo Will Be 49ers’ Quarterback For 2021

49ers’ GM John Lynch: “No Doubt” Garoppolo Will Be 49ers’ Quarterback For 2021

February 24, 2021
AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight

AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight

February 24, 2021
A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

February 24, 2021
Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

February 24, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Kadarius Toney

February 24, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: Two Hellish Years

February 24, 2021
NFL Free Agency: Are We Sure The Patriots Can Still Win Over Free Agents?

NFL Free Agency: Are We Sure The Patriots Can Still Win Over Free Agents?

February 23, 2021

This Or That: Eric Fisher Or Mitchell Schwartz?

February 23, 2021
Ja’Marr Chase or Devonta Smith: Best Fit for Miami with No. 3 Pick?

Ja’Marr Chase or Devonta Smith: Best Fit for Miami with No. 3 Pick?

February 23, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Thursday, February 25, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL NFC

Player Profile: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive Tackle, Vita Vea

Nathan Pilmer by Nathan Pilmer
February 20, 2019
in NFC, NFC South, NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Reading Time: 3min read
0
Raiders Rival: NT Vita Vea

TAMPA, FL - DEC 02: Vita Vea (50) of the Bucs rushes the passer during the regular season game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 02, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

When looking at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense from 2017, one thing sticks out. No pressure, whatsoever. The Buccaneers, in fact, were the worst team in the NFL when rushing the passer. GM Jason Licht knew this and made it a priority for the 2018 off-season.

2018 Free Agency

I’m really not trying to beat a dead horse here, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2017 pass rush was historically bad. With 2018 free agency and the draft ahead, there were two ways to address the issue. Jason Licht went out and acquired a bevy of Lineman to a help fix the eye sore of the Bucs Defensive Line depth chart. Vinny Curry, Mitch Unrein, Beau Allen and a trade for Jason Pierre Paul was a great start and ultimately where I thought they would end the search. I was apparently wrong.

Licht Throws A Curve Ball

After the free agency wave had passed, it looked like the easy choice for the Bucs at 1.07 would be Florida State Safety Derwin James. If there was one thing the Bucs did almost as bad as their pass rush, it was their pass defense. All the stars aligned so well. Buffalo traded up to the 7th pick in return for a few second round picks and change. Pick after pick went by and James was still on the board. Finally, at the 12th pick overall, Goodell approaches the podium and it was all but certain the name he would read would be Derwin James.

More FromFPC

Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II

2021 Draft Profile: CB Patrick Surtain II

February 24, 2021

49ers’ GM John Lynch: “No Doubt” Garoppolo Will Be 49ers’ Quarterback For 2021

February 24, 2021

Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

February 24, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Kadarius Toney

February 24, 2021

“With the 12th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select……….Vita Vea”.

Mixed emotions would run through my brain like a freight train. Some good. Some great. Mostly, I was wondering “but why?”. We had just acquired a whole new defensive line to add to Gerald McCoy. Why add another defensive tackle when a talent like James fell in the Bucs laps. TWICE! Several breaths later, the rational part of my brain kicked in. While James would have been great, this makes total sense for a team lacking physicality up front. Vita Vea is an absolute unit and his film from Washington backs it up.

A Quick Look At The Husky

Looking at a Defensive Tackle from a statistics stand point, won’t be able to tell the whole story. Three years in washing, Vea had 99 tackles, 15 for loss and 9.5 sacks. He was also 2017’s PAC-12 Defensive player of the year despite the pedestrian stat totals. Vea’s value came from being completely un-blockable and a massive disruption for QB’s. This kids home address was in the opponents offensive backfields. It was exactly what the Buccaneers needed and Licht knew that.

It’s Not How You Start

Man, did Coach Buckner love to roast the new addition. As to be expected for most rookies, but you still wanted to see more praise than chops busted. Then there was the moment during camp where Buccaneers fans felt their hearts drop to their belts. Vita Vea had suffered a leg injury that was initially feared to be fairly serious, even potentially season ending. Despite a report days later with a positive outlook, weeks would go by without any news with substance. Vea would end up resting through his rookie preseason without any reps. Not ideal for any rookie trying to acclimate to the speed of the NFL.

After a full month of being just a name on the injury report, Vea makes his debut against the Bears in Week four. That was a game to forget for players and fans alike. Vea would see plenty of reps, but did not record a tackle in the blow out. Chicago was making plays downfield and doing it quickly. There really was no opportunity for Vea here but he did show he had recovered from injury. This was step one.

