The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Buccaneers roster full of Pro Football Focus standouts

By Cory Kinnan

TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after sacking Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after sacking Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Vita Vea of Washington high fives fans after being picked #12 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Vita Vea of Washington high fives fans after being picked #12 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

4. DT Vita Vea

The unsung hero of the Buccaneers’ defense through the first four games of the season thus far has been defensive tackle Vita Vea, who is off to a monster start to his sophomore season in the NFL. While he may not show up on the stat sheet, Vea is often doing the dirty work in the trenches, eating up blocks, and allowing Shaquil Barrett to avoid facing a double team on his way to the quarterback.

PFF has Vea graded out at an 84.4, which ranks him at a Pro Bowl level; on their grading scale, the color scheme goes from red for poor, to blue for elite. Vea’s grade has him listed at a bluish-green color, meaning he is bordering on an elite performer this season; Barrett should take Vea out for dinner and thank him for keeping multiple blockers off of his back.

On the stat sheet, Vea’s pressure has allowed him to tally five hits on opposing quarterbacks as he continues to blow offensive linemen back into their backfield. While you may have to take your eye off of the football to see Vea’s impact on the football field, he is putting together a monster season for the Buccaneers.

Home/Bucs News