Buccaneers: Ranking first-round draft picks under Jason Licht
By Rob Leeds
The fourth-best first-round pick for the Buccaneers by Jason Licht
Vita Vea, DL, 2018
We are officially in the dominant part of this group. The next four picks are still on the roster and consistently playing at an All-Pro level, and some would consider these four players the “crown jewels” of Licht’s drafting career.
Vita Vea was not the most popular pick on draft night, with Derwin James still on the board, but in the end, this was the right decision at every level.
Vea is one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the NFL. Between his massive frame and an unreal level of athleticism, Vea has the build and talent to be one of the best linemen in Buccaneer history at his current rate.
On the verge of an All-Pro career in 2020, Vea suffered an almost season-ending injury part of the way through the season, but a return to form in the playoffs showed how great Vea actually is.
Assuming he can stay healthy during the offseason, Buccaneers fans should expect another massive season from Todd Bowles’ star nose tackle in 2021. All-Pro could be the floor for what Vea can accomplish on an individual level during his time in Tampa, and Jason Licht is more than vindicated in his decision.