Buccaneers last 10 first-round draft picks, ranked from best to bust
By Brad Smith
3. DT Vita Vea (2018)
With the No. 12 pick in the 2018 draft, the Buccaneers drafted Vea, a standout defensive tackle from Washington. In 37 games as a Huskie, Vea recorded 99 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, and four pass breakups, and won the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2017.
Through his first six seasons in the NFL, Vea has replicated that success as the Buccaneers' superstar defensive tackle. For reference, Vea has totaled 180 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 53 quarterback hits, 23.5 sacks, six pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 79 games (74 starts).
Based on his play, the Buccaneers signed Vea to a four-year, $71 million contract extension, and has consistnently shown that he's been worth every penny. Across his first six seasons, Vea has earned an 85.2 overall PFF grade, and his 84.4 overall PFF grade over the last two seasons ranks eighth of all active defensive lineman.