As the season would progress, so would Vea. It would take a few weeks for his stats to grow, but his impact was felt immediately. Teams would need to force the double team. Offensive Lineman had only seconds to contain him. He was becoming a force. In the 13 games started, he notched 21 solo, four TFL and three sacks in a limited role.

2019 Outlook

Entering a season not knowing for sure what your Defense will look like usually means uncertainty for the current players. With Vea, his versatility will allow his new Coordinator Todd Bowles to build around him. Imagine having a 350lb Behemoth at your disposal who can run a 5.1 forty and push lineman around like they’re on skates.

With a legend like Gerald McCoy to help Maui progress (McCoy’s nickname for the rookie), it’s hard not to be optimistic with Vea. As more reports come out as to the defensive scheme expectations, it will be interesting to watch how the Buccaneers use Vea. Even at his size, he can play anywhere on the line though he’ll likely be primarily interior in a predominantly nickel based scheme.

Should we expect an Aaron Donald like ascension? No. Well maybe. Okay, no. Though the expectation of a stronger, faster and though some would think impossible, a nicer McCoy is not far fetched.

Tags: Tampa Bay BuccaneersTodd Bowlesvita vea
Share604Tweet378
Previous Post

Vikings Draft Prospect: WR Andy Isabella

Next Post

Previewing Possible Free Agent Acquisitions for the Patriots

Nathan Pilmer

Nathan Pilmer

Next Post
Nov 25, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the huddle against the New York Jets during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Previewing Possible Free Agent Acquisitions for the Patriots

One Trade Each Team Should Make: Pacific Division

One Trade Each Team Should Make: Pacific Division

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep.67: Lightning Strikes
    by Full Press Coverage on February 25, 2021 at 3:12 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9051375543.mp3
  • Ep.66: Back with the Atlanta Tigers
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 6:06 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6056998385.mp3
  • Ep.56: Carr Extension, Honest Assessments
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 4:23 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5122049759.mp3
  • Ep 30: Pro Football Hall of Famer John Lynch Joins
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43617711/eyetest_ep30.mp3
  • Ep.65: The Darrell Crawford Interview
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2561778107.mp3
  • Ep. 64: The Kelly Marsh Interview
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5086812743.mp3
  • The Game Spring Training Edition
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 2:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43609359/the_game_223.mp3
  • Ep. 190: Knowledge, Power, and Responsibility
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 12:47 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9146904875.mp3
  • Full Press EP 6: Offseason Predictions, Free Agents, Draft Talk
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 10:03 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43606334/full_press_ep_6_mon_1132_01.mp3
  • Points Three Out of Four - Feb. 23, 2021
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 9:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9962807538.mp3?updated=1614113395

  • AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight
    by Evan Gomes on February 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Well… AEW has announced the signing of wrestling legend Paul Wight, known in WWE as The Big Show, […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 23, 2021 at 5:04 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: February 22, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Bobby Lashley Makes […]

  • WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion
    by Evan Gomes on February 22, 2021 at 3:33 am

    WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion A.K.A. The One Without A Women’s […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 51: The Rock Part Three – Hollywood Star
    by Evan Gomes on February 20, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: February 17, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 18, 2021 at 4:18 am

    AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: February 17, 2021 A.K.A. The One With A Gender Reveal […]

More Wrestling News

  • Brady Tkachuk The Ottawa Senators Next Captain?
    by Murray Pam on February 25, 2021 at 6:02 am

    While there are no plans to name one this season, Brady Tkachuk should be the odds-on favourite to […]

  • Manitoba Moose Showing Flashes of Future Brilliance
    by Carter Brooks on February 24, 2021 at 11:21 pm

    It's been just a small five-game sample, but the 2020-21 version of the Manitoba Moose appears […]

  • Ned, Nino and The New Guy
    by Joseph Wills on February 24, 2021 at 11:00 pm

    Just over a quarter of the season completed, Carolina Hurricanes fans have a lot to cheer about The […]

  • KHL Western Conference Playoff Teams Confirmed
    by Aivis Kalnins on February 24, 2021 at 8:43 pm

    The KHL is fast approaching the most important part of the season the KHL Playoffs and we finally […]

  • Offense, Goaltending Shine Bright in Rockford
    by Elaine Shircliff on February 24, 2021 at 1:06 pm

    The Cleveland Monsters and Rockford IceHogs goaltending and offense stood out during their midweek […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage